About Mariyama
The Basics
My name is Mariyama, or Mari - pronounced “mah-ree.” I grew up in a Maryland suburb of D.C. and studied literary translation and sociolinguistics at Bennington College in Vermont. Then I escaped the cold to California, where I now live on the ancestral home of the Ohlone people in Oakland, CA.
The Work Stuff
I’ve learned so much from working in different sectors and in different roles.
For a traditional resume, check out my LinkedIn profile.
Here’s my take on some of the jobs I’ve had.
Working in UX Accessibility in the corporate world
I love working in accessibility on UX teams where inclusive design is a priority and I get to collaborate directly on designs. Corporate roles have often asked me to focus on accessibility from a compliance standpoint, to avoid litigation. I know all too well how possible it is to create a fully “WCAG-compliant” site that is still a nightmare to use. While compliance is a useful tool in the box, I prefer working with organizations whose goal is accessibility beyond compliance.
Doing freelance web accessibility consulting
Freelance work using a sliding scale model (see my consulting rates page) is incredibly rewarding - I love working with clients to tailor the project to meet their needs and budget, and I enjoy ongoing consulting relationships where I have an opportunity to work with the same people or organizations over time, and see the impact of my work. Freelance consulting lets me keep my fingers in many pots - design, training, audits, and even in-person event accessibility work.
Working as an editor
at a large nonprofit
This job taught me a lot about the connection between the smallest detail of perfecting copy and the overall mission and values of an organization. I loved contributing to the style guide and seeing book projects go from outlines and drafts all the way through design and printing. I didn't love the time I had to format (literally) 9,000 PowerPoint slides, but I have to say those skills have continued to serve me well!
This role initiated my interest in web accessibility, starting with ensuring the digital materials we created for the organization’s teacher trainings were accessible to all, and ending with me taking on a role of accessibility subject matter expert and helping the organization set accessibility standards for their website and content. I also learned a lot about design by partnering with the creative services department and collaborating on designs for presentations, marketing materials, and online courses.
Supporting disabled students in a kindergarten class
Right out of college, I had been thinking about pursuing a masters in teaching, as I love working with children and young people and had worked as a tutor and nanny throughout high school and university. I loved watching my students learn and grow when I worked in an elementary school, but I found myself consistently frustrated by the ways the school system is not set up to support the needs of any students who don't fit a very narrow definition of normal.
Working with kids, especially the substitute teaching I often did in this role, taught me a lot about patience, multitasking, identifying priorities, and changing plans on the fly.
The Not Work Stuff
This website is mostly a professional portfolio, but we’re more than our work experiences. Here’s a little more information about who I am and what I do outside of work.
What I’m Reading
I read about a book a week, mostly speculative fiction, along with the occasional political and social science, poetry, and comics. Some recent highlights include:
The Pomegranate Gate, Ariel Kaplan
The Murderbot Diaries, Martha Wells
Nettle and Bone, T. Kingfisher
In My Kitchen
We have to eat every day - so why not enjoy it? I love cooking and baking when I have the energy (and help cleaning the kitchen)!
Apple cider caramels from Smitten Kitchen
Challah for Shabbat on Fridays
Orzo al limone from Molly Baz (video recipe)
One More Dog Pic
I never turn down an opportunity to show off this fluffy old man I get to live with.
