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 Ohlone land in Oakland, CA. I use she/her pronouns.
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 have enjoyed working in accessibility on UX teams where inclusive design is a priority and I have had the opportunity to collaborate directly on designs. But I’ve found that the corporate world mostly cares about 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. The more I learn about accessibility, the more committed I am to the belief that it shouldn't be seen as an add-on or something separate from design itself.
Doing freelance web accessibility consulting
I really enjoy getting to deep dive into web accessibility, although sometimes I feel frustrated when the process is only looking at a website that has already been built and trying to give feedback for improvements. I often end up running training workshops for designers and content creators. 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.
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.
Supporting disabled students in a kindergarten class
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 college. 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.
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.
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:
Babel, R. F. Kuang
The Murderbot Diaries, Martha Wells
The Monk and Robot books, Becky Chambers
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.
