A born and raised LatinX Chicagoan, Jacqueline Barragan-Abed grew an interest in the arts, but due to a lack of resources and society’s stigma against artists, she took a break from art and took on medicine in university. After realizing much later that biology wasn’t for her, she transferred to the College of Architecture, Design, and Arts at the University of Illinois at Chicago. It wasn’t until her last 2 years in the university that she discovered User Experience Design. Her true calling is her ability, knowledge, and skills to help users have better experiences with everyday products.

She is currently working at Gente Bella Beauty Salon as the Business Administrator. She is in the process of earning her Master’s Degree in Information Design and Strategies at Northwestern University in the hopes to help elevate other small businesses with her designs.