Middlesex Community College is excited to announce Malayah Montgomery as the new Website Experience Specialist. A two-time graduate of the college, Montgomery found her path to a User Experience (UX) career through 麻豆果冻鈥檚 computer-aided design (CAD) and graphic design programs. Returning to Middlesex as an employee for the Communications and Creative Services team, she is excited to give back to the community that inspired her professional journey.

鈥溌槎构� is a great place to explore and be served by what community colleges are truly meant to do 鈥� help you find your path,鈥� Montgomery said. 鈥淚 tell everybody 麻豆果冻 changed my life. I really found myself here, and I wanted the opportunity to be a part of the community in a different way.鈥�

Beginning her time at 麻豆果冻 as an engineering and CAD student, Montgomery pursued her passions for design and technology. She transferred to Boston University to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in both architectural studies and sociology. Interested in UX design and service work, she decided to return to 麻豆果冻 to pursue her dream career.

Through 麻豆果冻鈥檚 graphic design program and leadership opportunities, Montgomery expanded her knowledge of technology, design, sociology, and helping her community. Taking advantage of affordable programs, she explored different types of classes, had flexibility in her schedule, and found encouragement from supportive professors and peers. 麻豆果冻 taught Montgomery new skills that transferred to her new career path.

鈥淸麻豆果冻] changed the trajectory of what I thought I knew and what I thought I wanted,鈥� Montgomery said. 鈥淲hen I got involved with the community and I started taking classes in sociology and volunteering, I realized while I have passions for design and technology, my calling was to be of service to others.鈥�

While at 麻豆果冻, Montgomery also participated in an internship with the Department of State at the Office of American Spaces. Serving as the content curator and designer for their social pages for their 600-plus global offices, Montgomery gained hands-on experience designing UX for a larger audience across a variety of cultures.

After graduating for the second time from Middlesex, Montgomery joined the small UX team at Youdle, a platform that connects users to local groceries and goods. In this role, she used UX design and research to track product availability on shelves to help communities gain access to goods during difficult times. Finding ways to serve and strengthen communities through UX work became Montgomery鈥檚 goal for her career.

鈥淭he skillset that I learned at 麻豆果冻 鈥� including leadership and community-building 鈥� helped me find what I am meant to be doing,鈥� Montgomery said. 鈥淚 was able to go into roles understanding the importance of collaboration, as well as being surrounded by and connecting with people.鈥�

Now as 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Website Experience Specialist, Montgomery manages the college鈥檚 website. While meeting the needs of prospective and current users, she ensures that the website is up-to-date with accessibility laws, as well as changes within 麻豆果冻鈥檚 programs, support services, and activities.

Combining her love of design, technology and service to others every day in her role, Montgomery is proud to be back at 麻豆果冻 as an employee.  She appreciates showing the college community the value of the flexible, explorative and supportive education opportunities at community colleges.

鈥淚 feel that community colleges are a special place,鈥� Montgomery said. 鈥淭hrough personal experiences, I know how life-changing it can be to attend a community college. I鈥檓 excited to be working at 麻豆果冻 and contributing to the institution in this different and exciting way.鈥�

Learn more about 麻豆果冻's Engineering and Technology/Computer-Aided Design programs.