“Leslie is a thoughtful designer whom I had the privilege of collaborating with at Yohana. I most appreciated her depth of research into design problems, always starting with the 'why' and asking the right questions to get to interesting, intelligent solutions to some of the biggest product challenges for the company, e.g. family plans and permissions. Leslie also has an incredible attention to detail, which translates to her execution of design work. Her quality of execution was always top-notch, and I loved how she would surprise me with new ideas, after feeling like we had exhausted the idea bank. She was my right-hand designer when we had to step in and support the design system work after our lead designer stepped down. During this time, Leslie supported the updates and creation of new components, which was critical as we were close to a public launch of the product. I couldn't have supported the design system without her help! Leslie is thoughtful, eager and ready for any design challenge that comes her way. She's modest and kind and would be a wonderful addition to any team. I look forward to working with her again!”
Leslie Montes
San Jose, California, United States
471 followers
458 connections
About
I am a product designer creating user-centered digital experiences, with particular…
Experience
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Education
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Kyushu University Graduate School of Design
3.95 / 4.0
As a recipient of the Japanese government's MEXT research scholarship, I researched traditional Japanese woodworking and its influence on sustainable contemporary furniture design. I concluded my project by proposing an original sustainable furniture design inspired by traditional techniques.
From my degree in Design Strategy I gained a broader understanding of design as a vehicle for social change on a larger scale.
Selected Classes: Design Innovation, Design Integration, Design…As a recipient of the Japanese government's MEXT research scholarship, I researched traditional Japanese woodworking and its influence on sustainable contemporary furniture design. I concluded my project by proposing an original sustainable furniture design inspired by traditional techniques.
From my degree in Design Strategy I gained a broader understanding of design as a vehicle for social change on a larger scale.
Selected Classes: Design Innovation, Design Integration, Design Consulting, Brand Business Design, Design Management, Design Engineering, Public Design, Inclusive Design, Advanced Product Design, Product Design Methods.
Industry/Community Collaboration Projects: MUJI, Panasonic, Sanko Printing Company, Chikuzen Town. -
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Licenses & Certifications
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Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1
JAPAN EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGES AND SERVICES JEES
IssuedCredential ID N1A145574J -
Critical Language Scholarship Program, Japanese
Critical Language Scholarship Program
Volunteer Experience
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International Student Supporter
Kyushu University International Student Dormitory
- 2 years 7 months
・Acted as a Resident Assistant for the international student dormitory.
・Helped support international students' transition to life in Japan by assisting with everyday tasks and offering advice on dealing with culture shock.
・Organized a weekly potluck gathering for residents to build community and share cultural traditions.
Honors & Awards
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MEXT Research Scholarship
Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Received a research scholarship from the Japanese government for 3 years to support my graduate research on sustainability in traditional Japanese woodworking and its applications for contemporary furniture design.
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National Finalist, James Dyson Award
James Dyson Award
Group inclusive design project Arc Tap was selected as a national finalist in the Spain division of the James Dyson Award design competition. The project also qualified for the international competition.
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National Merit Finalist Scholarship
The University of Kansas
Test Scores
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Japanese Language Proficiency Test, Level N1 ・日本語能力試験 N1級
Score: Passed ・合格
Languages
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English
Native or bilingual proficiency
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Spanish
Native or bilingual proficiency
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Japanese
Professional working proficiency
Recommendations received
5 people have recommended Leslie
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