About me
I’m a strategic leader and problem solver who’s just as comfortable setting direction as diving into hands-on design and prototyping in Figma.
I’m a strategic leader and problem solver who’s just as comfortable setting direction as diving into hands-on design and prototyping in Figma.
Great products begin with shared understanding.
I enjoy working where complexity meets opportunity. Whether leading product strategy, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, or mentoring designers, I help teams navigate ambiguity and move confidently toward a shared vision.
Throughout my career at IBM, my startup, and TD, I’ve learned that successful products aren’t built by design alone. As a leader, I care deeply about helping teams do their best work. I believe thoughtful design creates clarity, not only for customers, but also for the people building the product.
Outside of work, I’m a certified yoga teacher and entrepreneur, with 18+ years as a community volunteer. These experiences continue to shape how I lead: with curiosity, empathy, and a belief that great products begin with understanding people.
Managing cross-functional teams and advising executives on large-scale programs. Mentoring designers on craft, estimation, and prioritization.
Bridging user experience and business objectives from North Star visions to prioritized experience roadmaps.
Stakeholder interviews, journey mapping, and Design Thinking facilitation that balance user needs with business requirements.
Visual design, design systems, prototyping, accessibility, and information architecture.
“Yoko’s data driven design approach ensures experience decisions are rooted in user experience insights… She effectively articulated the vision, design direction and from there fostered an inclusive, collaborative environment where she encouraged participation from all key stakeholders. Truly one of the best partnerships I’ve had.”— Sr. Manager, Business Management,
“Yoko is an extremely talented person as a Lead Designer who continually thinks outside the box for the best solution. She is also passionate, hard working and has a great eye for detail. A lot of people can generate what you ask for, but it takes a really talented designer like Yoko to deliver and make those campaigns resonate. Yoko goes beyond expectations and always delivers on time.”— Partner, IBM
“I want to give a huge thanks to Yoko, who has once again taken us through a very rewarding experience — who has in a very gentle and disciplined way pushed us to think out of the box, where we can truly explore and deliver something.”— VP, TD Wealth Digital Innovation
“When we came up against constraints, you went beast mode and dived into research, came up with options, and reached out to other Design Managers and Mobile Designers for any precedent. It was a quick turnaround and you did it with your trademark calm and professional manner.”— Sr. Manager, EasyWeb, TD
“Thank you for always being so considerate of all our designers and their needs and making sure each of them feel appreciated! You are consistently thinking of others when it matters. You are a core part of our culture on the EasyWeb team.”— Sr. Manager, EasyWeb, TD
Lead human-centred design across TD’s Canadian online banking platform, guiding a cross-functional team from research through launch.
UX Lead on large-scale financial-services engagements for TD, Scotiabank, Tangerine, and MetLife.
Managed end-to-end UX, branding, and digital strategy for over 100 small business clients, rooted in the Omotenashi philosophy (deep care, attention to details, and delivering something more than expected).
Executed fundamental visual layout, editorial design, web content & design maintenance, and digital advertisement creation.
Managed regional marketing strategies, direct outreach campaigns, open house events. Established summer camp for selected high school students, and institutional affiliation agreements to drive enrolment across cross-cultural academic stakeholders.
Open to conversations about design leadership, product strategy, and human-centred design.
Contact me