Nicolas Strand

Product leader with technical chops, entrepreneurial sensibility, and curiosity to boot.

✨ Overview

Accessibility Leadership: 7+ years driving enterprise-wide accessibility initiatives, implementing WCAG 2.2 and Section 508 compliance across multiple organizations while reducing legal risk and enhancing user experiences
Design Management: 6+ years leading cross-functional teams, translating strategic vision into actionable roadmaps, and mentoring designers and developers to deliver award-winning digital products
Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of accessible development practices including ARIA implementation, with hands-on experience in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks
Stakeholder Management: 10+ years partnering with product, engineering, design, and legal teams to drive organizational accessibility transformations that balance compliance, user needs, and business objectives

🍳 Skills & 🪄 Expertise

Design Leadership & Strategy, User Experience & Service Design, Team and Project Management, Digital Accessibility & WCAG, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Information Architecture, Digital Strategy, User Research & Usability Testing, Business Analysis, Coaching & Mentoring, Assistive Technologies, ARIA, Svelte & SvelteKit, Program Management, GitHub & GitLab, Service Design, User Research

💾 Experience

U.S. Bank | Senior Accessible Experience Designer | 2021 - Present

Launched the native design system for iOS and Android

CVS Health | Senior Digital Accessibility Designer | 2021

Built internal accessibility knowledge base for designers and developers

Accessible360 | Digital Accessibility Engineer | 2020 - 2021

Concierge auditor for high-profile clients

Thomson Reuters | Web Designer | 2019 - 2020

Led special projects team

Freelance | UX Writer & Service Designer | 2015 - 2019

Healthcare: Developed system maps and engagement scripts for Children’s Hospital Minnesota, improving patient experience touchpoints and accessibility of patient information
Retail & eCommerce: Created comprehensive service blueprints and accessibility-focused persona development for multiple clients including Enlightened Equipment and SmplFit
Education: Redesigned library internal process documentation for Saint Mary’s University, optimizing workflows and enhancing accessibility for staff and students
Media & Entertainment: Established streamlined content management processes for Frozen River Film Festival and 89.5FM KQAL, improving operational efficiency by 40%
Startups: Developed proof-of-concept prototypes and business model canvases for early-stage ventures, incorporating accessibility considerations from inception

📚 Education & 📜 Certifications

Winona State University Journalism, Philosophy | B.A. 2015
Prime Digital Academy User Experience Design | Certificate, 2019