Hi! My name is Yanina
I am a proud Latina designer and educator committed to equity, welcoming, and the use of design as a tool for social transformation. As a Colombian woman and immigrant, I bring a multicultural and multilingual lens to everything I do—from the classroom to the community. My work centers neurodiversity, cultural preservation, and human dignity, with the goal of challenging traditional design education and creating more equitable learning spaces.
My creative and academic practice explores how graphic design can support and amplify underrepresented voices. I use storytelling, technology, and visual communication to advocate for marginalized communities and to explore the intersections of identity, heritage, and belonging. Through projects like Illustrating the Self, and immersive classroom experiences focused on the four dimensions of human development (physical, mental, social, and spiritual), I help students connect deeply with themselves and others—while building both technical skills and critical awareness.
As a community-engaged scholar and passionate educator, I am currently pursuing a Master's in Education with a focus on social justice to further enhance my teaching. I already hold an MFA in Graphic Design and teach at Tarleton State University, where I create inclusive design experiences that honor neurodivergent learners and promote diverse forms of expression. My research examines how design education can be more accessible, holistic, and culturally responsive.
I use Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a foundation for my courses and design thinking as a vehicle for transformation. Whether co-creating with students, leading cross-disciplinary projects, or inviting international voices into the classroom, my goal is always the same: to empower future designers to use their work to heal, connect, and advocate for justice.
My projects and teaching approaches are inspired by empathy, community, and the belief that design is a deeply human practice. I am currently working on initiatives that combine graphic design, storytelling, and emerging technology to support cultural sustainability and neurodivergent empowerment—designing not just for inclusion, but with it at the center.