Hi, I'm Janelle Academia.
I am a Senior Product Designer currently working at PlayOn! Sports on the NFHS Network product. Coming from a background in business marketing and nonprofit work, I made the jump into the world of UX/UI and found my passion in designing products that help people and businesses thrive.
Read more about my career change in my Designlab feature.
When I close my laptop, you can find me chasing around my toddler, soaking up the San Diego sun, or listening to tunes on vinyl. ✌️
Design
UX/UI Design
Web and Mobile UI
Visual Design
Design Systems
Growth Design Psych
UX/Product Strategy
User Research
Competitive Analysis
Product Strategy
Human-Centered Design
Rapid Prototyping
education
experience
UX/UI design and research program consisting of a top tier design curriculum, industry relevant projects, and 1-on-1 mentoring sessions with a professional designer
UX/UI Design
Designlab Academy
Dec 2020 - Present
Received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and a minor in Theatre Technology & Design
Chapman University
Sep 2014 - May 2018
B.A. Business Admin
Served as lead Product Designer redesigning app experience resulting in increased retention, creating a user-friendly dashboard, and executing growth experiments and strategies
Product Designer
Carry
Sep 2021 - April 2023
Senior Product Designer
PlayOn! Sports
Currently working as a Senior Product Designer at PlayOn! Sports leading design for the NFHS Network product
Oct 2025 - Present
Events Coordinator
Cru (International)
Worked on an international team to coordinate logistics for conferences and events taking place in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
May 2018 - June 2019
Digital Engagement
PLNU
Sep 2019 - Sep 2021
Managed all website design and digital marketing efforts for the Alumni department of Point Loma Nazarene University
Senior Product Designer
Glorify
Led high-impact initiatives including launching a community feature to drive retention, building a scalable design system during a product rebrand, and partnering cross functionally to shape product strategy
April 2023 - Oct 2025
Marketing Intern
Cru (Stateside)
June 2017 - Aug 2017
Managed social media marketing efforts, consulted on audience engagement strategies, and redesigned cohort website to be more user friendly and engaging