Naily Nevarez is the associate director of product design at Planned Parenthood, where she leads product design functions for plannedparenhood.org. She works with a dedicated team of three to provide mentorship, lead workshops, and manage collaborations to enhance research and design efforts. Most recently, Nevarez has led an initiative exploring the potential of AI chatbots in sexual reproductive healthcare.
What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
For nearly two years, I collaborated with product managers, developers, brand designers, and content strategists to redesign Planned Parenthood’s blog. The stunning new blog, now titled “TMI: No such thing” came to fruition this summer, and the redesign included our Spanish blog: “Sexo Sin-vergüenza.”
Sexo Sin-vergüenza is an online resource destigmatizing sexual health in the Latino community. Since its launch in 2021, the Planned Parenthood team has published over 250 Spanish articles covering a diverse range of sexual and reproductive health topics. Young Latinos, their parents, and caregivers can explore conversations about sex and relationships by sending their questions to expert sex educators who understand the nuances relevant to Latino culture. After winning several Anthem awards in 2023, it has been an honor to redesign the experience, ensuring we continue to deliver informative and engaging content to people around the world.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment to date?
I had the wonderful opportunity to run a personal painting business, selling over two hundred pieces. One of the most special parts of this experience was painting graduation caps, where I created personalized designs to celebrate a significant milestone for people. I also did this for friends and family, and it was incredibly fulfilling to contribute to their big moments. Though the demands of running a business eventually made it tough to continue, I’m deeply grateful for the experience. I cherish the memories I made, and I look forward to finding time for painting again in the future.
What do you do today to impact your community?
I provide free mentorship on ADPList (Amazing Design People List), a platform that connects people in the design industry for mentorship and growth. As the youngest of five, I’ve had the privilege of having four lifelong mentors: my siblings. Alex, Mayra, Drake, and Nuvia have guided me through times of confusion, shared lessons from their own experiences, and shown me through their example that unimaginable things are possible in life.
In a rapidly evolving field like design, there is an increasing need to help others adapt to the changing landscape and encourage them to pursue their goals despite setbacks. Through mock interviews, portfolio reviews, Q&A sessions, and more, I’ve had the joy of helping people of diverse industries, races, ages, and genders achieve their design career aspirations. The idea of people reaching their highest aspirations, no matter their background, deeply inspires me.
Recently, I learned that a mentee of mine landed a design role after nearly one-and-a-half years of searching. Transitioning from a different field, there were moments when she felt like abandoning the career switch altogether. However, I’m so proud she continued to invest in herself and work diligently toward her goal. I always knew it was just a matter of time for her.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I envision myself living an enriching and intentional life with my partner, Oscar Becerra Hernandez. With the unwavering support of him and my family, I will have achieved my goal of earning an MBA and landed a director-level role at a social impact organization. I hope that Oscar and I will be in a significant stage of building our life together, whether that be getting married or starting a family. I also see myself maintaining a loving and close relationship with my parents and siblings. No matter where I am in five years, I hope to hold onto the core pillars of my life: my partner, my family, and a fulfilling career.
What is the biggest issue that you want to help solve, and why?
I’m passionate about addressing the underutilization of human potential, aiming to help people to realize their talents, build meaningful lives, and contribute fully to society. Often, without the necessary education, resources, habits, or self-awareness, individuals feel stagnant and unsure of how to achieve life milestones or continue their personal growth. I see this becoming more prominent as modern living, technology, and social media continue to distract people from what matters to them, decrease their face-to-face interactions, and exacerbate mental health challenges. I’ve also seen how ineffective management or leadership can negatively affect employees, affecting their potential both at work and in their personal lives.
With this in mind, I hope to contribute to solving this issue in several ways. First, by obtaining an MBA degree to become an exceptional manager and leader. Second, by continuing to uplift my friends, family, and community by sharing valuable resources. And lastly, by becoming a mother and raising children with the needed values and mindset to thrive.
What is a moment when you realized the impact of your work?
In 2017, I participated in Semester at Sea: a multicountry study abroad program where students live and learn on a ship. Feeling incredibly fortunate, I set out to create a visual project to share this experience with others.
At each port, I created a sign that featured a meaningful proverb, offering a window into the country’s culture. As I traveled to nine countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, I included quotes like, “Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid of standing still,” from Japan, and “When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree,” from Vietnam.
When I returned, I was surprised to see the positive reaction from my community the project drew constant attention. A childhood friend even said, “I loved your signs. I learned so much, and I felt like I was with you the whole time.” The project even resulted in a feature on Semester at Sea’s website. In all, the project opened my eyes to the role of art and design in enhancing human connection. It’s one of the core experiences that inspired me to pursue a creative career, and I haven’t looked back since.
Who inspires your leadership?
Whether I was a child scribbling in a sketchbook or an adult working on a project, my family has been a constant source of inspiration for my leadership in the creative field. In middle school, I had an idea for a wild art project: a giant Q-tip. I had little idea how to bring it to life, but after sharing my idea with my mom, we scoured the garage. There, she helped me select the right materials and stayed up with me until 2 a.m. to bring it to life.
When I started selling paintings and creating different forms of art, my siblings consistently shared feedback on how to improve my art skills and change my operations. Their perspective made me a better artist and entrepreneur. My family, through their support, collaboration, and feedback, have taught me the importance of having ambitious visions and collaborating with others. With an ambitious vision, I feel we can envision the extraordinary. Through the diverse perspectives gained from collaboration, we can not only turn those ideas into reality, but we can make them stronger.
What is a surprising hobby or interest that helps you stay creative and energized?
In my spare time, I run a YouTube channel! The purpose is still evolving, but through tutorials and personal stories, I hope to inspire others to live meaningful lives. One of my favorite videos to create was about finding your values, which is something I feel is central to living a fulfilling and intentional life.
What is your Latino background?
I’m Mexican American. Both my mother and father were born in Mexico and immigrated to the US as teenagers—my mother from the state of Jalisco and my father from Guerrero. I was born and raised in Oregon.
What song do you listen to that motivates you?
“Light Me Up” by RL Grime, featuring Miguel and Julia Michaels.
