Nicole D'Andrea🇺🇸

About Nicole D'Andrea

National TV Host at The American Dream TV Network & Media Tech

PASSION is my POWER -- I’m not a typical UX anything. I don’t play it safe. I’m funny, Italian, a little reckless, and deeply real.

I'm artistic and technical, soft and sharp. I care too much and trust too little. I fight for users, my team, and anyone who’s ever been overlooked. I don’t just work—I burn through barriers. And I do it all with heart, humor, and not much of a filter.

I’ve spent my life helping people navigate systems that weren’t built with them in mind—whether it’s finding the right home, designing accessible tech, or mentoring underdogs to rise up and lead. That’s where passion becomes power: when it’s used to fuel progress, connection, and truth.

If I could offer just one piece of advice, it’s this: Knowledge shared among peers makes a team strong—but camaraderie and mutual respect? That’s the fuel that drives ambition, sales, and reputation. UX begins at home.

Expertise

Sessions with Nicole D'Andrea

• Expectations for a Career in UX (30 min): My goal as a mentor is to empower UX designers to become confident, strategic thinkers who can clearly articulate and advocate for their designs — and to prepare new designers for what a real career in UX looks like. I believe that great UX design is not just about creating beautiful screens — it’s about solving real problems and becoming one with the user — fully understanding their needs, struggles, and behaviors. That's why I emphasize critical thinking, deep problem-solving, and storytelling as essential skills for every designer I mentor. I’m passionate about helping designers move beyond surface-level design work and embrace the complexity of real-world UX — where business needs, accessibility, technical constraints, and user needs must all be balanced. I want to give new designers an honest look at what it takes to succeed in this field — how to think, how to collaborate, and how to advocate for users in tough rooms. At the same time, I focus on creating a safe, supportive environment where designers feel valued and encouraged to grow. I believe in giving honest, constructive feedback, building confidence, and helping people see their own potential — even when they can’t see it themselves.
• Building a Future-Ready UX Identity (30 min): Join me for a dynamic 3-part series that reimagines the UX process in the era of AI. We’ll explore how to move beyond traditional prototyping into holistic problem-solving, integrate whiteboarding and design sprints with AI, and build your unique, future-ready UX identity. Perfect for new designers eager to thrive in today’s evolving landscape!

What mentees say

“Nicole provided exceptional feedback and insights, showcasing her amazing communication and subject knowledge. I highly recommend booking her if you're looking for an outstanding mentoring experience!”

“Nicole was incredibly helpful and addressed all my questions with clarity and precision. She brings a wealth of experience when it comes to career advice and I’d absolutely love to have more sessions with her. Thank you Nicole!! :)”