UXPA Boston Board Nominee: Esha Shandilya
Biography
Esha Shandilya is a UX Research professional with over 6 years of experience across industry and academic settings, currently based in Boston. At Chatham Financial, she leads complex research initiatives using mixed methodologies to drive product decisions and organizational strategy. Her published research in prestigious HCI conferences (CHI, CSCW) explores virtual collaboration, AI technology adoption, and cross-functional team dynamics. With a Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction from RIT and expertise spanning various research methodologies, Esha aims to foster industry-academic collaboration, champion inclusive research practices, and create educational opportunities for UX practitioners navigating emerging technologies as a UXPA Boston board member.
Why join the UXPA Boston Board of Directors
I’m passionate about becoming a UXPA Boston Board Member because it represents a unique opportunity to contribute to and learn from our vibrant UX community. Serving on the board would allow me to connect with like-minded professionals who share my commitment to elevating UX practices through rigorous research and thoughtful application. These connections foster innovation and create support systems that benefit all members.
I’m particularly interested in understanding the challenges UX professionals face in their daily work. By engaging deeply with our community’s pain points, we can collaboratively develop solutions that address real industry challenges. My background in mixed-methods research positions me to help facilitate these conversations and translate insights into actionable initiatives.
What truly excites me is uncovering what drives Boston’s UX professionals – that unique mantra that keeps them motivated and sets our community apart. Boston has a distinctive blend of academic rigor and practical innovation that creates a special ecosystem for UX work, and I want to help articulate and amplify this shared identity.
Additionally, I’m passionate about growing alongside budding professionals entering the UX field. I want to motivate newcomers to connect with our community, understand their fresh perspectives, and learn what inspires their journey. This mentorship aspect of board service would be particularly rewarding, as I believe in the importance of cultivating the next generation of UX talent.
By serving on the UXPA Boston board, I hope to both contribute my expertise and continue my own professional growth through meaningful engagement with our diverse and dynamic community.
I’m particularly interested in understanding the challenges UX professionals face in their daily work. By engaging deeply with our community’s pain points, we can collaboratively develop solutions that address real industry challenges. My background in mixed-methods research positions me to help facilitate these conversations and translate insights into actionable initiatives.
What truly excites me is uncovering what drives Boston’s UX professionals – that unique mantra that keeps them motivated and sets our community apart. Boston has a distinctive blend of academic rigor and practical innovation that creates a special ecosystem for UX work, and I want to help articulate and amplify this shared identity.
Additionally, I’m passionate about growing alongside budding professionals entering the UX field. I want to motivate newcomers to connect with our community, understand their fresh perspectives, and learn what inspires their journey. This mentorship aspect of board service would be particularly rewarding, as I believe in the importance of cultivating the next generation of UX talent.
By serving on the UXPA Boston board, I hope to both contribute my expertise and continue my own professional growth through meaningful engagement with our diverse and dynamic community.
Prior Volunteering information
While my recent volunteering experience has been limited as I’ve been establishing my career, I’ve always had a natural inclination toward creating meaningful experiences for others by understanding their needs. Growing up, I regularly volunteered my time after school to babysit children in my neighborhood—playing with them, reading stories, and providing care that supported both the children and their mothers.
During my undergraduate years, I co-founded a departmental club for IT students that created opportunities for learning through engaging activities. We organized quizzes, debates, and read-and-tell sessions that fostered a creative learning environment outside the traditional classroom setting.
Now that I’ve settled more firmly in my professional life, I’m eager to reconnect with my passion for community contribution. I see the UXPA Boston board as the perfect opportunity to apply my skills in understanding people’s needs and creating valuable experiences—the same fundamental abilities that have guided both my professional work and previous volunteering.
During my undergraduate years, I co-founded a departmental club for IT students that created opportunities for learning through engaging activities. We organized quizzes, debates, and read-and-tell sessions that fostered a creative learning environment outside the traditional classroom setting.
Now that I’ve settled more firmly in my professional life, I’m eager to reconnect with my passion for community contribution. I see the UXPA Boston board as the perfect opportunity to apply my skills in understanding people’s needs and creating valuable experiences—the same fundamental abilities that have guided both my professional work and previous volunteering.