Trailblazing Paths in UX: Venisha Henry’s Journey from CUNY to Senior Researcher at Ogilvy
BRANDON: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. As I mentioned, I’ve launched this blog to amplify the voices and experiences of Black UXRs, and your insights will be incredibly valuable. So, starting with background, how did you first get into UX research?
VENISHA: While I was completing my bachelor's degree at CUNY York College, in Communication Technology - Web Design, I had a really great professor for Intro to User Experience. She suggested that I apply for an internship with Ogilvy, as it was their first year of opening the internship to User Experience(UX) designers. With the help of many, I was selected to be part of Ogilvy's 2019 cohort.
During the internship, I was introduced to both design and research concepts and I took a greater liking to UX research, plus I was naturally good at it. After the internship was completed, I kept in touch with my coworkers, requesting books to read or portfolio reviews. After I graduated, they asked me if I would be interested in interviewing for an Experience Researcher position. Three years later, I am currently a Senior Experience Researcher at Ogilvy, focusing on qualitative research processes.
BRANDON: Now you say that you were better equipped for the research side. So, what was it that really motivated you to go in the direction of research besides simply being good at it? Like, what was there that really appealed to you?
VENISHA: During the internship, I developed an affinity for research processes. I remember doing a project with the two amazing design interns. When it came time for the research piece, there was an opportunity, to use my skills to guide the other interns through the UX research processes. This brought me so much joy and it made it clear that I wasn’t a designer, instead I was a researcher.
BRANDON: Okay. So far with your experiences, can you talk about some notable moments or things that have stuck with you from that early time, not only the internship but your first job opportunities?
VENISHA: Notable moments in my career definitely include the realization and acceptance that I’m a UX Researcher. While I did have a natural inclination for this career, it is also one that I have worked very hard for and continue to practice.
Throughout my career, there have been projects that confirmed to me that I'm in the right place and doing the right thing. As a researcher, there are moments where you doubt yourself, but every time I complete a project, I get excited because it shows that I am talented and that I am right where I belong. Thus far, I’ve loved my experience as a UX Researcher!
BRANDON: So can we talk about what type of research you like to do, like any methodology or topics?
VENISHA: At Ogilvy, the majority of the work we do is qualitative research. Over my 3 years with the company, I've developed a strong ability to conduct both moderated and unmoderated interviews as well as usability studies. So, for me to be interviewed is strange since I'm usually not the one being interviewed and answering questions.
But I love the methodologies we use; typically, we are interested in understanding how the experience can meet business objectives.
It’s so interesting to understand how people's mental models affect the usage of technology - figuring out why they do things differently than you'd expect. Essentially, my job allows me to talk to people and understand their thought processes.
BRANDON: I'm curious now to talk about how your identity as a Black researcher has shaped your career path and experiences.
VENISHA: I feel like it has shaped me more internally. It makes me want to be more collaborative and bring in more people who look and sound like me, or have similar experiences, because different perspectives are highly valuable.
During my time at Ogilvy, I learned that the UX professionals who interviewed me advocated for expanding the program not only to UX Designers but also to CUNY students, which is how I became involved. I've always been grateful for their effort.
Seeing their dedication to inclusivity made me want to pay it forward. I'm constantly reaching out to people, mentoring when asked, and sharing the resources I have. I'm trying to be heavily involved in the community, although I'm still learning. My goal is to eventually become a pillar of the UXR(esearch) community.
BRANDON: That's fantastic you've gotten such good support. What have organizations like Ogilvy done well in supporting Black practitioners?
VENISHA: I am definitely lucky – my story is not the norm. Everything I've achieved is because of the support around me. Ogilvy has been very supportive of my growth and development, from the 2019 internship to a coworker reaching out about a full-time role in 2021. Once hired, so many coworkers were interested in sharing knowledge and helping me learn.
Ogilvy has made sure there are different ways for me to be involved both inside and outside the company. Last year, Ogilvy allowed me to speak to students at CUNY Brooklyn College about Ogilvy’s internship and associate programs. It was a great opportunity to discuss how to develop insights from research data.
I've been really lucky to have an amazing UXR team leader. Ironically, she and I started at Ogilvy on the same day, but she has played a crucial role in my journey to becoming a Senior Experience Researcher. She's the kind of researcher I can bounce ideas off of and get guidance from, and she always encourages my internal and external development.
BRANDON: That's great you've had conference experience too. Looking beyond just your experiences though, what changes would you like to see companies make to better attract, support, and retain Black UXR talent?
VENISHA: One really important thing about Ogilvy's program was that it was a paid internship. Companies need to understand how crucial paid internships are, some people of color and those from lower-income backgrounds often have to work part-time or full-time during college to support themselves. If an internship doesn't offer compensation, they may not be able to accept the opportunity. So I really advocate for companies to pay their interns.
BRANDON: Absolutely, if a company can afford UXRs, they can likely afford paid internships too. So what advice do you have for young Black professionals interested in getting into UX research? Any recommendations regarding education or getting experience?
VENISHA: For me, it worked out by creating relationships. I learned about Ogilvy's program through a close relationship with my professor. I got the job by staying in contact with employees there. Sometimes it can feel like you're being annoying by reaching out, but people love curiosity – that's important to remember.
I'm always reaching out to people because I'm curious about what they're doing. It not only creates a genuine relationship but makes you a more interesting candidate. Reaching out saying "I'm looking for a job" is less compelling than "I've been learning about X, I see you do just that – could we set up a 15-minute chat for me to learn more?" Not every connection will lead to a job, but you never know which one might, and at the very least you are practicing communications skills and learning more about the field.
BRANDON: Very true, have an angle when reaching out – great point. As we're coming to the end, is there anything else you'd like to share about making UX more inclusive?
VENISHA: One thing we need to be mindful of is intersectionality beyond just race and gender. Another overlooked area is ensuring accessibility. There's a lot of focus on making things eye-catching, but sometimes we overlook how design choices can impact users' experiences, like certain animations causing nausea for those with vertigo or be a distraction to people with cognitive disabilities. If you want to be inclusive for a diverse audience, really study how your choices may affect different groups.
The only other thing is, that I'm so grateful to York College – it taught me a lot about advocating for myself. There were so many supportive people who guided me to become who I am today. When you're in college,I encourage everyone to build relationships with faculty and staff even if they seem a bit authoritative. There were so many at York who gave me hope and I want to thank them as well.
BRANDON: It's really uplifting to hear positive stories about organizations doing inclusion well. instead of struggling with blatant discrimination.
(Additional Message from Venisha: I must say, there are so many people in my life who have helped me become who I am today. I am incredibly grateful to those who saw my potential and took the time to invest in my development. I couldn't possibly mention all of them in just a 30-minute interview, but I want to express how much I truly love and appreciate the effort they've put into helping me grow.)
