Oyinkansola Olunaike is a name you should know if you’re talking about women shaping the future of digital product design. A trained biochemist turned tech trailblazer, she’s made a name for herself in the design space by crafting thoughtful, user-focused products and by uplifting women along the way.
Her biggest move yet? Founding Ladies in User-Experience (UX)—a global community dedicated to mentoring, supporting, and spotlighting women in UX design, research, and writing. What started as a response to her own early struggles in the industry has now become a worldwide movement creating access, confidence, and connection.
We caught up with Oyinkansola to talk about designing with purpose, building community from scratch, and why more women need to boldly take up space in tech.
Oyinkansola, thank you for being here. Let’s start with the big idea—what is Ladies in UX, and what inspired you to start it?
Thank you so much for having me. Ladies in UX is a global community created to empower, support, and spotlight women across the UX discipline whether they’re designers, researchers, writers, or strategists. It was born out of a personal realization that while talent is everywhere, access and mentorship are not. I started it because I saw far too many brilliant women getting lost in the noise or silenced by the lack of confidence, opportunities, or guidance. I wanted to create a space where women didn’t have to navigate this journey alone, where they could find mentorship, learn practical skills, and feel seen.
Many founders create the things they wish they had. What personal experiences pushed you to build a space like this?
I started out in tech without a network, without a mentor,
and without a clear path. I often felt like I was figuring everything out through trial and error and while that taught me a lot, it was also incredibly isolating. I remember being in spaces where I was doubted, where my questions weren’t taken seriously, or where I felt invisible. I wanted to build something that would have made a difference for me back then. A space where curiosity is celebrated, where vulnerability isn’t mistaken for weakness, and where women can see other women thriving in roles they once thought were out of reach.
From biochemistry to product design, your career path is far from traditional. How did you make the switch and what helped you stay the course?
The switch was as intentional as it was uncertain. Biochemistry gave me a strong foundation in systems thinking and problem-solving, but I craved a creative outlet, something that merged empathy with innovation. Discovering product design felt like coming home. What helped me stay the course was clarity of purpose: knowing that I wanted to build things that made people’s lives better. It wasn’t an easy journey, but every step reaffirmed that I was exactly where I was meant to be.
You’ve been in rooms where you were the only woman. What did that feel like, and how does it shape the kind of spaces you’re trying to build now?
It felt like being seen and unseen at the same time. You’re aware of the spotlight, but not always given the microphone. You carry the pressure of representation, but not always the power to influence. That experience taught me how important intentional spaces are—places where women don’t have to shrink to fit in, where they can lead with both confidence and compassion. With Ladies in UX, I’m building those spaces from the ground up. It’s not just about presence, it’s about participation, recognition, and influence.
What kind of resources or support can women expect when they join Ladies in UX, especially those who are just starting out?
We’re building a comprehensive support system. Members get access to beginner-friendly training programs, mentorship from experienced professionals, curated job boards, community discussions, live events, and AMA sessions that spotlight women’s journeys. It’s a space to grow your skills, expand your network, and most importantly, believe in your own potential. We’re intentional about making this community inclusive, welcoming, and actionable especially for women who are just taking their first steps.
Let’s talk about impact. Can you share a moment or story that reminded you why this work matters?
During the first cohort of our beginner’s training, one of the ladies said, “For the first time, I feel like I’m in a room where I belong.” That stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me that impact isn’t always loud or visible—it’s often
deeply personal. It’s in the woman who finds the courage to speak up in meetings, or the one who finally applies for that job she thought she wasn’t good enough for. That’s the kind of transformation that fuels me.
The design industry is growing fast, but challenges for women persist. What are the top challenges you see, and how is your community addressing them head-on?
Three major challenges stand out: lack of visibility, imposter syndrome, and limited access to mentorship or leadership pathways. At Ladies in UX, we address these by intentionally amplifying women’s voices through spotlights, panels, and community features. We also plan to host mentorship circles and learning programs that give women real-world tools to build confidence. And we talk openly about the things many of us were once told to hide—doubt, failure, identity because sharing those stories is how we reclaim power.
You’ve always emphasized global connection. How are you bridging the gap between women in Lagos, Nairobi, London, and beyond?
We’re using the power of technology to create shared experiences across borders. Our community spans multiple time zones and cultural backgrounds, and that diversity is our strength. We host virtual events that accommodate different regions, share multilingual resources, and curate mentorship across continents. I believe that when women connect across borders, we move from local change to global impact. And that’s exactly what Ladies in UX is doing—building bridges.
Building a thriving community is hard work. What has the process been like behind the scenes and what keeps you going?
It’s been a mix of vision, vulnerability, and very late nights. Community building isn’t glamorous—it’s emails, logistics, follow-ups, and learning how to pivot when things don’t go as planned. But what keeps me going is knowing that this matters. Every DM, every thank-you note, every woman who says, “I found my people here,” reminds me that we’re creating something powerful and lasting. It’s bigger than me—it’s a movement.
You’ve led global product design projects. How does your experience in the field feed into how you mentor others?
I bring everything I’ve learned into how I teach and guide others—both the wins and the lessons. I don’t believe in gatekeeping knowledge. Whether it’s navigating stakeholder pushback, designing for scale, or handling burnout, I try to be transparent about my journey. My experience helps me give real-world, practical advice not just theory. I also try to mentor with empathy. I know what it feels like to be new, to feel behind, to question your path. And I never forget that.
Do you think women in roles like UX writing or research are getting enough visibility in tech today? Why do these fields matter just as much as design?
Not nearly enough. UX writing and research are foundational to good product experiences, yet they’re often undervalued or misunderstood. These roles bring clarity, empathy, and strategy into digital spaces. They help teams build the right things in the right way. At Ladies in UX, we’re intentional about
putting a spotlight on these roles, ensuring they’re celebrated, not sidelined. Visibility matters because it leads to investment, respect, and career growth.
You’re passionate about inclusivity and ethical innovation. What does that look like in practice for you as a designer and community builder?
Inclusivity, to me, means designing with—not just for—people from different lived experiences. It means questioning who is being left out and why. Ethical innovation is about balancing what’s possible with what’s responsible. In my work, that means advocating for accessibility, user consent, and cultural sensitivity in product design. As a community builder, it means setting clear values, listening deeply, and ensuring that everyone—not just the loudest voices—has a seat at the table.
For young women looking to break into tech but feeling overwhelmed, what’s one small, practical first step they can take today?
Start by finding community. Whether it’s joining a Slack group, attending a free webinar, or reaching out to someone whose journey inspires you—connection is a catalyst. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Also, don’t underestimate the power of learning in public. Share what you’re learning. Ask questions. Document your growth. The tech world moves fast, but confidence builds slowly. One step at a time is still forward.
There has been a lot of talk about AI taking the jobs of humans. How does this factor into the UX space and what in your own professional opinion will be the way to future jobs in that sector?
AI is changing the landscape, but it’s not replacing the need for human-centered thinking. UX is rooted in empathy, context, and ethics and these are things machines can’t replicate at scale. The future of UX will involve designing not just for humans, but with AI in mind—how people interact with intelligent systems, how trust is built, and how inclusivity is maintained. Designers who understand AI and also advocate for responsible use will be the ones leading the next wave of innovation.
Lastly, what’s next for Ladies in UX? Any upcoming plans you’re particularly excited about?
Yes! We’re working on launching our mentorship accelerator program, which pairs aspiring UX professionals with experienced. We’re also expanding our training tracks to cover more niche areas like service design, accessibility, and design leadership. And we’re exploring in-person community chapters in key cities. This is just the beginning—our vision is bold, and we’re building a future where every woman in UX knows she belongs.
Closing Note
Oyinkansola Olunaike is doing more than designing digital products; she’s designing a future where women in tech don’t have to choose between excellence and community. With Ladies in UX, she’s building a world where mentorship, equity, and sisterhood sit side by side with innovation. And if this is just the beginning, the future looks promising and deeply empowering
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