We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wren Lee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Wren, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Panethnic Pourovers is a nonprofit focused on creating space for the Asian American Pacific Islander community in the Greater Boston area. I’m the program director in charge of planning our events and coordinating the programming team. I joined this project a few months ago because I love the mission. Panethnic Pourovers is a physical space for the AAPI community and also offers services like tech education, books, and snacks. I joined to build and nourish the AAPI community in Boston. I’ve met so many amazing people through this organization and am excited to see what we build in the future.

Wren, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Wren. My 9-5 job is in UX design. I create accessible and inclusive products and services. I got into UX to do good in the world and see UX design as an outlet for creativity and change. As a UX designer, I’m on the front lines interacting with people and turning their needs and wants into features. Outside of my 9-5, my 5-9 if you will, I create community through organizations such as Panethnic Pourovers and the National Association of Asian American Professionals. I love planning events and bringing people closer.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I love being able to turn ideas into reality. There’s something satisfying about digging into research, coming up with a great insight, and making something out of these ideas. I love learning about people and building a deep understanding of someone and their experiences. But the best part is taking those thoughts and turning them into action, whether it’s an event or a new wireframe.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Everything I do is fueled by my desire to do good in the world. At my job, I create accessible products, so anyone can use the products I design. Outside of work, I create community, so everyone has a safe space to be themselves.