Hey, I'm Mel Linares

Accessibility professional, ux developer, & mentor

As part of the Blue Cross NC UX team I work with designers, developers, & product owners to ensure UX & accessibility are baked-in to digital experiences & documents.

I started my accessibility and usability journey when I moved to Raleigh, NC to study web & graphic design. 2012 was the year I landed my first full-time job after years of freelancing gigs. During this job I led the charge in a responsive-first design and code overhaul of the company's existing site.

I learned a lot during that first job! How to pitch an idea, how to lead with data, how to rally a group of stubborn developers and stakeholders, how to run a user study, and how to own a project start to finish. Mostly I learned that I have a knack for leadership and a love of accessibility.

desk with raven skeleton, laptop with the text make for good, small telescope and a 3D paper star
myself with long hair, geometric gold glasses, and grinning while wearing earphones
11+ yearsbuilding the web
120+companies consulted

What I'm up to during the week

I conduct remote design reviews
Part of my work at Blue Cross NC is assessing prototypes, design systems, code, and documents for UX and accessibility through one-on-one and team review calls.
I audit websites, apps, and digital documents
Reports (including VPATs) are created and shared with product owners with specific WCAG break-downs and compliant remediation recommendations.
I am improving Blue Cross NC's governance processes
Accessibility + Agile! I'm helping teams improve the integration and monitoring of accessibility in the product life-cycle of our products.
I mentor individuals and teams
I'm leading accessibility office hours and focused topic sessions to teammembers. I am also an active mentor to growing students and professionals on tools, process, research and documentation

What I'm up to when offline

Boardgames
I enjoy playing and teaching people how to play board games. Back in 2019 I was a gamemaster at GenCon.
Building Lego
I love building Lego sets and nerdy terrariums. The botanical Lego builds are my favorite.
Cycling
I can be found biking near my local parks and to the nearest cafe.
Collecting
I collect enamel pins, tech stickers, and am getting back into miniature painting.

Contributions & Certifications

Taking notes in preparation for the CPACC exam.

Collections

  • Boardgame collection external link

  • Books I want to add to my collection
    • Alt-Text As Poetry, by Bojana Coklyat and Shannon Finnegan
    • Inclusive Design Patterns, by Heydon Pickering ✔️
    • Sitting Pretty, by Rebekah Taussig ✔️

  • What I want to see and do list

    (places, activities, etc.)
    • participate in a GAAD (global accessibility awareness day) event ✔️
    • learn spanish
    • learn ASL (american sign language)
    • go to an escape room ✔️
    • go on a cruise ✔️
    • learn archery

Recent post I love

Want to get in touch?

Contact
If you'd like to reach out to chat or ask me anything, please contact me via email.

Mentoring
If you want to schedule some time to talk shop or goals check out my Calendly.

Work Inquiries
I'm, not currently taking on new projects.