Mariam stands at the intersection of design innovation and cultural storytelling, shaping the global digital landscape.
Mariam’s journey draws directly from her Nigerian heritage and her experiences growing up in both Nigeria and the United States. She was raised among strong traditions, storytelling, and a close-knit community, which shaped the way she understands design as a reflection of real people’s lives.
At Harvard, Mariam developed a strong foundation in visual design systems, further refining her technical abilities. Her cultural background continues to inspire her, guiding her commitment to creating authentic designs that can serve and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
As the Lead Product Designer at Netflix, she leads transformative projects that synthesize thoughtful research with sophisticated design, continually pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve.
In her role as Co-Founder & CEO of Kimoyo Insights, Mariam harnesses her profound understanding of culture and data to build tools that amplify underrepresented voices and perspectives.
A Harvard graduate in History of Art & Architecture, Mariam brings empathy and a distinct celebration of African identity to her work, committed to elevating meaningful stories through impactful design.
At Netflix, Mariam has made significant contributions to developing user experiences that reach audiences worldwide. She has worked on features for mobile, TV, and user growth, all aimed at making the platform easier to use, more accessible, and more meaningful for viewers.
Mariam’s approach goes beyond aesthetics; she is dedicated to understanding how people interact with the platform and how it makes them feel, ensuring the product resonates with users on a practical and emotional level.
Mariam co-founded Kimoyo Insights, a research platform for African users that helps companies design market-specific products through interviews and studies. She also manages the Kimoyo Fellowship, offering mentorship and support to early-career African designers.
Mariam transitioned from a Harvard student to a global design leader, aiming to amplify African voices in tech. She focuses on building infrastructure, creating research tools, sharing knowledge, and nurturing future designers.
“Don’t code-switch. There is power in your perspective and how you do things. It’s what distinguishes you from your peers, so don’t ever change or stifle it to fit into your environment.” – Mariam Braimah
