Where Innovation Meets Inclusion.
Championing equitable design, responsible AI, and learning experiences that empower teams and communities.
Trusted by LinkedIn Learning, Nielsen Norman Group, and government innovation teams.
Featured CLIENTS
At Nerdy Diva, we believe the best design, strategy, and education should uplift everyone. We’re on a mission to make digital experiences more inclusive, impactful, and human-centered—one project, workshop, and collaboration at a time.
Nerdy Diva is a Black woman-owned business delivering inclusive digital solutions through design, training, and strategy. We collaborate with mission-driven organizations, government teams, educators, and businesses. Together, we create inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning experiences and digital products that drive lasting impact.
Founded by Shanae Chapman, in 2018, Nerdy Diva blends technical excellence with a deep commitment to equity. We bridge the gap between innovation and impact in every collaboration.
đź’ˇ Our Mission
To develop technology and tools that are inclusive, equitable, and accessible which align with our vision for a more connected and just world.
🌍 Our Vision
A world where technology is utilized for the collective benefit of the community, responsibly, and ethically.
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🧠Our Approach
We operate on the basis of industry best practices and academic research foundations to produce meaningful, measurable outcomes. Founded in 2018, Nerdy Diva collaborates with clients across the U.S. and globally to build purpose-driven organizations that prioritize their impact on communities and society at large.
đź’– Our Core Values
Quality First: We prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that our work consistently upholds high standards.
Tech for Good: We leverage technology for the betterment of society and are dedicated to minimizing harm in the process.
Curiosity: We nurture a culture of curiosity and questioning, encouraging ongoing learning and development.
Anti-Racism & DEI: We actively practice anti-racism and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental principles.
Continuous Learning: We are committed to lifelong learning and self-improvement, deeply rooted in our values.
✊🏾 DEI Statement
At Nerdy Diva, Anti-Racism and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles drive our work. We address representative and allocative harm in tech by:
- Revising harmful language in APIs and documentation
- Sharing resources on inclusive research and design practices
- Offering paid internships and contracts to historically underrepresented groups
- Partnering with national organizations serving diverse communities
- Donating a portion of our proceeds to nonprofits and angel investments in diverse-owned businesses
🌱 ESG Commitment
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint through:
- Working in LEED-certified co-working spaces
- Choosing sustainable packaging for our products
- Reducing paper waste and manual systems where possible
- Partnering with organizations committed to climate solutions and ESG impact
Shanae Chapman
FOUNDER & CEO
UX & Tech Leader | Instructor & Curriculum Developer | Speaker | Mentor | Author
Founder Story
I’m Shanae Chapman, an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and author. I founded Nerdy Diva to bridge the gap between inclusive design, emerging technology, and community impact. I grew up in a working-class neighborhood in North St. Louis and was the first in my family to graduate from college and attend Saint Louis University. This experience shaped my values of resilience, equity, and creating opportunities for others. I’m proud of my roots and stay connected to the culture as a researcher with empathy and lived experience.
With over 15 years of experience in UX, tech, and strategy, I’ve had the opportunity to work with global companies including IBM, Boeing, and MathWorks (MATLAB). I launched Nerdy Diva in 2018 to center equity in design and expand access to inclusive tech education and projects. Alongside leading Nerdy Diva, I also work in civic tech at the General Services Administration (GSA), deepening my insight into public sector needs.
I moved to Boston in 2010 for graduate studies at Northeastern University and found a strong intellectual community that continues to support my personal and professional growth. Outside of work, I love to bake, practice yoga, and run races for charity in Boston and St. Louis. Don’t be a stranger! Connect with me on LinkedIn or join the newsletter for upcoming events. Take good care!Â
Featured Clients
Why Work With Me?
Clients work with me not just for my design and research expertise—but for the way I listen, care, and co-create inclusive solutions that actually work. I bring over 15 years of experience in UX, strategy, and tech, and I understand how to navigate both the private and public sectors to help your team make meaningful progress.
Whether you’re launching a new product, need help building internal capacity, or want to develop training that resonates, I bring data, creativity, empathy, and structure to every engagement. I’ve worked with global brands to grassroots nonprofits and treat each client with the same level of respect and dedication.
I also bring real-world experience teaching UX and strategy through internationally recognized platforms, along with federal, state, and local certifications that reflect my commitment to equity and excellence in public service.
I’m not here to offer one-size-fits-all advice. I’m here to build with you.
Qualifications & Awards
These are the educational foundations and credentials that have influenced my work across design, strategy, and tech.
EDUCATION
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Master’s in Informatics – Northeastern University
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BA in Communication, Emphasis in Communication Technology, Certificate in African American Studies – Saint Louis University
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UX Certificate – Nielsen Norman Group
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Leadership Certificate – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
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Web Design Certificate – Webster University
- MTLC Board-Ready Bootcamp – Mass Technology Leadership Council
- Diverse Business Accelerator – Greater St. Louis, Inc.
RECOGNITION & AWARDS
- 20K+ learners reached through online learning platforms (LinkedIn, NN/g, and more)
- Northeastern University Women Who Empower Awards – Alumni Entrepreneurship, Social Impact
- Northeastern University Lab for Inclusive Entrepreneurship Grant
- Harris-Stowe State University – Excellence in Innovation AwardÂ
- BALSA Foundation Grant
- BRAND Foundation Grant
- Diverse Business Accelerator Grant
EXPERIENCE
- Nerdy Diva LLC – CEO, Founder, Managing Director
- GSA – TTS Research Operations Program Manager
- Certified Federal Contracting Officer Representative (COR)
- Nielsen Norman Group – Instructor & Curriculum Developer
- LinkedIn – Instructor & Curriculum Developer
- HashiCorp – Senior UX Researcher
- Boeing – UX Lead
- The MathWorks – UX Specialist
- IBM – UI Testing Specialist
- Adjunct Instructor – Northeastern University, Lesley University, Fisher College, Maryville University
- Guest Speaker – Harvard University, Washington University, Harris-Stowe State University, Saint Louis University
Books & Publications
Actionable insights and inspiring stories published in leading UX and leadership anthologies.
TECH & BUSINESS
97 Things Every UX Practitioner Should Know
Free O’Reilly Chapter: Create a Design Portfolio That Gets Results
Download my published chapter for practical, inclusive portfolio strategies that boost your UX career.
CREATIVITY
The Power of CreativityÂ
Free Chapter: The Power of Creativity — From the 5-Star On the RISE Anthology
Download my inspiring chapter from On the RISE, Volume 3, a collection of powerful stories from 20 women about growth, resilience, and finding purpose.
Inclusive design, AI literacy, and intentional strategy for tech teams.