Layla Bakhshandeh
San Francisco Bay Area | Www.linkedin.com/in/laylabakhshandeh/
Summary
Founding-operator-minded generalist with experience owning projects end-to-end, turning fast-moving and messy workflows into clear, scalable systems, and working cross-functionally across product, ops, and customers. Strong judgment, calm execution, and a bias toward action in early-stage environments.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Journalist
EdSource
Remote
01.2024 - 05.2025
- Managed multiple reporting projects simultaneously under tight deadlines, requiring rapid prioritization and strong judgment.
- Coordinated interviews with external stakeholders and synthesized complex information into clear narratives.
- Maintained consistent output while balancing shifting priorities and editorial feedback.
Inclusive UX Design Student Research Lead
Cal Poly
San Luis Obispo, CA
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Led a student research team exploring inclusive UX design practices.
- Scheduled and conducted interviews with 10+ industry experts, managing outreach and coordination.
- Organized research materials, timelines, and publication deliverables adhering to ACM standards.
- Presented findings through multiple visual formats to enhance accessibility and understanding.
Brand & Product Designer
.wavzine
San Luis Obispo, CA
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Partnered with an early-stage startup to deliver branding and product prototypes from discovery through delivery.
- Managed client communication and cross-functional collaboration across product, engineering, and design.
- Helped structure internal workflows and documentation for ongoing design iterations.
Product Designer
Iter8
San Luis Obispo, CA
04.2023 - 07.2023
- Partnered with a startup to design brand identity and digital product prototypes.
- Managed client relationships from discovery through delivery, maintaining cross functional collaboration throughout.
- Helped structure team workflows and maintained documentation for design iterations.
- Produced visual concepts, wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes with attention to aesthetics.
Content Strategist
.wavzine
San Luis Obispo, CA
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Developed and executed creative strategies across photo, video, and editorial content to grow audience engagement.
- Collaborated with local businesses and artists to produce stories and community events that elevated local talent.
- Coordinated written media production and publication timelines to ensure consistent output.
Marketing & Design Freelancer
Soso Market
San Francisco, CA
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Owned end-to-end execution of a multi-vendor retail market, including vendor coordination, timelines, promotion, and on-site operations.
- Built repeatable workflows for marketing and operations, increasing event revenue by 25% and improving vendor communication.
- Served as primary point of contact for vendors, managing expectations, issues, and last-minute changes.
Education
Certificate - Launching A Startup
Stanford University
Palo Alto, California, CA01-2026
Bachelor of Science - Graphic Communication, User Experience and User Interface Design
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA03.2025
Study of French Language and Culture -
Aix Marseille Université
Aix-en-Provence, France12.2023
Skills
Operations & Systems, Cross-Functional Communication,
Project & Event Management Process Documentation
Client & Stakeholder Communication, User Research
Prioritization & Execution, Early-Stage Startup Operations
Languages
- French
- English, Native proficiency (advanced written and oral communication)
- French, B1 certificate, conversational proficiency with cultural immersion experience (ideal for international team collaboration)
Selected Early Stage Work
Founder (Concept Stage) — Picky
- Led user interviews and early validation for an AI-powered food discovery concept.
- Organized research insights, documented learnings, and translated ambiguity into structured next steps.
Timeline
Inclusive UX Design Student Research Lead
Cal Poly
08.2024 - 03.2025
Journalist
EdSource
01.2024 - 05.2025
Brand & Product Designer
.wavzine
01.2024 - 06.2024
Product Designer
Iter8
04.2023 - 07.2023
Marketing & Design Freelancer
Soso Market
06.2022 - 09.2022
Content Strategist
.wavzine
01.2021 - 12.2022
Certificate - Launching A Startup
Stanford University
Bachelor of Science - Graphic Communication, User Experience and User Interface Design
California Polytechnic State University
Study of French Language and Culture -
Aix Marseille Université