Alumna M. Katherine (Katy) Mullally (MSLIS '04) will deliver the 2024 iSchool Convocation address. The event will be held on Sunday, May 12, at 1:30 p.m. at the Activities and Recreation Center. The ceremony will be broadcast live online so that students, families, and friends can watch if they are unable to attend in person.
For nearly two decades, Mullally has been at the forefront of designing and implementing cutting-edge solutions to enhance workplace security, productivity, and user satisfaction, first at cyber-security giant Symantec and then at Microsoft. In her current role as senior UX researcher in the Microsoft365 Engineering organization, Mullally is a frequent presenter to senior leadership, ensuring product strategy is based on a deep understanding of real people, the unique requirements of their roles, and how they interact with information. Her expertise lies in combining business needs and human behaviors into consumable technology frameworks that inspire product-makers to create intuitive and seamless experiences that empower individuals to achieve their goals efficiently and pleasantly.
Mullally actively mentors aspiring UX professionals inside and outside of Microsoft and volunteers her time in support of initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, especially for women and BIPOC. Her dedication to personal and professional development makes her a sought-after consultant and peer leader in tech communities, where she shares insights and best practices for generating clarity, delivering value, and measuring impact.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Mullally is a fitness enthusiast and amateur photographer who has recently discovered the joy of making jam from local wild blackberries. She finds inspiration near bodies of water and in a sacred circle of female friends who fuel her creativity and passion for lifelong learning.
Mullally holds a BA in creative writing and literature from the University of Michigan, MSLIS from the University of Illinois, and MA in psychology from the University of Santa Monica.