Life & Work with Antara Dave of Seattle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Antara Dave

Hi Antara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my journey in data analytics and optimization after earning my degree in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. At Home Depot, I built optimization models and dashboards, which sparked my love for problem-solving through data and design. While creating internal dashboards, I realized I was drawn not just to the data, but to how people interacted with it—this curiosity led me to transition into Product Design.

Taking a leap of faith, I moved to Microsoft, where I now lead design for Azure Experimentation, AI Safety & Security, and AI Medical Imaging. I specialize in data-driven UX, bridging the gap between complex analytics and intuitive user experiences.

Beyond my work in tech, I’m passionate about inclusive design—I created “WorkFlow: Period Health is Workplace Health,” a nationally and internationally recognized initiative tackling workplace stigma around menstruation. My advocacy has led to multiple speaking opportunities, including at the MIT CODE Conference and the upcoming NNg Podcast.

My journey has been about embracing change, asking the right questions, and pushing for meaningful impact—whether through design, strategy, or public speaking.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a tough road and every challenge has shaped me. Moving to a different country, living on my own, and building a career from the ground up was daunting. Navigating cultural differences, proving myself in competitive spaces, and switching careers from data analytics to product design required resilience.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Lead Product Designer at Microsoft, specializing in data-driven UX for experimentation, AI safety, and AI medical imaging. My work sits at the intersection of design, data, and strategy, ensuring complex, data-heavy platforms are intuitive and impactful.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge design and data analytics—I don’t just focus on aesthetics; I deeply analyze user behavior, experiment results, and business insights to create evidence-backed, high-performing experiences. My background in data analytics and optimization gives me a unique edge in solving complex design problems with a strategic approach.

I am most proud of my work on “WorkFlow: Period Health is Workplace Health,” a project that tackles workplace stigma around menstruation. This initiative has won multiple national and international awards and solidified my role as a designer who drives social impact through inclusive design.

Beyond my design work, I’m also an advocate and speaker. I’ve presented at the MIT CODE Conference and will be speaking on the NNg Podcast about my expertise in experimentation platforms and data-informed design. My journey has been about pushing boundaries—whether in tech, retail, AI, inclusion, or public speaking.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
When I lived in Tempe and Phoenix during grad school, I absolutely loved the red and orange sandstone landscapes, the towering cacti, and the stunning desert sunsets. Hiking “A” Mountain and Camelback Mountain was always a highlight, and some of the best brunch spots I’ve ever been to are in Phoenix and Scottsdale.

I also appreciated the light rail system, which made getting around the city both easy and affordable.

While I love my current city, I deeply miss the Arizona sun, especially during winter—it’s something truly special about the Southwest!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.antaradave.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antara-dave/