Osa Omokaro Ph.D. is a dynamic leader in UX research and product development, with a proven track record at Google, YouTube and IBM. She is the driving force behind YouTube BrandConnect's global launch in 12 international markets, her research on Paid Product Placements significantly increased branded content declarations on YouTube by over 1000%. Her leadership extended to Firebase, overseeing 14+ core developer products used by millions worldwide, and spearheading strategic research initiatives like Firebase & Google Cloud integration and Firebase Extensions.
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Dr. Omokaro has directed diverse research teams, developed comprehensive strategies, and collaborated across PM, ENG, UX, Marketing, and Developer Relations to take products from concept to global launch. She has led ethnographic field research across continents, including North America, the UK, Africa, and Asia.
A passionate advocate for diversity and empowerment in technology, Osa founded Black Chic Tech, a vibrant community supporting over 8,000 Black women in STEM, and Tech Runway Africa, with the mission to inspire and build capacity for industry leaders to develop innovative user experiences based on local context. Additionally, Osa co-founded Varsity Mentor, connecting African students with mentors from the diaspora.
Notable accomplishments include initiating & launching the "Dear Firebase" initiative at Google I/O, establishing Google’s first UX Research Lab in Canada, and co-authoring a chapter in the Google UXR Handbook. Dr. Omokaro’s application of her doctoral 4WT framework in IBM’s crowd-based platform increased content quality by 40%, earning joint publications in a top-tier journal and IBM Smarter Planet.
Osa's doctoral thesis, featuring the Goose Spotter app, was highlighted by NBC news for its innovative approach to environmental monitoring. She has also been featured in The New York Times, and is the recipient of awards and recognitions for her groundbreaking work in UX research and product development.
As a keynote speaker and expert panelist at prestigious events like Firebase Summit, Google I/O, and United Nations forums, Dr. Osa Omokaro is an authority and global thought leader, championing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 & 9 through her work. She engages in mentorship and education, teaching UX methodologies, and leading initiatives to empower underrepresented communities in STEM.
Osa has guest lectured at institutions such as the University of Michigan, Dartmouth College (Ivy League), and the University of Waterloo, Canada. With a mission to harness technology for global social change, Dr. Omokaro continues to shape a future where digital access and innovation empower all communities equitably.