$350 / month
2 calls per month (45min/call)
Unlimited Q&A via chat
Expect responses in 2 days
Hands-on support
Starts with a free 7-day trial – less commitment than a paid call, cancel anytime.
$350 / month
2 calls per month (45min/call)
Unlimited Q&A via chat
Expect responses in 2 days
Hands-on support
$350 / month
2 calls per month (45min/call)
Unlimited Q&A via chat
Expect responses in 2 days
Hands-on support
$350 / month
Start free, decide later
I'm a UX design and web ecosystem lead at Ubisoft, where I've spent the last 10 years designing and governing the digital experiences behind one of the world's largest gaming platforms — think global navigation, design systems, and product strategy across 100M+ annual users.
I didn't start in design though. I came up through web production — managing launches, wrangling content, coordinating across teams — before making the transition into UX. That path gave me something a lot of designers don't have: I actually understand how things get built, what producers and developers need, and how to get design work across the finish line in complex organizations.
But honestly, some of my most meaningful work has happened outside of Figma. I've run UX training programs, hosted conferences, and mentored designers from their very first internship through to senior roles. Helping someone click into their own potential is genuinely my favorite thing.
I'm a Nielsen Norman Group UX Masters Certified (UXMC) practitioner, which means I've gone deep on research, IA, and interaction design — but I'm equally at home talking career strategy, navigating workplace politics, or figuring out how to position yourself for the role you actually want (not just the one that's available).
I'd love to work with designers who are early-to-mid career and trying to figure out their direction, or experienced practitioners who feel stuck and want a thought partner. I have a particular soft spot for people who work in systems — design systems, ecosystems, DesignOps — and anyone trying to transition into more strategic roles.
Outside of work I co-lead a Women in Leadership ERG and hold a Women in Leadership certification from the University of San Francisco — so if you're a woman navigating a male-dominated tech environment, I've been in those rooms and I get it.
I'm from California, currently based in Orlando, I have ADHD, and I believe deeply in meeting people where they are.
Mentees who work with a mentor for 3+ months reach their goals 2x faster than those going it alone. Long-term mentorship means fewer false starts, more focused sessions, and support that builds week after week.
97% satisfaction across all mentors
Personalized feedback and growth plans
Trusted by thousands of mentees
Alissa Barendse
Senior Manager, User Experience at Ubisoft
Enter your email and we'll let you know when Alissa has open spots. You'll also get a link to manage your wishlist – no account needed.
Book a free intro call with Alissa
Connect with Alissa in a quick call (usually under 30 minutes)
One-off sessions with Alissa
One-off sessions are a great option if you're looking for specific advice on a certain topic.
A strong portfolio can open doors, but only if it clearly shows what you can do and why it matters. This MentorCruise session is designed …
Career growth rarely happens by accident. This MentorCruise session is designed to help you build a clearer roadmap for where you want to go next …
Sometimes the fastest way to grow is to get thoughtful feedback on the work you are already doing. This MentorCruise session is designed to help …
Whatever doesn't fit the mold: Get a full hour with a mentor to discuss your needs. Be it help with coding something, deciding on a …
What's included in the trial?
Every trial is a little different–here's what Alissa says about their trial:
In a quick call (usually under 30 minutes) we'll figure out if we're a good fit before you commit. We'll:
- Introduce ourselves and break the ice
- Talk through your goals and where you're feeling stuck
- Map out how I'd support you, plus logistics like time zones, call cadence, and how we'll stay in touch
Come with one specific thing you're working on or stuck on. The mentees who get the most out of this are the ones ready to put the work in between calls.
