Hi, I'm Cynthia Shelly - Accessibility Consultant, Founder, ex-Google, ex-Microsoft, ex-Starbucks
I'm driven to make the digital world accessible to everyone. I thrive on tackling complex challenges in enterprise-level accessibility and universal design, translating technical depth into real-world impact for global inclusivity.
At a glance
Curated signals on strengths, focus areas, and how they can help.
Co-authored WCAG 2.0, influencing global web accessibility standards.
Led accessibility initiatives for major products including Starbucks Mobile Order and Chrome.
Can provide expert guidance on WCAG compliance and inclusive user experience strategy.
🚀 Career trajectory
Foundation in Tech Giants
Began career developing accessibility expertise at Microsoft and Google, contributing to core products and web standards.
✦ Microsoft
✦ Web Standards
Product Innovation & Leadership
Transitioned to lead product management for high-impact consumer products at Starbucks, focusing on mobile and web experiences.
✦ Starbucks
✦ Product Management
✦ Mobile Apps
Founding Accessibility Consultancy
Established Scaled Accessibility Consulting to leverage extensive experience in driving global accessibility and universal design.
✦ Entrepreneurship
✦ Consulting
✦ Accessibility
💪🏻 Superpowers
Pioneer in Web Accessibility Standards
Shaping the digital landscape through expert contributions to W3C.
✦ Co-authored WCAG 2.0, influencing global web accessibility.
✦ Represented Microsoft and Google in W3C accessibility groups.
✦ Deep expertise in WCAG, APA/ARIA, and HTML5 standards.
Enterprise Accessibility Transformation
Driving compliance and universal design at scale.
✦ Led accessibility for key products: Starbucks Mobile Order, Chrome, Windows.
✦ Proven track record in technical product and program management.
✦ Experience in governance, compliance, and outreach strategies.
Bridging Technical and Strategic Roles
Translating complex accessibility challenges into actionable solutions.
✦ Experience as Development Lead, Strategist, and Product Manager.
✦ Skilled in consulting product teams and providing technical training.
✦ Expertise across platforms: mobile, web, browsers, and operating systems.
I'm excited about
✦ Seeking to connect with leaders in AI and emerging tech to explore accessibility integrations.
✦ Eager to find collaborators for innovative universal design projects.
✦ Looking to share insights on building accessible digital futures.
I can help with
✦ Offer expert guidance on WCAG compliance and accessibility strategy.
✦ Advise on integrating accessibility into product development lifecycles.
✦ Share best practices for building inclusive user experiences.
I would love your help on
✦ Connect with VCs focused on assistive technology investments.
✦ Identify potential partners for cross-platform accessibility initiatives.
✦ Find opportunities to speak at global technology and design conferences.
