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CMAA

Founded over 40 years ago by Chinese immigrants seeking to support fellow newcomers, the Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) has grown into an organization serving immigrants and refugees of all backgrounds across Chicago.

Today, CMAA offers English and citizenship classes, youth programs, senior services, career assistance, and more - helping individuals and families navigate life in a new country while building community along the way.

PHOTOGRAPHY * WEB DESIGN * SOCIALS

My work with CMAA

HOW I GOT STARTED

My journey with CMAA began as a volunteer ESL tutor, helping two Chinese immigrants build confidence in their everyday English. Through tutoring, I came to appreciate the breadth of CMAA's work and the meaningful role it plays in Chicago's immigrant and refugee communities.

I wanted to contribute beyond the classroom. By using photography and web design, I hoped to help more people discover CMAA's services, showcase its impact to potential donors and volunteers, and ultimately support the organization's ability to help more people.

My work with CMAA

MAKING IT EASIER TO FIND HELP

I also redesigned CMAA's website with the people using its services in mind. With programs spanning education, immigration, youth development, senior care, and more, I wanted visitors to quickly understand what support was available, who each program was for, and how to get started, especially since English may not be a visitors' first language.

The redesign focused on clearer navigation, accessible language, more intuitive program pages, and photography that reflects the communities CMAA serves. It was designed to help people seeking services find the right resources, while making it easier for volunteers and donors understand the organization's impact.

As of October 7, 2026, the redesigned pages are in the process of being transferred to CMAA's official website.

BEFORE

AFTER

CHANGES

KEY INFORMATION UP FRONT IN CLEAR, CONCISE LANGUAGE FOR NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS

REAL CMAA PHOTOGRAPHY INSTEAD OF STOCK PHOTOS

BIGGER FONT AND HIGH-CONTRAST COLORS FOR BETTER ACCESSIBILITY

BOLD CALLOUTS FOR EASIER SCANNING AND READABILITY

SIMPLIFIED CALL TO ACTION