About Troo

It’s time for a platform that actually serves its user base. Troo is the safe and healthy alternative to traditional social media, ready to drastically improve your online experience.

Being human means being social.

We see that as a virtue and not to be manipulated for profit or taken advantage of. Many of us have become desensitized and see trading personal privacy for access to these social spaces as just another "necessary evil”.

Our values

Empathy

We will always put your needs first, in everything we create, and open up spaces that encourage respect and understanding.

Trust

We are providing a reliable platform that follows through on our intentions and strives to maintain accountability and integrity.

Community

We understand the importance of belonging and will be developing a digital environment that supports its communities.

Our mission

We are dedicated to providing a safe space to inspire community through ethical social media. Rooted in empathy, respect, and support, Troo works closely with our users to create a truly safe and welcoming online environment.

How we’re different

Meaningful interactions

We believe in purposeful engagement and our goal is to help you maintain friendships and facilitate making worthwhile connections.

Safe and secure

Many of us have unfortunately become numb to corporations selling our data. Here you can rest easy knowing your information is protected.

Mental health focused

No one should have to fight to stay relevant or be force fed mindless or depressing media. We are doing away with addictive algorithms once and for all.

Nurturing self-expression

We encourage creativity and individuality by refusing to participate in using harmful algorithms to decide your content's visibility.

Empowering and uplifting

We intend to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and help them to rightfully feel both seen and heard.

Our team

Olha Bahaieva (she/her)

Sr. Product Designer

Hi! I’m a UX/UI Designer from Ukraine with a passion for programming, writing, and content creation. I love to create products from scratch and develop them myself. While I’m still studying programming, I’m also an active design influencer. I contribute to a design community by writing articles on Medium. 

Morning beverage:

Green tea or chocolate latte with a donut

Song on repeat:

Somewhere in my memory by John Williams

Lex Devlin (he/him)

Data Analyst

I'm Lex, a data analyst who thinks about regenerative economics, philosophy, psychology, and whatever else gets at the whys of human society. Here at Troo, I'm seeking to help define what makes digital environments work in service to our human needs. An idealist, I dream of creating a sustainable, democratic future of abundance for everyone.

Morning beverage:

Water

Song on repeat:

Home Is by Jacob Collier

Kelsang Dolma (she/her)

UX Designer

Hi there! I’m Kelsang, a self-taught UX/ UI Designer, with a BA in Information Technology. I believe in creating systems that work well for the user while also keeping business needs in check. When not thinking about design, my hobbies include photography, learning a new language, traveling, and video editing.

Morning beverage:

Milk tea

Song on repeat:

The Adults Are Talking by The Strokes

Megan Flagg (she/her)

UX Designer

I’m a UX designer with a background in higher education and the arts. I am passionate about creating inclusive, intuitive experiences for customers and collaborating with people to solve puzzles. When I’m not at my computer, you can find me running around with my dogs, relaxing with a good film, or planning my next trip.

Morning beverage:

Earl grey green tea

Song on repeat:

Superstition by Stevie Wonder

Ilmaa Haque (she/her)

Product Manager

I’m Ilmaa (one i, two a's). I have a background in UX design and research, leadership, and education — which all combine to help me propel Troo's mission! In my free time, I enjoy contributing to non-traditional scholarship, like Yelp and Letterboxd, as well as playing Animal Crossing and petting my Nebelung named Kaju.

Morning beverage:

Stok medium roast cold brew with chobani oat vanilla oatmilk

Song on repeat:

Take Me Home by PinkPanthress

Lucy Lee (she/her)

UX Designer

Hi, I’m a UX Designer with a passion for creating compelling experiences. I like to look at how people interact with everyday products and search for opportunity gaps that can make their day even better. When I’m not in front of my computer, I like to go on a drive or bake with my family. Our next goal is macarons!

Morning beverage:

Iced americano

Song on repeat:

Sunday Morning by Hamzaa

Emma Mantell (she/her)

Creative Director

Hello! As Creative Director here at Troo, it's my job to help bring out the best in our incredible designers. I often measure my success by the positive impact I can have on others and strive to normalize conversations surrounding mental health and identity. For fun I play piano, draw, and get overly excited when my plants grow a new leaf.

Morning beverage:

Oolong tea with honey

Song on repeat:

Look at the Sky by Porter Robinson

Serena-Lee Martin (she/her)

UX Researcher

Hey! I’m a UX Researcher who enjoys diving deep into mental wellness and social interactions in digital spaces. It is my passion to make technology safer and engaging; while ensuring that face to face interactions can still be deemed favorable. I’m also on a journey of becoming a polyglot and trying to touch my toes… Wish me luck!

Morning beverage:

Raspberry tea with honey

Song on repeat:

Serenade of Water by Men I Trust

Jeremy Mendoza (he/him)

UX Consultant

I’m a UX designer who loves working with clients to identify their needs. I collaborate with cross-functional teams to produce user-centric solutions backed by strategic and market research. I am also a big advocate for inclusive design. Outside of work, I enjoy balancing fitness and being a foodie. Does power walking to a restaurant count?

Morning beverage:

Black coffee and a protein shake

Song on repeat:

Cuff It by Beyonce

Michael Nicholas (he/him)

Founder & CEO

Hello! I’m the founder and CEO of Troo Co. I started working on Troo because I think we deserve a better option than what current platforms offer for connecting with each other and sharing content. When not working on Troo-related stuff I enjoy playing my guitars, learning languages (I’m currently learning Korean), and reading.

Morning beverage:

Ethiopian coffee (french press)

Song on repeat:

Spellbound by Siouxsie And The Banshees

Rachel Rossi-Foy (she/her)

Product Designer

Hello everyone! I am a Product Designer who loves to solve problems, help people and create beautiful designs; the perfect trifecta in my opinion. With a background in teaching and bartending, I have been able to transfer my real-life user experience skills into the digital. My passions outside of design include thrifting, finding the perfect hot sauce, and house hunting with my husband.

Morning beverage:

Bulletproof coffee

Song on repeat:

Right/Wrong by Night Beats

Tamara Roth (she/her)

UX Designer

I’m a UX Designer who is passionate about using technology to improve people’s well-being while creating intuitive, time-saving solutions. I strive to keep accessibility and differing viewpoints in mind so that everyone can experience the product. Besides research and design, I enjoy baking, painting, and creating home furnishings.

Morning beverage:

Water

Song on repeat:

Second Wind by L'indécis

Asher Silverman (they/them)

UX Designer

I'm a UX designer who is passionate about creating things that make the world a kinder, brighter, more equitable place. Before jumping to UX, I spent 7 years as a graphic designer, and have a background in both professional storytelling and biology. In my free time, you can find me playing TTRPGs and working on my latest crafting project.

Morning beverage:

Homemade cold brew

Song on repeat:

Smart Mouth by Riverby

Jiawei Yue (he/him)

UX Designer

Hi there, I am a bear from north China. I like to explore the world, enjoy cooking food, play golf and snowboard. Transitioning from graphic design to UX because I think design is more than just the look or feel. Design should be a solution and make the world better. I enjoy the process of UX from research to the solutions and iterating.

Morning beverage:

Black coffee or green tea

Song on repeat:

Deep Ocean, Wide Sky (海闊天空) by Beyond

Check out our team playlist!

Our advisors

Jessica Groopman (she/her)

Advisor

I am an advisor to Troo, and a technology analyst focused on societal implications surrounding a wide array of emerging tech and business models. I am currently the Director of Digital Strategy & Innovation at Intentional Futures. Prior to that, I led research and strategic advisory at several tech research firms, including my own.

Kimberly Sommers (she/her)

Advisor

I am an advisor to Troo and a licensed psychologist. I work primarily with college students as a therapist and educator. I am passionate about mental health, wellness, and social justice. I joined the Troo advisory board to provide insight and feedback about the relationship between mental health and social media. 

Resonate with our mission? We would love to have passionate people join our team!

Learn how to get involved