What do you do?
I’m a Full Stack Developer for a tech company that creates cloud based software for the mortgage lending industry.
Before this, I worked at an e-commerce company. I worked on 15+ Magento stores. At that time, I worked with the LAMP stack. My focus has since shifted to newer front end JavaScript technologies.
Why did you start coding?
Writing code is my form of art. I have always been the creative type. I could never draw, but I always had ideas. As soon as I took a web programming class in college, I was hooked. I could finally create what I was envisioning in my head and have it look and function exactly how I imagined.
People may not think that developers are very artistic, but programming is actually a highly creative professsion. It’s logic based creativity.
I love being around so many intelligent minds every day. We are creators. We can take ideas and make them a reality. We can change the future. Possibilities are endless in this field and it’s exhilarating.
What are you currently learning?
I’m currently diving into using TypeScript with React/Redux. TypeScript has come a long way in a short time and I’m really enjoying what I’ve been learning so far.
I’m also starting to use Ava for unit testing. I’m hoping to get more into React Native and PWA’s soon.
Have you ever felt challenged as a female in this field?
The honest answer is yes. I did not experience this until I got further into my career though. At the beginning, people were excited to give me a chance because I was something new and interesting.
Things changed a bit when I began to apply for more senior roles. People were more nervous to trust me. I was something different, something risky. Some people go with what they are comfortable with... but smart people go with raw talent.
If you ever feel like you are not being treated fairly because of your gender, move on. If they don’t see you, someone else will. I promise you that. There are far too many opportunities waiting for you in this industry to be treated like less than you’re worth.
Any advice for other women or non-binary folks in STEM?
Don’t be afraid to speak up and be yourself! I cannot stress this enough. Doors will open for you when you show the world what you’re made of.
And some advice to developers of all genders - share your ideas and collaborate with others. Don’t fear the unknown. Challenge yourself. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and learn from them. Keep your passion alive!
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