Meet the Speakers: Episode 1
While the number of days left to submit presentation proposals has been growing shorter, the number of DevFest WI speakers has been growing longer! Here are some of the fine folks we’ve booked already, along with a sneak peek of what they’ve got to say:
Jen Neuls - I Did That!
A people-centric product leader, Jen Neuls (she/her) has a wide range of experience in both the arts and technology spaces, working at companies such as HP, Zendesk, and the Madison Children’s Museum. Jen’s belief that “everyone has superpowers they can use to help them achieve their goals and make a difference” will be the focal point of her talk, “I Did That! Tracking your Impact and Announcing your Accomplishments”. Recording your own achievements regularly and publicizing them can bolster your self-confidence and help you attain your career goals; however, this can often be a daunting task — especially if you’re a member of an under-represented group in tech.
If you’d like to learn how to toot your own horn as effectively as possible, keep your eye on the schedule for this presentation.
Alex Rolfe - Building a Flexible, Inclusive Tech Interview
Currently a lead backend developer at Alloy Women’s Health, Alex Rolfe (he/him) will share some of his sage wisdom regarding an endlessly relevant topic: the technical interview.
How can you and your team design flexible, inclusive tech interviews? What’s the most humane and equitable way to use these experiences to open doors for prospective hires? Should you use a whiteboard?
If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake at night wondering about the answers to any of these questions (but especially if you haven’t 😉) this talk is for you!
Dorothea Salo - Is Your Software Teachable?
On faculty at UW-Madison’s Information School, Dorothea Salo (she/her) wears many meaningful hats as a teacher. At any given time, her course list may include classes on library/archival technology, introductory programming, introductory information security, technology and data ethics, and organization of information and data.
As someone who introduces new software to students on the daily, Dorothea’s presentation will focus on the teachability of tech. Is your software polished, usable, and well-documented enough to be taught in a college classroom? Is it easy to install and maintain, or does its design, affordability, and/or documentation pose significant barriers to entry?
Attend Dorothea’s presentation to find out!