At the Latency conference, I delved into the transformative power of AI and its profound impact on our world. My talk explored how AI is breaking down barriers across industries, from healthcare to education, and even in our daily lives. I discussed the democratization of technology through AI, enabling individuals and businesses to achieve tasks that were once out of reach. The ethical implications and the importance of responsible AI development were also key points in my presentation. By showcasing real-world examples and future possibilities, I aimed to inspire the audience to embrace AI as a tool for positive change and innovation.
At Laracon Sydney in 2023 I had an interactive AI presentation. A vibrant talk on AI, othering and autonomy! You can watch it on YouTube.
In 2022 I had the remarkable opportunity to present at the prestigious Web Directions Summit in Sydney. In my talk, I detailed my journey into programming, a path that not only bestowed upon me a newfound level of independence—financially, psychologically, and ideologically—but also paved the way for dreams I hadn't previously dared to envision. My presentation incorporated actionable steps to becoming a proficient developer, a guide I believe can benefit both aspiring and experienced developers, particularly those grappling with the elusive imposter syndrome. To add a personal touch, I also discussed my passion project—a blog dedicated to Hilary Duff, much to the delight of my inner 12-year-old self!
In 2021 I had the opportunity to discuss the profound impact She Codes Australia had on shaping my career path during a networking event. Hosted by Senior Director Jodie Gillespie of Robert Walters Perth, the event aimed to connect budding tech talent with industry clients. It was heartening to see the enthusiasm and eagerness of numerous clients who were there to share their knowledge and insights. These moments of connection and shared growth are indeed precious in our journey within the tech world.
In 2021 I had the pleasure of speaking at the industry networking night hosted by #codersforcauses at UWA. The focus of my talk was on the intricacies of building a website from scratch, using my project (fashionistaindanger.com) as a case study. This enriching experience was not only enjoyable but also a learning curve for me, filled with captivating conversations and interactions with the incredible attendees. The chance to meet such diverse and talented individuals truly made the event memorable.
In the unprecedented year of 2020, I had the honor of addressing an extraordinary group of individuals who achieved the seemingly impossible. Amid a global pandemic, these trailblazers grasped the essentials of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Django, and React, before transitioning into tech careers - all within the span of six months. Their resilience, intelligence, and fervor for technology was truly awe-inspiring. As I stood to give my speech to my students and colleagues at the She Codes cohort 2020 showcase event, I couldn't have been prouder to celebrate these remarkable women who truly defied the odds.
As a panelist at the 'Coders for Causes' event 2020, I found myself amidst an empowering group of women, their stories resonating with motivation and inspiration. The environment buzzed with queries and curiosities from women questioning their fit in the tech world, to which I emphatically say, 'Absolutely, you are cut out for tech!' It was a humbling experience, one that felt almost dreamlike.
I had the opportunity to co-host an insightful session titled 'A Different Wireframe of Mind'. In this talk, Roxanne and I delved into the indispensable role that wireframing plays in ideation and coding. I passionately believe in the importance of effectively mapping out concepts through wireframes before plunging into coding. To aid this process, we provided an overview of beginner-friendly tools to kickstart your wireframing journey. It was an engaging session filled with questions, interactions, and lots of learning. I'm always open to sharing more about my experiences with wireframing, so don't hesitate to reach out if you're curious.
As a proud recipient of the SheCodes scholarship, I embarked on a transformative six-month journey, immersing myself in learning vital coding languages including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Python, and Django. In 2020, I had the honor of participating as a panelist in a SheCodes alumni event where I had the opportunity to share my insights and experiences. Transitioning into tech can seem daunting, but I've come to realize that the passion and dedication one brings to this field are far more crucial than adhering to pre-existing labels. I strive to inspire others by demonstrating that pursuing what you love is paramount, with the nomenclature of your career path taking a secondary role.