teleren/devto huggingface dataset:
Nevertheless, She Hacked
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-07 22:11:33

---
title: Nevertheless, She Hacked
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## First Time I Touched a Computer I Knew...

I was young but not as young as some people are when they tinker with computers. I was struggling with my mental health and depression and I was locked away with some other people struggling. 

A guy, probably the smartest guy I've ever met, was allowed to work on his Masters in Mathematics. It was 2000-2001. I was 22, he was 35. He sat on the bench, smoking his Camels, with his Windows 95 laptop open. I looked at the computer, always something I wanted (I actually had a Commodore 128 when I was 12 as a hand-me-down computer). My eyes literally widened and I asked if I could work with it. I just learned how to get on the web, which was starting to take off. I worked with Word and a few other pieces of software and *knew right then* that I needed to work with computers.

Fast forward 13 years and some college experience. I was a Humanities major that kept talking about and tweaking software. I would often remark that I wanted to work in tech.

I bought a MacBook Pro early 2014. I downloaded a simple coding text editor. I bought a few random courses on Udemy in some Mac bundle. My friend Joe told me he was going to major in two things at once which meant that *I could do it too*. This gave me the permission I needed to start coding. I went from wanting to be a designer to wanting to be an engineer pretty quickly.

## I'm currently hacking on OSS and Free Code Camp

I am working on the Free Code Camp weather app, contributing to open source, and building a few libraries to send up to GitHub. I also have an e-commerce project I need to get done for my cousin's sports car parts business.

## I'm excited about OSS

Building more software projects. More complex software and contributing more to open source. If I can build something someone, anyone finds useful, that makes me happy. That will make me fulfilled. In the same vein, if I can help take care of issues for a team of software developers open sourcing their software. How cool is that?

## My advice for other women who code is:

Speak up. I got mansplained to when doing an interview with a pretty well-known front end developer. I didn't notice but the people who were interviewing him with me did. If I knew what was going on, I would have spoken up. So I guess, also, know your worth. For me, him talking down to me or interrupting me was something I experienced enough that I didn't know it was not normal. Know that you deserve a seat at the table and if you aren't getting that opportunity, **speak up**. I am rather brash by nature so this isn't a problem for me.

If you know you aren't getting the opportunities you should, look for another company. Too many women are leaving tech. There are companies looking for you. The search may be difficult but so worth it, especially if this is something you love.

Don't quit. We need you.
Hi, I'm Alice
Tags: introductions
Published: 2017-03-08 01:05:23

---
title: Hi, I'm Alice
published: true
description: My introduction post
cover_image: 
tags: introductions
---

I have been coding for 1 year.

You can find me on GitHub as [Alicekb](https://github.com/Alicekb)

I live in Wallington.

I mostly program in these languages: Ruby on Rails and JavaScript.

I am currently learning more about React.

Nice to meet you.
Nevertheless, Meheret Girma Coded
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-08 01:01:04

---
title: Nevertheless, Meheret Girma Coded 
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## I began coding because...

I was introduced to coding when I took my first computer science class. When I started I was not encouraged or happy by coding. But after learning for a while and coding more I started to love it more. 

## I'm currently hacking on...

 I have started working on a side project to build a web application that lets users review there coffee and hope to make it a mobile app! 

## I'm excited about...

 New ideas and helping people!


## My advice for other women who code is...

Keeping pushing and doing what you love! Even if the road is rough just keeping doing what you love. We can do big thing if we encourage eachother!
Nevertheless, Hayley Anderson Coded
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-07 22:56:42

---
title: Nevertheless, Hayley Anderson Coded 
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## I began coding because...

My part-time job in college required getting events posted with HTML onto a barebones website. I was supposed to have an intern post them, but then I discovered he was taking a long time because he didn't know HTML. I didn't either, but I thought, if he could do it, then I wanted to do it myself. And once I started coding, I started wondering why on earth I was doing anything else.

## I'm currently hacking on...

The API and organizer experience at Meetup. Yep... three years later, I'm working on events again. And at a company that was instrumental to me during the process of learning to code and growing as a developer. I <3 it.

## I'm excited about...

Taking on more responsibility and learning how to better prioritize and communicate to make beneficial decisions for the business rather than just the code.

## My advice for other women who code is...

Don't just have a [Fuck Off Fund](https://thebillfold.com/a-story-of-a-fuck-off-fund-648401263659#.o1vv5l9v2). Also get yourself a Fuck Off Portfolio, Fuck Off Connections, and a Fuck Off Attitude, and learn to recognize when you need to use them ASAP.
Nevertheless, Farah Brunache Coded
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-08 00:47:29

---
title: Nevertheless, Farah Brunache Coded 
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## I began coding because...

Originally, I was curious about how computers worked. Shortly, after I began coding to create tools/sites that I wanted and couldn't afford ;).

## I'm currently hacking on...

Infotainment systems in electric vehicles

## I'm excited about...

"Intelligent" transportation and autonomous vehicles

## My advice for other women who code is...

I have been in less than desirable work environments, where harassment of women was acceptable. For those who experience this, remember that this is not a reflection of your skills and ability to grow, but likely a reflection of another's insecurities. Do not let it or anything stop you from coding, ever.
Nevertheless, Bat Hacked
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-07 23:57:33

---
title: Nevertheless, Bat Hacked 
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## I began hacking when...

I was a small child, maybe 7 or 8. My dad bought a battered 1972 brown Pinto from a junkyard for $50. We spent the next two years completely rebuilding the engine, piece by piece, on a giant desk in our living room. When we finished, my dad made a pulley system that utilized a giant oak tree in our front yard. I remember guiding the engine out of the window and watching as my dad lowered it into the car. 3 days later, after a bit of tinkering, my dad let me push the clutch, turn the key, and start a car for the very first time. As happy as I was in that moment, I remember my dad saying to me, **"You have to learn how to do this kind of stuff for yourself. You're already a step behind because you're a girl."** Now I *have* to learn how things work. I *need* to tear stuff apart. I enjoy breaking things almost as much as I like fixing them. Cars, computers, code, policy, clothing... doesn't really matter. *I just can't leave well enough alone*.

## I'm currently hacking on...

Federal cloud infrastructure and incident response plans at [18F](https://18f.gsa.gov/). I moonlight at NASA securing clusters and ███████. I also really enjoy hacking on electronic badges, odroids, and wearable tech. I'm a total Hubble fangirl with a passion for all things Lego.

## I'm excited about...

contributing to transparent Federal vulnerability disclosure policies that other agencies are welcome (and encouraged) to fork. It may not seem particularly exciting, but it's totes my jam right now. I'm pretty proud of the 18F vuln disclosure policy [repo](https://github.com/18F/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/blob/master/vulnerability-disclosure-policy.md). If you're really interested in this stuff, I [blogged](https://18f.gsa.gov/2016/11/22/a-vulnerability-disclosure-policy-for-the-technology-transformation-service/) about General Services Administration's Technology Transformation Service policy. Clear reporting channels make hackers happy, and lessen the number of Fed vulns sent to me via Twitter. :)
*Secure all the things!* 

## My advice for other women who hack is...

to learn to use your voices. You can't hide behind your keyboards forever. The landscape will never change unless the faces representing our field do. Practice public speaking any time you can. Join a toastmasters group. Submit talks to conferences that offer speech mentors. I can't stress enough the importance of feeling empowered to speak, whether in small team meetings or in front of thousands of conference attendees.
*Confidence only comes with practice*.
Nancy Chizurum
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-07 23:52:53

---
title: Nancy Chizurum 
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## I began coding because...
At a very young age, I became fascinated with coding and the logic behind hacking, so much so that I applied to study a course with options in Computer Science. Unfortunately I studied a different course. Fast-forward to five years after graduation, I got an opportunity to go for a programming course and I haven't looked back yet. Though I am still in the beginning phase of coding, I have come a long way and haven't regretted that decision.

## I'm currently hacking on...

I am currently learning how to build simple apps with JavaScript.

## I'm excited about...

I am excited about using technology to solve real-life problems and that has been key in motivating my desire to purse programming.

## My advice for other women who code is...

For all females out there who feel intimidated to pursue a field dominated by males, my advice is this, don't be scared. Truth is you will meet some difficulty on your journey, but keep in mind that you're not alone and many have succeeded, so will you.
Nevertheless, Eleanor Harding Coded
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-07 23:45:17

---
title: Nevertheless, Eleanor Harding Coded 
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## I began coding because...

I've always loved building things. Growing up, my mother would let me take a few indulgent days off school every now and then for no real reason at all. I called them 'Eleanor Days' and spent them building things like roller coasters made of straws, motion-detecting robots or pulley systems to bring my school uniform to my bed. It was pure creation and I loved it. I started coding because through these little inventions I discovered that wonderful little rush of adrenaline when you create something that works. I started out with a Computer Science degree back in South Africa, but steadily made the shift towards Product Design. When I discovered hackathons, I started to figure out the sweet-spot of how the two work well together as Product Development. Now I do a bit of both, and really love blurring the lines between the two. To me, designing and building products is all about the magic of turning ideas into things.


## I'm currently hacking on...

[TweetDeck](http://tweetdeck.twitter.com) at Twitter! I'm a Product Designer during the week and a Hackathon Hacker over weekends. Recently, I've been hacking apps for the Amazon Echo. Conversational UI is an incredibly cool space to explore at the moment (and I'm really enjoying being able to speak to my apartment to control my gadgets). My other side project is a peer mentorship network for all those delightful people you run into at events across the London Tech Scene. I'm all about using tech as a tool to enable us to be better. 


## I'm excited about...

SPACE ðŸŒ•ðŸŒ–ðŸŒ—ðŸŒ˜ðŸŒ‘ Specifically, how we might design and build for it. We're not as far away from this sort of thing as we think we are, and off-planet is not as far removed from on-planet as we think it is. It's also clear that the barrier to entry for all this majestic space stuff is lower than ever. There's absolutely nothing stopping you from writing some code right now and [sending it on a little computer up to the edge of space](http://www.highaltitudescience.com/). 


## My advice for other women who code is...

First and foremost, work hard and be nice to people (this piece of advice is particularly gender-neutral). It's incredibly important to throw yourself out of your comfort zone. Do something different and exciting like a hackathon or an event or giving a talk. Seek some diverse perspectives and discover the world from a new angle. My third chunk of advice would be to absolutely pour yourself into what you're building. You'll learn a lot about yourself along the way. Finally, think hard about what you really enjoy doing and every day put some effort into doing a little more of that. Every one of the micro-decisions you make in your day can contribute to doing more of what truly makes you happy.
Nevertheless, Veni Kunche Coded
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-07 22:15:07

---
title: Nevertheless, Veni Kunche Coded 
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## I began coding because...

I tried out a Computer Science class in High School. I got hooked. Coding became my creative outlet. I love to create new things and be able to bring my ideas to life.

## I'm currently working on...

syncing data between [ScienceBase](https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/)  and the [Science in the Great Lakes (SiGL) Mapper](https://sigl.wim.usgs.gov/sigl/) using Amazon Lambda.

I am also building [mobile app templates](ionickits.com) for Ionic developers. I recently built an app template for conferences and I am working on one for e-commerce.

## I'm excited about...

Slack Bots! I just learned how to build one. I'll be building one so that employers can [share jobs](http://unitedwomenoftech.com/employer/) with women in tech slack communities.

## My advice for other women who code is...

Don't strive for perfection. Go after what you want now. It's ok to make mistakes. Sometimes trial and error is how you learn. If you don't try, you'll never know what you are capable of.

I've wanted to start my own business but I kept waiting for the right time, the right experience, and so on. I have the huge advantage of having the ability to create most software products. I am learning the business side as I go. Now that I've started down this path, I wish I started sooner.

Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. Take advantage of the amazing [women in tech communities](http://unitedwomenoftech.com/communities/) that are there to help you!
Nevertheless, Marty from @codingcouple Coded
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-07 21:57:53

---
title: Nevertheless, Marty from @codingcouple Coded 
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## I began coding because...

Two years ago I realised I'm much more interested in technology behind my work than my actual job. I'm an architect, and while I extremely enjoy every aspect of it, I had to face the fact I was the most excited to learn APIs and programme plug-ins for our software, code my company's website or collaborate with VR teams. This natural progression of my skills and interests led me to the point when I decided to officially pivot my career into software development.

## I'm currently hacking on...

JavaScript! It's so exciting how JS has grown over the past years and became one of the hottest languages right now, due to its functional nature, enormous expressive power and also increasing popularity as a server-side language.

## I'm excited about...
what can be around the corner! I'm switching my career to tech and this is the most interesting and ambitious time to be working in technology. I am amazed by the tech community: the passion, support and optimism which runs through it - this is so addictive! I thrive on learning new skills, meeting new people and facing new challenges. Fast-paced technology environment is a perfect match for me. What is more, I'm greatly attracted by its diversity. It's mind-boggling how many different projects I could be involved in. I am fascinated by the continuous opportunity to progress my career.

## My advice for other women who code is...
to explore and be adventurous! Tech offers so many incredible opportunities right now. Don't think too much about the pros and cons or how this job title will affect your future career. Trust your intuition and try new things - this will ultimately open doors for you, not close them. And have fun all along the way!
Nevertheless, Dina Coded
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-07 21:08:39

---
title: Nevertheless, Dina Coded 
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## I began coding because...

I suppose there are several underlying factors that got me to start actually coding. The simplest answer is probably just because I have always been fascinated by technology and software, and had wanted to try. But I didn't really do it seriously until I got to a point in my career where I had tired of being in management and was looking for a way to still earn a healthy income and not necessarily be so tied into management and its politics. I wanted something a little more independent. I think I found that in coding, because mostly if I'm struggling with something it's between me and the code! I taught myself to code on my lunch breaks, evenings and weekends.

The other reason is that I've always enjoyed being a creator, where you start out with nothing but an idea, and end up with something that didn't exist before. That's always exciting to me! Outside of my own music and art, coding is just another way for me to create.

## I'm currently hacking on...

I'm currently building a setlist management app, using the Phoenix/Elixir stack with Vue on the front-end. I'm also dipping my toes into the React Native waters and planning a simple nutrition-based mobile app. Side projects are fun when you can give them some love.

## I'm excited about...

Lately I've been excited about all the new things I've been learning — functional programming with Elixir, new frameworks, and automation/provisioning tools.

## My advice for other women who code is...

My advice would be to work on establishing a good sense of code quality, which takes some time and experience so be patient but do seek it out. Balance that sense of code quality with a healthy dose of pragmatism (resist temptations to prematurely optimize all the things).

Side projects present great opportunities to challenge yourself and work outside of your comfort zone in order to grow. Teaching others is helpful, too. There have been many times when I've had insights and new ideas just because I was explaining to someone else how my code worked. Saying things out loud can be a spark.

Find good code mentors and stay learning. Code mentors can be people you've never met in person, especially nowadays with so many good devs posting great tutorials, blog posts, videos, etc. Being a great coder is so much more than syntax and frameworks. Dev.to is a great new resource! :-)
Nevertheless, @iosjillian Coded
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-07 20:52:10

---
title: Nevertheless, @iosjillian Coded 
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## I began coding because...

Neopets and MySpace gave me the space. Learning how to edit HTML/CSS to look exactly how I wanted was extremely cool, _and_ valued by others. When I went to college, I majored in Computer Science 'cause I wanted make useful things out of letters and numbers (and I had seen pictures of Google's office in Zurich). 

## I'm currently hacking on...

[5Calls](https://5calls.org/) (iOS), [@kanyebutton](https://twitter.com/kanyebutton), and PizzaButton (coming soon, will only be exciting for RxSwift ppl and drunk ppl)

## I'm excited about...

The slow, painful death of ugly software with bad UX.

## My advice for other women who code is...

Learn about Imposter Syndrome, learn the stats about implicit biases in the workplace, and don't throw out the first salary number.
Nevertheless, Jess Lee Coded
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-07 20:33:18

---
title: Nevertheless, Jess Lee Coded 
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## I began coding because...

I found myself freelancing on Squarespace sites. Not even building 'custom' templates -- just making simple drag-and-drop sites with an !important CSS tweak here and there ðŸ˜. It was a lot of fun but I eventually felt the limitations of a cms and wanted to understand how _Squarespace_ was built. 

At the same time, I was also working as a business analyst at a SasS start up and saw that only developers were treated as first class citizens. Combined with my frustration at the gender imbalance in STEM, it was pretty clear what I had to do. I joined a bootcamp. 

## I'm currently hacking on...

You're looking at it! Currently hacking on [dev.to](http://dev.to), with the hopes of building an inclusive and valuable community for developers worldwide.

## I'm excited about...

This project -- "Nevertheless, She Coded"!! Seeing all the responses that have come in so far have been absolutely incredible. One day, hopefully there won't be 'women' who code, 'girl' developers, or tech 'ladies' because there won't be a need to call out identity differences and we'll all be the same. 

But until then, women rule. 

## My advice for other women who code is...

Networking is invaluable. But it is also very difficult - do it as often as you can bear. Go to events with a goal in mind, and think about what you can offer. But most importantly, be kind to yourself and practice self care.

Also, ergonomic everything âœŒï¸
Nevertheless, GrannyW Coded
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-07 19:56:15

---
title: Nevertheless, GrannyW Coded 
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## I began coding because...

I had a choice in my Freshman year, Philosophy 101 or Intro to Fortran. The latter sounded far more interesting. It also gained me access to the college mainframe. All those platters and blinking lights! This may have been a while ago. Then I discovered you could write calculator games ... and this thing called 'the web' happened. Then I blinked and it was 2017.

## I'm currently hacking on...

Middle to Front frameworks with emphasis on UIX on the enterprise level. Striving to design and build maintainable code that is flexible enough to pivot with the demands of today's web. 

## I'm excited about...

Learning. Coding has never disappointed. You gain mastery and go "yay!"; look around to see what's next and there is always something to reach for.

## My advice for other women who code is...

Follow your passion then follow through. Don't worry about your gender; don't worry about everyone else's gender. Be so good they can't ignore you. Learn, Work hard, have fun. The rest follows.
Nevertheless, Courtney Heitman Coded
Tags: wecoded
Published: 2017-03-07 19:56:02

---
title: Nevertheless, Courtney Heitman Coded 
published: true
tags: shecoded
---

## I began coding because...

I couldn't find a template for my Xanga that I actually liked, so I opened up dev tools and started experimenting with CSS and HTML. It was a match made in Front End Developer heaven.

## I'm currently hacking on...

I work on eCommerce by day, and I'm working on redoing a non-profit website and creating a blog for myself at night.

## I'm excited about...

the future of VR. I have a Daydream that I play with often, and I can't wait to see what crazy things we learn to do with VR in the next few years. Just think, 6 years ago Flash was still around.

## My advice for other women who code is...

Sometimes it feels weird being the only woman in the room, but trust me the more we influence our younger generations the more women we will have in the room. There are some crazy talented women developers coming out of college right now, and I can't wait to see how they influence the tech world.