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Katie Larson
InfoSec Lead - North America at ThoughtWorks
Professional Background
Katie Larson is a dynamic Web Developer known for her problem-solving abilities, keen desire to learn, and a unique background that bridges the worlds of art history and technology. With a professional journey that began in the academic sphere of art history graduate study, Katie explored various fields, ultimately finding her passion in the tech industry. Before her transition into web development, she honed her skills in the wine industry, where she developed a rich understanding of experience-oriented customer engagement. This diverse background has equipped her with a well-rounded perspective on user experience and interface design, making her a problem solver in the truest sense.
With expertise in programming languages and frameworks including Ruby on Rails, jQuery, React-Redux, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and databases like Postgres and SQLite, Katie has successfully constructed applications that cater to real-world needs. Notably, her project on reducing food waste through effective inventory tracking in users' freezers stands out as a testament to her commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good. Another significant contribution is her innovative Potluck Planner app, designed to help users organize and share contributions effortlessly. Her work reflects a clear focus on utilizing technology as a tool to enhance lives and foster community connections.
In addition to her development projects, Katie is actively involved in several organizations. As an InfoSec Lead for North America at ThoughtWorks, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring the security protocols of software development processes. Her previous roles highlight her versatility; she has served as a Developer Consultant and an Apprentice Web Developer at ThoughtWorks, as well as contributing significantly as a DigiDem Organizer at DigiDems. These experiences underscore her collaborative spirit and dedication to contributing to important tech initiatives.
Education and Achievements
Katie's academic journey is marked by rigorous training and a passion for learning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature and French Language and Literature from the University of Minnesota-Morris. Her pursuit of knowledge continued as she engaged with the arts at a deeper level, earning a Master of Arts in Art History and completing all but the dissertation for her Doctor of Philosophy degree at Indiana University Bloomington. This rich academic history not only reflects her intellectual capabilities but also her dedication to the arts and education, which she seamlessly integrates into her current tech projects.
As a Full Stack Web Developer, she graduated from the prestigious Flatiron School, where she gained hands-on experience with industry-standard development practices. This blend of artistic insight with technical expertise enables her to create aesthetically pleasing and functional applications.
Professional Contributions
Katie's professional contributions extend beyond her development work. As a former Instructor of Record at Indiana University Bloomington, she imparted her knowledge to students, fostering an engaging learning environment. Her experience as a Registrar's Assistant at the Indiana University Art Museum illustrates her passion for art and education. Additionally, she exhibited her business acumen and attention to customer experience during her tenure as a Wine Specialist and Beer Buyer at Vin Chicago, where she curated a selection of fine wines to elevate customer experiences.
The breadth of Katie's experience also includes her role as a Social Media Intern at Rosenthal Fine Art, where she developed marketing strategies that aligned with the brand's vision and audience engagement goals. This position not only honed her communication skills but also positioned her uniquely at the intersection of technology, art, and consumer engagement.
Overall, Katie Larson is a versatile and accomplished professional whose journeys through academia and the arts have cultivated a rich skill set that she applies in the tech industry today. Her innovative approach to problem-solving, coupled with a commitment to improving user experience through technology, makes her a valuable asset in any tech-driven environment.
