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Lauren Herrera
Software Engineer, Creator, Connector and Space Holder
Professional Background
Lauren (Sky) Herrera is a dedicated software engineer with a rich blend of technical skills, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to workplace diversity and inclusion. Currently serving as a Software Development Engineer II (SDE II) at RealSelf, she is passionate about using her programming skills to design and develop tools that not only enhance user experience but also positively impact individuals' lives. With hands-on experience across various roles including Software Engineer I and Software Engineer Intern at RealSelf, Lauren has cultivated a comprehensive understanding of software development processes and the importance of user experience in tech projects.
Lauren’s professional journey has been marked by her proactive approach to community engagement within the tech industry. She actively participates in conferences, meet-ups, and informational interviews, allowing her to stay connected and continuously learn from her peers and industry leaders. This commitment to professional development showcases her belief that technology should uphold the values of flexibility, creativity, and positive human impact. Additionally, she utilizes her exceptional group dynamic skills to support fellow female professionals and BIPOC individuals in the workplace, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration.
Education and Achievements
Lauren's educational journey is as remarkable as her professional accomplishments. She graduated from the prestigious California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. This solid educational background provided Lauren with a thorough understanding of process optimization, project management, and user-centered design, which she effectively applies in her software engineering role.
Furthermore, Lauren is a proud alumna of Ada Developers Academy, having completed her training in Software Development as a member of Cohort 6. This immersive program for aspiring female software engineers equipped her with hands-on coding skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in diverse teams. The combination of her software development training and her industrial engineering degree positions Lauren as a well-rounded professional capable of bridging the gap between technology and user experience.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Lauren has made significant contributions in various organizations, each role building upon the last to create a rich tapestry of experience. Early in her career, she successfully managed projects at SlingFin, where her skills as a project manager were honed. This experience, paired with her previous role as Program Manager for Environmental Sustainability at Cisco Systems, demonstrates her capability to work effectively in both engineering and strategic roles.
Her freelancing ventures in graphic design not only showcase her creative talents but also her adaptability and capacity to thrive in diverse environments. This multifaceted skillset allows her to approach software development challenges from unique angles, ultimately enriching the end-user experience.
Involvement in organizations and communities focusing on diversity and inclusion has also been a highlight of Lauren's career. She believes strongly in using her voice and expertise to advocate for underrepresented groups in tech. Lauren’s dedication to mentoring, empowerment, and fostering an inclusive workplace atmosphere not only contributes to her professional satisfaction but also inspires others in her circle to follow a similar path.
Overall, Lauren (Sky) Herrera exemplifies the ideal blend of software development expertise and a genuine passion for making a positive impact in the tech world. Her commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and supporting her peers marks her as a dynamic leader within her field.
