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Marni Cohen
Software Engineer \o/
Professional Background
Marni Cohen is a dynamic force in the technology and gaming sectors, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience as a public speaker, software engineer, and founder of an innovative organization dedicated to the LGBTQ+ gaming community. With a career that spans several influential roles in reputable companies, Marni has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead and inspire, particularly in spaces that blend technology with advocacy.
Starting her career as a Desktop Support Technician at Puppet, Marni quickly rose through the ranks due to her exceptional technical skills and problem-solving abilities. She transitioned to an Operations Engineering Intern role, where she honed her expertise in systems development and business processes. Her dedication and talent led her to become an Associate Business Systems Developer at Puppet, where she contributed significantly to the company's operational efficiency and software solutions.
Marni then embraced the role of Software Engineer at New Relic, Inc., a position that allowed her to apply her passion for software development and analytics in a high-paced environment. Her skills further flourished during her tenure as a Senior Software Engineer at Apsis Labs, where she played a critical role in developing applications that catered to diverse user needs, desired functionalities, and improved user experience.
Beyond her technical roles, Marni's commitment to growth and change in the tech industry is evident through her active participation in public speaking. She has shared insights on various panels and conferences, focusing on topics that resonate with underrepresented groups in tech, making her a prominent voice in advocating for inclusivity in the industry.
Education and Achievements
Marni's educational journey laid a solid foundation for her successful career in technology. She pursued her studies at Portland State University, where she gained essential knowledge and skills that contributed to her professional development. Additionally, her time at Portland Community College provided her with a crucial early education, cementing her technical foundations and fueling her passion for software engineering and gaming.
Marni's achievements in public speaking are notable, as she has been an invited speaker at various prestigious events. At Velocity Conf 2014, she presented "Mansplaining 101: Cisadmin Edition," effectively addressing gender-related issues in tech. Her participation in AlterConf 2015 showcased her ability to connect personal narratives with broader themes in technology, specifically with her talk, "Riot Grrrl in the Tech Wrrrld."
Her impactful discussions continued at Women Uninterrupted 2015, where she tackled the vital topic of interruptions in conversations, and at Elixir Conf 2016, where she presented "Moving to Elixir From Ruby" alongside Gabriella Chronis, illustrating her collaborative spirit and technical proficiency. Other noteworthy contributions include her involvement in panels at the Cascadia IT Conf, Portland Retro Gaming Expo, and QGCon, where she continues to uplift and empower others in the gaming and tech community.
Personal Projects and Community Involvement
In addition to her impressive professional background, Marni is a founder of Queermo Games, an organization dedicated to providing a platform for creativity and inclusivity in gaming, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals. Through this initiative, Marni aims to influence cultural change within the gaming community, fostering a supportive environment that encourages diverse perspectives and representation.
With a focus on intersectionality, Marni's work not only highlights the challenges faced by marginalized groups in the tech world but also seeks to facilitate constructive dialogues and solutions. Her work with Queermo Games is a testament to her dedication to advocacy and her belief in the power of gaming as a tool for social change.
Achievements
- Founded Queermo Games to promote inclusivity in the gaming industry.
- Presented at prestigious conferences, sharing her expertise and insights on topics such as gender dynamics in tech and programming languages.
- Influenced positive change through her advocacy, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community in technology and gaming.
- Delivered engaging talks and panels at events like Velocity Conf, AlterConf, and Elixir Conf, highlighting her commitment to education and mentoring in the tech field.
