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Mona Ghassemi
Lead Quality Assurance Engineer chez Rally.io
Professional Background
Mona Ghassemi is a distinguished Lead Quality Assurance Engineer currently thriving within the innovative Montreal team at Rally.io. In her role, Mona has made significant strides in the realm of software testing by developing a robust Appium and Selenium test framework for Taki.app, which has helped streamline the testing process and improve product quality. Currently, she is spearheading the development of a cutting-edge cucumber integration test framework for Rally’s public REST API and its GraphQL backend, ensuring that the technological underpinnings of the platform are not only functional but also reliable for end-users. Additionally, Mona actively contributes to front-end testing with Selenium and Galen, showcasing her diverse skill set and dedication to quality engineering.
Prior to her engagement at Rally.io, Mona served as a QA Developer at Workjam, Inc. Here, she took on the critical project of building a framework for comprehensive front-end testing, further showcasing her prowess in Quality Assurance practices. Mona's experience also encompasses automating localization workflows, thereby enhancing the user experience for individuals across different regions and languages. Her tenure at Peerio Technologies is marked by close collaboration with development teams in testing builds, writing automated tests, and addressing user support tickets, proving her adaptability and team-oriented approach in fast-paced environments.
Mona's professional journey extends beyond engineering into the realm of education and activism. Her extensive experience as an educator sets her apart, as she has served in various teaching and instructional roles. With a strong passion for helping students, she has engaged with diverse learners, including individuals with special needs, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive education. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in active listening and harm reduction practices, equipping her to create safe learning environments.
Education and Achievements
Mona Ghassemi possesses an impressive educational background with a Master’s Degree in Cultural Anthropology from Concordia University, where she achieved a remarkable GPA of 3.94/4.30. Her academic journey reflects a deep engagement with critical societal issues, as supported by her thesis titled "Reproducing The Virginity Imperative: Women’s Collusion and Men’s Complicity Among Young Iranians living in Montreal," which explores gender dynamics and cultural narratives in contemporary discourse.
Before obtaining her Master's, Mona pursued her Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in both Computer Science and Biology at McGill University. Her versatility is further exemplified by her studies in Independent Anthropology at the same institution, which complement her computer science skill set with a broader understanding of cultural contexts. Mona's journey in academia began at Vanier College through the International Baccalaureate program in Science, followed by completing her High School Diploma with an outstanding score of 97% at Westmount High School.
In addition to her higher education credentials, Mona has amassed a wealth of teaching and organizing experience. She has contributed significantly to student learning as a Teaching Assistant at Concordia University, leading tutorial sessions and designing engaging lesson plans. Furthermore, she has lent her expertise as a tutor at various institutions and has worked closely with marginalized students, advocating for their educational journeys. Her role as an editor at Stories From Montreal Student Journal showcases her proficiency in writing and communication, further enhancing her capability to connect effectively with students from various backgrounds.
Community Engagement and Activism
Beyond her impressive career in quality assurance and education, Mona is also a dedicated activist and community organizer. Her work centers on advocating for the rights and empowerment of women and marginalized communities, particularly in the context of gender and sexuality studies related to Iran, Islam, and the Middle East. Through her activism, she aims to bring awareness to societal inequalities and to contribute to discourse that fosters greater understanding and empathy across cultural divides.
Mona's commitment to community building is evident in her numerous volunteer roles, where she leverages her skills to make a difference. Whether she is providing educational support, engaging in leadership roles with youth, or actively participating in community discussions, Mona remains dedicated to fostering inclusive spaces for conversation and learning. Her diverse skill set positions her as a leader in both the educational and technological realms, affirming her commitment to growth, understanding, and equity.
Achievements
Mona Ghassemi has an extensive record of achievements that illustrate her multifaceted talents and dedication to her fields of expertise. Some notable accomplishments include:
- QA Engineering: Developed an Appium and Selenium test framework for Taki.app, enhancing the platform's testing capabilities and reliability, significantly improving user experience.
- Integration Framework Development: Currently leading the creation of a cucumber integration test framework for Rally’s public REST API and GraphQL backend, showcasing her expertise in automation and back-end testing.
- Community Involvement: Actively engaged in volunteer work, advocating for women and marginalized communities, while also providing educational support to students.
- Teaching and Mentorship: Extensive experience working in leadership roles, providing instruction, tutorials, and evaluations to students, underscoring her adaptability and commitment to student success.
- Publications and Communication: Contributed writings and editing work across multiple platforms, sharing insights on anthropological topics and fostering conversations around gender issues.
Mona Ghassemi continues to excel in her professional endeavors while also making meaningful contributions to her community. Her unique combination of skills in software quality assurance, education, and activism positions her as a respected figure in her field, paving the way for future innovations and advocacy growth.
