I am a developer advocate, software engineer, and hardware designer. It is my mission in life to empower people of all backgrounds using open source software and hardware.
I am most known for my work in the Python community. I have been the maintainer of critical community-owned open source projects like urllib3, Twine, and packaging.python.org. I’ve organized incredibly diverse and engaging conferences like PyCascades and given talks at dozens of meetups and Python conferences. I’ve volunteered my experience as an organizer, speaker mentor, and diversity expert to several conferences. I have been recognized as a Python Software Foundation Fellow for my work in the community.
I'm also the owner of an independent, boutique synthesizer company, Winterbloom. I design and manufacture Eurorack-format modules that are completely open-source.
I have deep experience with open source, developer tooling, technical writing & communication, community organization & engagement, public speaking, and API design. In addition, I have a broad history of experience with topics such as computer graphics, video games, embedded systems, front-end development, mobile development, reverse engineering, and robotics.
As a technical leader and individual contributor, I bring a wealth of experienced vision, guidance, and contributions to the teams, projects, and organizations that I interact with. My focus is always on empowering others to accomplish their goals by removing barriers, navigating ambiguity, building relationships, and detailed technical design.
My work has been featured in several articles and interviews.
Interested in working with me? Want to know more about my work experience? Please give me a shout :)
I was recognized as a fellow by the Python Software Foundation because of my significant contributions to the Python community.
Blog postI served as one of the conference organizers for the third edition of PyCascades in 2020. I mentored the new conference chairs, served on the code of conduct committee,the program committee, and handled our communications strategy.
2020.pycascades.comI served as the conference co-chair for the second edition of PyCascades in 2019. I helped create an inclusive, diverse, and engaging conference for 600 attendees. Additionally, I gave the opening remarks.
2019.pycascades.comI created free, high quality, accessible, and open source Pronoun sticker/pin designs. These help meetups and conferences provide an inclusive environment for people of all genders.
pronouns.thea.codesThis is a limited selection of public technical talks I've given.
I gave a talk titled "Building a Sega-inspired synthesizer from the ground up".
Video Write-up on HackadayI gave a talk titled "Building a Sega-inspired synthesizer" in September of 2019.
VideoI gave a talk titled "Break the Cycle".
Slides VideoI created and run the ConductHotline service to allow event organizers to better respond to Code of Conduct issues.
conducthotline.comNox is a flexible test automation tool for Python projects. I'm the creator and primary maintainer.
nox.thea.codesI am one of the maintainers of CircuitPython, an education-focused Python for microcontrollers.
https://circuitpython.orgUrllib3 is a sanity-friendly HTTP client for Python. It's the second-most downloaded Python package after the package manager. I served as the primary maintainer from 2018-2019.
urllib3.devThe Python Packaging User Guide is the centralized documentation for all Python packaging-related projects. I served as the lead maintainer from 2017-2019.
packaging.python.orgTalisman is a Flask extension that provides HTTP security headers. It's a must have for any public-facing Flask app. I'm the creator and primary maintainer.
pypi.org/project/flask-talismancmarkgfm is a set of minimalist Python bindings to GitHub's fork of cmark. It allows Warehouse to render GitHub-Flavored Markdown descriptions on PyPI.org. I'm the creator and primary maintainer.
pypi.org/project/cmarkgfmTwine is a utility for uploading packages to the Python Package Index. I served as one of the maintainers of Twine from 2018-2019.
Witch Hazel is a dark & feminine color theme for text editors and Pygments.
witchhazel.thea.codesIn April of 2020, I started an open-source synthesizer company, Winterbloom.
Castor & Pollux is a modern re-imagining of the voice found in the classic Roland Juno 106.
Store Hardware design & source code Synth Anatomy postSol is the first Eurorack module to use CircuitPython. It is a uniquely customizable USB MIDI to CV/gate converter.
Store Hardware design & source code CircuitPython.org page MatrixSynth post Hackster.io post Demo on John Park's WorkshopBig Honking Button is a simple sampler in a very silly package. It is powered by CircuitPython.
Store Hardware design & source code CircuitPython.org page MatrixSynth postGenesynth is a MIDI hardware synthesizer module that uses the sound chips found in the Sega Megadrive/Genesis.
Blog Source code and hardware design Hackaday feature Hackster.io feature PJRC postA selection of interviews & articles about me and my work
I was featured in Hackspace Magazines' Meet the Maker series. I talked about open-source hardware, modular synthesizers, and education.
Issue 40I was a guest on the Embedded.fm podcast by Elecia and Chris White. We chatted about open hardware, synthesizers, and Winterbloom.
Episode 359I was interviewed by Liz Clark for her YouTube channel. We chatted about synthesizers and how Winterbloom came to be.
VideoI was interviewed on the Real Python Podcast about CircuitPython, synthesizers, and the Python community.
Real Python Podcast Episode 5I was featured among other incredible PyLadies as part of NYC PyLadies' International Women's Day campaign in 2019.
PostI was interviewed on the excellent Test & Code podcast about my involvement in the Python community and my side projects.
Test & Code Episode 59I was interviewed as the PyDev of the Week in August of 2018.
Interview text