I work in compliance, but i have a background in the social service field.
Mamadou Ba
Apex Forum — Operations Analyst & AI Lead
What I do all day at work?
I analyze operational workflows, lead AI integration initiatives, and help a nonprofit organization run more efficiently using technology. I build full-stack web applications, design machine learning pipelines, manage IT infrastructure, and develop automation systems using AI tools.
About
I'm a Computer Science student at CUNY College of Staten Island (graduating May 2027). I work as an Operations Analyst and AI Lead at Apex Forum, a nonprofit professional development organization, where I lead projects spanning Microsoft 365 infrastructure, AI automation, and web systems.
I’m a design leader with 15+ years in tech, specializing in design systems, systems thinking, and taking products from prototype to production. I used to work at Adobe, building and maintaining cloud infrastructure to enable artists across the world. A few years ago, I left big tech to focus on AI and related projects. Since then, I’ve been writing and making apps with friends.
The best piece of career advice I've ever received
Follow your curiosity and keep your eyes open for opportunities -- sometimes the best career moves come when you least expect them.
Robert Bertanga
MIT Sloan — MBA Candidate
Mentored projects from schools in:Brooklyn, NY
About
Robert is an MBA Candidate and MIT Sloan studying Entrepreneurship and Finance. Previously, he worked in Product & Strategy at Comply f/k/a RIA in a Box and earned his Bachelor's in Applied Math from Harvard College.
Darlene Bowman, a distinguished educator, specializes in teaching students with Autism. A NYC Teaching Fellow and English Prof. at the College Of Staten Island, she's dedicated 20+ years to empowering people with disabilities through computer science education. Now retired, Darlene serves as President of the Computer Science Teacher Association, Staten Island Chapter, and continues her work through AusomeTech & CUNY Creative Exchange Program, enriching the lives of students and educators alike.
I build software that helps other engineers safely make changes to the giant computer systems that power websites and apps. It is behind-the-scenes computer work making sure changes happen at the right time, in the right order, without breaking anything for users.
About
I grew up in New Jersey, and software engineering was nowhere on my radar for a long time. Before this career I was a garbage collector, worked fast food, served in the military, and eventually landed at Best Buy, which turned out to be my introduction to the tech world. A friend from Best Buy referred me a nonprofit program that trains military veterans and under-served candidates. The program taught me HTML, Java and SQL and placed me at Prudential, which was my first real software job. From there I kept learning, and now I'm a Senior Software Engineer at Amazon working on systems that keep Amazon.com running safely. Outside of work I enjoy running, smoking chicken on my pellet smoker, and mowing the lawn (yes, really). I love that engineering lets you build things thousands of people rely on every day without ever knowing your name.
A gif that represents what I love the most about my job
A gif that represents my career path so far
The best piece of career advice I've ever received
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time
Niamh Claffey
ADP — Senior Product Designer
About
Niamh Claffey is a Senior Product Designer based in NYC with 10 years of experience creating intuitive, user-centered digital products. At ADP, she leads design for complex B2B tools, focusing on usability, accessibility, and scalable systems. She’s passionate about simplifying complexity, mentoring designers, and collaborating cross-functionally. Originally from Ireland, Niamh brings a global perspective and a thoughtful, strategic approach to every project.
Keri is a former Emoti-Con 2013 participant, an experience that fostered her love for creativity in tech. She went on to receive a degree in Information Science from Cornell, with concentrations in Digital Culture & Production and UX. She has spent the past several years applying human centered design principles to various areas of marketing & advertising. She is currently a Senior Insights Analyst at a deep learning advertising platform, assessing the performance of AI in programmatic media.
I'm Steffi Gogoi, a Senior UX Designer at ADP working with the Data solutions team. With a master’s in Human-Computer Interaction from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, my childhood love for art led me to blend design with technology, all while retaining my technical background.
I stare at CAD prints all day designing and updating them to make sure that the substations have reliable equipment and that the field personnel can read the drawings so that they can work reliably and safely. Some days I go to the field to verify conditions, but mostly I am in the office.
The best piece of career advice I've ever received
Start the process now even if I do not have all of the information. It is best to start while scared and broke. You don't have to have everything together.
Claudia Hernandez
Con Edison — Product Owner / Delivery Manager
What I do all day at work?
I am an international data leader and Product Owner at Con Edison, where I specialize in turning massive, complex data into clear, actionable stories. I lead our "Customer360" data model, which helps us better serve 10 million utility customers. Throughout my career, I’ve built and led remote developer teams across four countries and three languages, bridging cultural and technical gaps to build inclusive, award-winning environments.
Beyond my day job, I am deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation of tech talent, specifically supporting LGBTQ+ youth and women in STEM. I can’t wait to see the innovative solutions you all bring to the table!
The best piece of career advice I've ever received
Don't be afraid of making mistakes.
Janet Kim Howlader
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Hrishikesh Jadhav
Amazon — Sr Data Scientist
What I do all day at work?
I love gaming, coding, working out and watching sports!
About
I work as a Senior Data Scientist at Amazon, where I build ML and Optimization models to generate promises and improve speed of deliveries for millions of Amazon customers world-wide!
Elisa Jara
Steinway & Sons — Project Manager
About
I have a background in Ind Design, Design Mgnt & Org. Change Mgnt This mix gave me skills to be a strong creative project manager & design strategist, balancing the managerial and creative aspects in various projects. Started working in the textile industry for home goods, but have now switched to furniture and music manufacturing and working at Steinway & Sons. My role is to manage several special piano projects from design, engineering, and manufacture, and assist in the marketing details.
Aurelia is a NYC-based Service Designer, ex-Capital One, currently at Mutual of America. After pivoting from a long career in graphic design, she currently uses her experience to work in the space where technology and humans meet. Aurelia is an enthusiastic champion for: the thrill of collaboration, the challenge of aligning stakeholder & user goals, data-driven problem solving and most importantly, leveraging design for social and environmental change
A gif that represents what I love the most about my job
A gif that represents my career path so far
The best piece of career advice I've ever received
Keep communicating with your stakeholders. Even if (and especially) if the project is not going as planned.
As the executive director (and sole employee) of Gotham Gives, I spend my day managing the grants that we give to organizations in New York City. I also manage our finances and communications. I love learning about all the good work that organizations and institutions are doing to make our city stronger and more equitable.
About
I have spent my career working for non-profits that support the well-being and education of children and provide opportunities for vulnerable, overlooked, and under-resourced communities. Before Gotham Gives, I worked at international development and humanitarian organizations. I believe that lasting change is most often achieved by innovating with partners and by listening to, collaborating with, and empowering beneficiaries.
The best piece of career advice I've ever received
Do something that makes you happy.
Nathalie Lafaurie (Churchill)
Dell — Product Operations Principal Engineer
What I do all day at work?
I launch new Hardware products globally for Dell. I lead an extended team located all around the world from product concept to launch
About
Product Operations Principal Engineer Global Operations Engineering in DELL, Massachusetts, USA.
When Dell Technologies launches new game-changing products into the global market, Product Operations Engineering has a vital role to play. I lead an extended team for all the operational activities that enable products to be introduced and sustained successfully.
