Almost a decade ago, I first experimented with framing, editing, and composition, and soon discovered the world of photography.
In the editing room, I investigated new techniques and styles and researched inspirational artists. I taught
myself how to use Photoshop and investigated CMOS sensors and filetypes. Installing custom firmware on my basic camera to push it
to its limits, I found a home on the command line.
Since those formative moments, I’ve built art using technology and practiced independent inquiry within all my studies. I taught
myself how to design and build websites for organizations around my community. I taught myself how to lead through countless failures
and experiences. I taught myself how to create compelling world with cutting edge tools. Self-learning gives me a never ending excitement
— I have the power to build my own world.
In the past years, I tried various forms of art, ranging from photography to projection design to acting. At my high school, I dove
into theatre, working as a lighting designer, director, actor, and projection designer, and I became the president of our 200-strong
theatre company. In these fields, I fuse concepts from computer science to tell meaningful stories and build community.
My pursuit of art (fused with tech) has given me an intellectual hunger, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a stoic thoughtfulness.
Last May, I attended Boulder Startup Week. Skipping class to attend every event I could, I learned about the vibrant opportunities in
Boulder. Through attending, I met my future boss, and soon after our first meeting, joined Glider as their first intern. Glider, a
nonprofit that organizes events around the Boulder community, is center to the tech community in Boulder. Working alongside passionate,
driven people, I grew and learned how to make an impact. I helped organize TEDxBoulder and Ignite Boulder, two events that sold over
3,000 tickets and raised $15,000 for local charities. The internship taught me about communication, respect, and what it means to be
radically inclusive. It also cemented my interest in tech. I connected with the people who are having an impact on our society — and
I found myself reaching to join their efforts.
After working in Boulder, I connected with a few companies in the crypto space. This school year, I worked at them. At
RADAR, a decentralized exchange, I’m leading the buildout of the Bitcoin Lightning Network wiki, a major subset of one of Radar’s newest
products. Reporting directly to the CEO, I’m given extreme responsibility, and through my work, I’m experimenting with project management, open source software, and
marketing. At Gitcoin, an open source bounties platform, I’ve led the expansion of an ambassador program and have worked through the
recruitment and hiring process of a remote team. I’ve also grown my contributions towards the open source ecosystem. At Decentraland,
a project that blends software, gaming, digital property, and blockchain, I’m working on the growth team — I’m focusing on populating
the digital world with content. With the knowledge I gain from each company, I learn what works and what doesn’t with management and
culture. I’m getting hands on experience that I’ll be able to take as I look towards building my own company one day.