I co-founded Ensembl, which raised $100,000 from Forum Ventures (fka Acceleprise). The company focused on building async collaboration tools for product managers. These tools leverage AI technology and aim to improve productivity for users.

We built five different MVPs for customers and had more than ten teams consistently using them. My responsibilities include overseeing the product roadmap, creating wireframes, coding the tool, and constantly meeting with the users for feedback and iteration. Check out the MVPs in the project slide!

Although the teams like the tools we built for them, ultimately, we couldn't get enough traction to raise the next round of funding. This experience has been invaluable. You know what they say: try again if you don't succeed. This certainly won't be the first time I start a company.

I had a chance to work on exciting projects that empower the local community. For example, I built a model that calculates the neighborhoods' accessibility to essential services such as groceries, education, and health care. I also built REST API with Flask, allowing for easy lookup of census information and spatial coordinates. On the side, I worked extensively with regional planners to assist them in GIS data processing and development. Finally, our team modernized the existing tech infrastructure by adopting modern practices such as user Docker containers and CI/CD.

CCRPC hired me to be in charge of the internal data governance project. I worked with departments across the organization to understand their workflow and data needs, then implemented a data pipeline and CRM system across the organization. In addition, I wrote technical and user documentation and trained over 50 users. Another project was the workforce data portal, where I compiled workforce-related data for five central Illinois counties into a web app format that is easily accessible to the public.  

After working in non-profits for a few years, I decided to go back to graduate school to get a degree in a technical field. I saw there was a lot of potential to apply technology to improve services to non-profits. So I hope to use what I learned in school to bring the maximum amount of positive change to the community.

Pui Tak Center is a community organization that provides critical services to the underserved population in the Chicago area. I had the chance to work with high school students. It was a lot of fun since the youth had so much energy and ideas! I recruited over 50 volunteers to work together with me. It was a transformative experience for me because I had the opportunity to touch so many lives! 

I came across an opportunity to work with children with disability. Initially, I was really lost on what I needed to do. However, all the teachers and staff were so accommodating. Throughout my short time at the school, I gain an appreciation for everyone who works with children with disabilities. They are the most amazing people I know! 

As I was teaching English, I found an opportunity to help low-income families to become self-sufficient. So I arrange clients with skill training, job search, resume writing, and interview skills lessons. In addition, I helped over 200 people obtain a job. I started my work in non-profits and community work. I realize there is so much to be done.

You can see a picture of me hosting the annual dinner for the organization!

After graduating with my degree in environmental science, I couldn't find a job. Being the first person in my family to go to college, I didn't know what major I should choose. So I picked a major I enjoyed studying, but that wasn't the wisest decision. Fortunately, one of my friends recommended me for an English teaching position. I took it without hesitation since I needed income. However, it was a better decision that I've made. I absolutely enjoy teaching! The adult students worked hard to learn English to better their lives and families.