Rebecca Mulugeta twitterlinkedin

PROJECTS | SKILLS | EXPERIENCE | EDUCATION | INTERESTS

Tech lover, advocate for Women in Tech and Digital Inclusion. I'm a full-stack developer, recently graduated from Makers Academy and looking for a role where I can refine my craft in software development and solve real problems.

I am a proud member and a director of CoderDojo London - a free, volunteer-led, community-based computer programming club for young people.

My involvement began in 2013, when I was searching for my work-related project at Birkbeck University. I proposed making a website for the London CoderDojo community. Before I knew it, I was helping and mentoring young people at the Dojos. It was during those meetings about the website, when all the questions raised led to us establishing the London CoderDojo CIC. I feel privileged and proud to be one of the appointed directors.

Projects

Title Description Technologies Used Timeframe Tests
GIVEit my final project group created a social platform for connecting people in need with people offering goods/services that can help them. The application consists of a Rails API and a ReactJS front-end. Built with Rails backend and JavaScript ReactJS frontend including Google API integrations. Rails, ReactJS, ActiveRecord, PostgreSQL, Heroku, MaterialUI, TravisCI, Surge 2 weeks Cypress, Enzyme, Jest, RSpec
ExponentialNotes Group project at Makers week - 4. A single page notes app using vanilla JavaScript. Built with no framework and test drive the development with our own test suite. JavaScript, HTML/CSS 1 week test built by the group
RPS game A Rock Paper Scissor game using Ruby. Solo project: the application allows two players or one user to play against Computer. Ruby, Rspec, Rubocop, TravisCI 1 week Rspec

Skills

Problem Solving

During my study at Birkbeck University, I took a module called Problem solving for programming and learnt how to abstract sub-problems, identify decision criteria and develop multiple solutions.

I was able to apply my problem-solving skills for each challenge we were tasked to do at Makers. My coaches also commented that they were confident in my approach to problem-solving and computation in a logical and well-reasoned manner.

Aptitude for learning

My approach to learning has become more methodical and efficient since I joined Makers. I have improved in my ability to know what to ask and where to get answers that are useful.

I have always had a curious mind and enjoy learning new languages and challenges. When Apple first launched Swift Playgrounds in 2014, we (CoderDojo London) were invited by Apple to test it in our Dojos. I took this challenge and taught myself Swift and Xcode. Since 2014 I have been running Dojos teaching SP and been communicating with Apple for a regular feedback including presentations of my experience in Apple's workshops.

Communication and Collaboration

I have gained invaluable experience from being part of the CoderDojo movement and some of the skills include:

  • Overseeing the development and supporting the clubs in the London Area.
  • We have over 1,500 subscribers and run (270 events since 2013)
  • As part of your mission for Digital inclusion, Regularly run Girls-Only Dojos at UCL, Thompson Reuters and John Lewis etc.
  • Some past events are listed on eventbrite
  • I've been contributing to the testing and feedback of Apple's product (Swift Playgrounds) in our Dojos since 2014.

Learning and sharing is second nature for me and I believe I demonstrated this through my long-standing commitment to Coderdojo movement.

Furthermore, during my team projects at Makers, I learnt to collaborate, adhering to agile ceremonies such as daily stand-ups, sprints and retros, and I learnt to communicate better, learn from others as well as share my knowledge so we can all grow and progress towards achieving our goals.

Personal Projects

I have continued to learn Swift and run the CoderDojo Swift track regularly at UsTwo, Shoreditch. In recognition of my commitment, I was invited to attend Apple’s residential short course and Apple's Swift Educator Summit in Berlin in celebration of EU-Code week(October 2018) where I had the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops on Swift Playgrounds and App Development with Swift and meet engineers, curriculum experts and evangelists from Apple.

These are the projects that I have completed outside of Apple’s training and you can see it on Github​ The list will continue to grow. App_Development_Swift

Education

Makers Academy (October 2018 to December 2018)

Selective and immersive 16-week bootcamp, focusing on the craft of software development.

  • OOP, TDD, MVC, DDD
  • Agile/XP
  • Ruby, Rails, JavaScript
  • RSpec, Jasmine

Birkbeck / University of London (2013 to 2016)

  • Foundation Degree: Web Technologies

London College of Fashion / University Arts London (1999 to 2001)

  • Fashion Design and Clothing

Experience

CoderDojo London CIC (2013 to present)
Appointed Director

  • Appointed Director to CoderDojo London: a not-for-profit umbrella body overseeing the development and supporting the clubs in the London Area.

  • Developing and delivering volunteer recruitment and recognition initiatives to ensure that all volunteers have a positive and rewarding CoderDojo experience.

  • Networking and establishing partnerships with organisations such as corporates, universities, and local government networks to promote and run Dojos.

  • Gathering feedback on our content and resources to ensure that we are delivering the best possible support.

Mentor/champion CoderDojo Shoreditch

I have been running the Shoreditch Dojo at UsTwo (a digital product and service studio) since March 2018. This group is focussed on app development using Apple's Swift Playgrounds.

Business Owner (2008 to 2012)
Armias Herbal - Natural skin care produce
I researched and developed these products blended with essential oils sourced from Ethiopia and the UK. I sold the products online as well as to the general public. During the process of setting up my business, I learnt:

  • Product branding and packaging
  • Marketing and direct sales to shops and on trade shows
  • Ensuring product safety & regulation meet UK standards.

Prior to having children, I worked as a Garment Technologist and pattern digitiser at Jaques Vert plc (a womenswear company).

Interests

I love tennis and often play at my local social club for a match and fun games. I gave up my car many moons ago to do my bit in helping our planet and cycling is my main means of transport, that is if the heavens haven't opened.