The latest articles on DEV Community by Stephanie Harris (@steph). https://dev.to/steph https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F9072%2Fstephprof3.jpg https://dev.to/steph en Stephanie Harris Wed, 08 Mar 2017 15:27:18 +0000 https://dev.to/steph/nevertheless-steph-harris-coded https://dev.to/steph/nevertheless-steph-harris-coded <h2> I began coding because... </h2> <p>Put simply, I desperately wanted to be able to build things - to make my ideas real. I'm also just the type of person who needs to understand why and how things work.</p> <p>I love the art of creating and part of that, for me, is having working knowledge of every stage in the process. I spent years as a digital product designer, scratching the surface without any real depth of understanding for the foundation of it all. Eventually, I had to scratch the itch. Then, that itch became a rash... and now? I need more arms.</p> <h2> I'm currently hacking on... </h2> <p>Right now I'm working diligently to launch a volunteer opportunity aggregator in the 5 boroughs called BeGood.NYC. It's a RESTful web application- the stack is 100% JavaScript (Node/Sequelize/React).</p> <p>It's my passion project, my baby and a concept very much born out of my own struggle to find opportunity in areas I care about.</p> <p>I feel very strongly that in a world full of drone-delivery services and self-driving cars finding opportunities to do good and 'be good' shouldn't prove such a challenge. My goal is to empower others... to empower others and just get people excited about giving back!</p> <h2> I'm excited about... </h2> <p>I'm really excited about inclusive design, web accessibility and leveraging technology to effectuate positive social impact.</p> <p>The web is such an incredible tool- perhaps the most democratized form of communicating relevant information- and I feel a sense of responsibility, particularly in this current political climate, to use it for good.</p> <p>I'm inspired to be part of this paradigm shift I interpret as a 'civically engaged movement' grounded in social consciousness - specifically as it relates to tech. It's time to shake things up!</p> <h2> My advice for other women who code is... </h2> <p>At the risk of sounding like a Tumblr account, I'd just say be kind to yourself - embrace what you have to offer and what makes you awesome/unique/weird/different. Don't be afraid to speak up or ask 'dumb questions' - especially in the beginning.</p> <p>And in those moments of glory, however short-lived, when you're feeling on top of the world - channeling Beyonce, as we do, take an extra second to reflect on how you got there/who helped you get there and make a conscious effort to show gratitude by lifting others up, as well. No one comes out of the womb programming (although, admittedly, that would be amaaazing... I think this might be meme material?).</p> wecoded