Techstrong Unplugged

Venkat Subramaniam, a seasoned educator and software developer, talks about his unique approach to technology education. Venkat, who gave 12 sessions at GIDS 2024, shares his journey from learning algorithms without a computer to becoming a passionate advocate for problem-solving in programming.

Charles Adaikkalam, director of product management at Zoho, shares his journey from a mechanical engineer to a coding expert and leader in the tech industry. He delves into the creation and development of Zoho Creator, a no-code platform designed to empower users to build applications without extensive coding knowledge. Then, he highlights the critical importance of privacy in today's digital world.

Scott Davis, an expert in digital accessibility and cutting-edge technologies, delves into the evolution of technology from typewriters to modern smartphones, the transformative potential of conversational UIs, and the importance of multi-sensory architecture in computing. He emphasizes the significance of accessibility in technology, highlighting how inclusive design not only benefits people with disabilities but enhances user experience for all.

Rhythm Bhatia, CEO and founder of Cognizio, shares her inspiring journey from a small town in India to becoming a leader in educational technology and artificial intelligence. She also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in technology, the need for ethical AI practices, and the value of community engagement.

Kito Mann, a seasoned software architect, consultant, and author, shares his journey through the world of software development, from his early days with Java and Delphi to his current role running a consulting firm specializing in web applications and backend services.

Mary Grygleski, a veteran developer advocate and tech pioneer, shares her journey from her early days coding in Fortran and Unix to becoming a prominent advocate in the Java ecosystem and beyond. With more than 30 years of experience, Mary discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in tech, the evolution of software development, and her passion for fostering diversity and collaboration in the industry.

Parul Ghosh, head of engineering enablement at Wells Fargo, shares her journey from biotechnology to technology, her passion for innovation, and the critical role of engineering enablement in enhancing developer experiences and accelerating cloud migration. Discover how Parul’s team creates streamlined workflows to eliminate boilerplate tasks, and the significance of blueprints in managing legacy application migrations. Additionally, Parul highlights her commitment to social impact through a remarkable initiative that has taught coding to 26,000 girls from underprivileged backgrounds.

Daniel Hinojosa, a self-employed developer and educator with 25 years of experience, discusses his journey from focusing on Java to incorporating other technologies like Scala and Kafka. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, effective teaching techniques, and the application of the Pomodoro technique for productivity. Daniel also explores the intersection of AI and Java, the ethical concerns surrounding AI, and the potential for AI in various industries.

Ken Kousen, a seasoned software developer, educator, and author of six books, shares insights from his nearly 20 years of experience in technical training and his role as a professor at Trinity College. He discusses his approach to education, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience, test-driven development, and engaging with open-source projects. Ken also explores the challenges of teaching in a male-dominated field, the significance of supporting underrepresented communities in tech, and the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on beginner developers.

Tom Wheeler, principal curriculum developer at Temporal Technologies, shares his journey of balancing a career in software engineering with a passion for education. He discusses his role in creating educational materials, training, and documentation to help developers make their software more reliable. Tom also highlights the value of hands-on workshops, the challenges of online teaching, and the benefits of engaging with the developer community through meetups and open-source projects.