Reina DuFrene, Software Developer and the Lifelong Learner

Meet Reina DuFrene, a rising Software Engineer specializing in MERN, TypeScript, and TailwindCSS. With a background as a former print professional, she's a passionate career changer breaking barriers in the tech world. Reina takes pride in representing Women in Tech 👩‍💻 and Filipinos in Tech 🇵🇭 | Check out Reina's website here.

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💡 Get to know Reina DuFrene

I’m a career changer with about 10 years combined education and experience in the Print industry. As an ever-curious individual seeking challenges beyond “right-brained” aesthetics and creativity, I made a switch to Software Engineering about a year ago. I spent roughly 8 months self-teaching frontend programming before I completed a formal and rigorous Full Stack Software Engineering program with General Assembly. Now that I’ve graduated, I’m collaborating with GA Alum and a non-profit called SpaceLab, where I’m focusing my learning and development on Frontend technologies.

🔋 What is your profession?

Software Developer & Lifelong Learner

🌎 What is your preferred work location?

Remote, Hybrid, Onsite - Denver Metro Area

🔎 What's your job/s and kind of company are you looking for?

I’m looking for a Software Engineering position with a company that is supportive in my goals of growth and development. I’m open to any stack, with a preference for Frontend Engineering as I have a background in visuals and user-centric design. Companies that foster development, offer mentorship programs, and continued learning paths are a dream fit for me!

🔥 What achievements and projects you're most proud of?

I’m most proud of my recent MERN-stack application Mousequest, which combined my passion for Disney parks/traveling with everything I’ve learned in my programming journey thus far. I also challenged myself to learn TypeScript and TailwindCSS alongside my MERN skills to create this industry-realistic, user-centric web app. Additionally, extremely proud of my accomplishments in switching industries from something highly creative and “right-brained” to a more STEM-related “left-brained” and male-dominated industry.

🏢 What companies are you currently or previously worked for?

I primarily worked in the print industry with family-run businesses in the Bay Area and Denver.

💜 What type of company culture and values do you believe will enable you to thrive in your workplace?

A culture of continuous growth, learning, and curiosity are paramount to my success. I adore companies that allow me to learn from adjacent departments, experiment with creative ideas, and support my career goals.

📣 Give shoutout to the people who have inspired you and can act as your references.

Andy DuFrene: my husband, a Backend Engineer with a billion years of experience who’s supported me through this entire journey: Denise Onukwue: a SWE, career changer, and GA alum, who I found through YouTube and inspired me to make the leap into SWE. And Mindi Weik: a SWE, career changer, and Women In Tech advocate I met at a local women’s networking event

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