#291 Code with Care: Katherine Lewis's Approach to Inclusive Engineering

When Katherine Lewis decided to trade her lesson plans for lines of code, she wasn't just shifting careers; she was redefining what it means to pursue a dream. On our latest podcast, the former teacher and current software engineer at LinkedIn shares the intricate tapestry of her journey, weaving through the challenges she faced while grasping the nuances of front-end development and the paramount importance of user experience. Her unwavering commitment to making technology accessible is a beacon of inspiration, as she talks about her advocacy for universal design and her embrace of the empowering term "people of determination." With Katherine's story as a springboard, we navigate the often turbulent waters of the tech industry, particularly for women forging their paths within it. Her insights serve as a guiding star for those yearning to make their mark in tech, underscoring the importance of finding a nurturing company culture and the fortitude to push boundaries. We also unravel the delicate threads of empathetic leadership in the digital realm, where Katherine's personal tribulations have sculpted a leader who champions empathy, clear communication, and a service-driven mindset. Join us as we celebrate not only the technical mastery of software engineering but also the profound impact of personal growth, resilience, and leading with heart in the unrelenting pace of the tech world. More about Katherine: Katherine Lewis is host of the Opportunity Made podcast and runs The Leon Foundation of Excellence, a program that helps youth heal intergenerational patterns of trauma. She also has experience as a teacher, software engineer, accessibility advocate, and employee resource group leader. https://www.leonfe.org 00:45 Introduction and Guest Presentation 01:47 Catherine's Journey from Teaching to Software Engineering 04:44 Challenges and Insights from Front-End Engineering 07:27 The Importance of Accessibility in Tech 17:00 Overcoming Personal Challenges and Leadership 20:09 The Leon Foundation of Excellence and Non-Profit Work 23:59 Opportunity Made: Catherine's Podcast 27:46 The Role of Personal Challenges in Leadership Style 33:02 Future Goals and Ambitions in Tech