Jeanette O'Brien
With over seven years of experience in front-end development and UX design, I now focus on developer advocacy, championing best practices and fostering engagement—especially within the Django ecosystem. I’ve collaborated with teams at Caktus Group and Ansible by Red Hat, building scalable, user-friendly applications using Python, JavaScript, and modern frameworks like Django and React. Passionate about making technology more accessible, I create resources, lead discussions, and support developers in creating impactful software.
Outside of coding, I’m highly committed to mentorship and community building. As the Director of Women Who Code Raleigh-Durham, I organize workshops and networking events designed to empower women in tech. In my spare time, you’ll find me gaming or exploring digital illustration—creative outlets that energize my problem-solving mindset and keep me inspired. Whether through code, art, or community initiatives, I enjoy connecting with others who share a passion for technology and innovation.
Session
Coding boot camps promised to transform tech education, creating thousands of careers through immersive learning and community support. But their decline raises tough questions about equity and sustainability. As a graduate and instructor, I’ll unpack their rise and fall and the lessons we can take forward. Together, we’ll explore how the Django community can foster more inclusive and effective pathways into tech.