Tag Archives: Interviews

Global developers use Google tools to build solutions in recruiting, mentorship and more

Posted by Lyanne Alfaro, DevRel Program Manager, Google Developer Studio

Developer Journey is a monthly series highlighting diverse and global developers sharing relatable challenges, opportunities, and wins in their journey. Every month, we will spotlight developers around the world, the Google tools they leverage, and the kinds of products they are building.

This month we speak with global developers across Google Developer Experts, and Women Techmakers, to learn more about their favorite Google tools, the applications they’ve built to serve diverse communities and the role of inclusive design in their process.

Miguel Ángel Durán Garcí

Headshot of Miguel Ángel Durán Garcí, smiling
Barcelona, Spain
Google Developer Expert, Web Technologies
Content Creator & Software Engineer

What Google tools have you used to build?

I've been using Firebase, Google Cloud Platform, CrUX Dashboard, and Chrome DevTools for years. As a web developer, I'm always excited about the new features that DevTools brings to us to improve our productivity and the performance of our applications.


Which tool has been your favorite to use? Why?

Lately, I've been trying Project IDX, an entirely web-based workspace for full-stack application development, and I'm really excited about the future of this project. I love the idea of being able to develop and deploy applications from the browser, without having to install anything on my computer.


Please share with us about something you’ve built in the past using Google tools.

Most recently, I've deployed AdventJS, a holiday calendar for developers. For optimizing the images, I've used Squoosh from the GoogleChromeLabs team. To ensure the website was accessible and to tweak performance, I've used Lighthouse from Chrome DevTools. Also, I used Google Bard to translate the content of the website into English and Portuguese.


What will you create with Google Bard?

I'm planning to expand a website I've created for the Spanish-speaking community to teach JavaScript from scratch. With Google Bard, I can check the content, create some code, and make it help me create challenges for the students.


What advice would you give someone starting in their developer journey?

I would tell them to be patient and to enjoy the process. It's a long journey, but it's worth it. Also, I would tell them to be curious and avoid sticking to only a few technologies. And finally, I would tell them to share their knowledge with the community, because it's the best way to learn and meet new people. You don't need to be an expert to share your knowledge; you just need to be one step ahead of the people you're teaching.

Marian Villa

Headshot of Marian Villa, smiling
Medellín, Colombia
Google Developer Expert, Web Technologies
Co-founder / Director Pionerasdev

What Google tools have you used to build?

Development and Creativity:

  • Google Chrome DevTools
  • Bard
  • TensorflowJS

Productivity and Communication:

  • Gmail
  • Google Calendar
  • Google Drive
  • Google Docs
  • Google Sheets
  • Google Slides
  • Google Meet

Marketing and Business:

  • Google Ads
  • Google Analytics
  • Google My Business
  • Google Workspace
  • Google Cloud Platform
  • Google Marketing Platform

Education and Learning:

  • Google Classroom
  • Google Forms
  • Google Sites
  • YouTube

Which tool has been your favorite to use? Why?

Choosing a favorite tool is quite a task given the unique strengths of Bard, TensorflowJS and Google Chrome DevTools, but I'd have to say that Google Chrome DevTools stands out for me. Its versatility in inspecting and debugging web pages, testing code variations, and providing insights into JavaScript behavior has been crucial in my web development endeavors. That being said, both Bard and TensorFlow.js have incredible capabilities. Bard plays a vital role in generating creative content, answering queries, and even composing code. TensorFlow.js, on the other hand, is a game-changer, enabling machine learning in JavaScript, and making it accessible for a wide range of applications. Each tool has its unique appeal, and the choice will depend on the context and specific requirements of the task at hand.


Please share with us about something you’ve built in the past using Google tools.

On our latest website, we use all the Google technologies at hand to enhance our image as an NGO. Find it here.


What will you create with Google Bard?

We are once again resuming a winning mentorship project to advance our career as developers, so Bard and Duet AI are great allies to inspect our code and once again create an MVP of this product for our community.


What advice would you give someone starting in their developer journey?

First, think about the problem you want to solve, or what you want to contribute to the world, then create and make it come true. This is easier if you rely on communities, and people who help you as mentors, sponsors and guides.

Rubens de Almeida Zimbres

Headshot of Rubens Zimbres, smiling
São Paulo - Brazil
Google Developer Expert, Machine Learning and Google Cloud
ML Engineer

What Google tools have you used to build?

I’ve been using the full stack of Google Products. I use Google Workspace daily in my life, my personal website is made on Google Sites, and Google Cloud; I started with Compute Engine and Jupyter Notebooks, customized to my needs.

As I acquired more knowledge through practical experience, Coursera and Google Cloud Skills Boost, I started building end to-end solutions using BigQuery, SQL, lots of Vertex AI (Generative AI Studio, Matching Engine, Speech-to-text, Pipelines, AutoML, Model Fine-Tuning), Cloud Run (and a little GKE - Kubernetes), Cloud Functions, Dialogflow and Document AI.

As the requirements of clients change according to the industry, like recruiting (Virtual Career Center) and contact center (Contact Center AI), I was able to test and deploy in production different Google products to solve the clients’ needs.


Which tool has been your favorite to use? Why?

Vertex AI is my favorite, as it is pure ML and Deep Learning optimized. Using AutoML with NAS (Neural Architecture Search) was a very interesting experience with awesome results. Developing Machine Learning pipelines with Kubeflow is a special pleasure, as this is going into production and the whole MLOps is involved.


Please share with us about something you’ve built in the past using Google tools.

I’ve built a recruiting solution that was implemented in six countries of Latin America, benefiting more than 365,000 people. This solution automatically analyzes resumes using OCR via Document AI.

I delivered a revenue prediction for a hotel chain using Tensorflow, where we increased the accuracy of the client’s model by 0.95%. I also built a Contact Center solution which uses Google Speech-to-Text and analytics to make management easier and also to generate strategic insights.

Lately, I was part of the team that delivered an end-to-end Virtual Career Center solution that matches job candidates to job vacancies using Vertex AI Matching Engine via text embeddings and SCANN. Both the recruiting solution and the contact center solution generated patents in Brazil, in the field of NLP (Natural Language Processing).


What will you create with Google Bard?

Google Bard is part of my daily routine. It helps me while coding, it helps me to plan trips, get to the right public transportation, visit interesting places around the world and it also helps by retrieving the Google search in an organized way, with updated content. My idea is to use Bard along with LangChain to perform optimizations in the finance industry.


What advice would you give someone starting in their developer journey?

Learn the basics first.

The temptation of learning this magnificent field as Machine Learning is gigantic, but coding is a great part of the solution. Learn to code properly, in whatever language you want. This brings efficiency and security if your solution needs to scale, decreasing infrastructure costs and improving user experience.

The same applies to Machine Learning: learn basic disciplines such as Calculus, Computer Science fundamentals and you will understand most of the content is shared today online. Only after learning ML you should dive into Deep Learning and the disciplines associated. Don’t fake it. Make it.

Global Google Developer Experts Share Their Favorite Tools and Advice for New Developers

Posted by Lyanne Alfaro, DevRel Program Manager, Google Developer Studio

Developer Journey is a monthly series highlighting diverse and global developers sharing relatable challenges, opportunities, and wins in their journey. Every month, we will spotlight developers around the world, the Google tools they leverage, and the kinds of products they are building.

This month we speak with global Google Developer Experts in Firebase, Women Techmakers, and beyond, to learn more about their favorite Google tools, the applications they’ve built to serve diverse communities, and their best advice for anyone just getting started as a developer.

Juan Lombana

Headshot of Juan Lombana, smiling
Mexico City, Mexico
Founder, Mercatitlán

What Google tools have you used to build?

Google Analytics and Firebase's A/B testing features have been pivotal in our data-driven approach, enabling continuous improvement in our conversion strategies. More recently, Bard has become a significant asset in developing new products and in our educational endeavors, especially with the introduction of our AI course. Its utility in both product development and educational settings is profound.


Which tool has been your favorite to use? Why?

If I had to choose, it would be Google Ads. Its ability to consistently drive new customers and provide unparalleled visibility to quality products is unmatched. While it may not traditionally be considered a 'tool' in the strictest sense, its impact on business growth and visibility is indisputable.


Please share with us about something you’ve built in the past using Google tools.

My entire business, Mercatitlán, has been built and scaled using Google Tools. We have cultivated a community of over 40,000 paid students, educating them on effective use of Google Ads, leveraging Bard for enhanced website content, and employing Google Analytics for strategic A/B testing to boost sales. The transformational impact of these tools on both my business and my students' ventures is a testament to their potential.


What will you create with Google Bard?

The integration of Bard AI into our daily operations is revolutionizing the way we approach digital marketing. Beyond its current uses in social media content creation, ad ideas generation, email composition, and customer support enhancement, we're exploring several innovative applications:

  • Personalized Marketing Campaigns: Using Bard AI, we can analyze customer data and preferences to create highly personalized marketing campaigns. This helps in delivering more relevant content to our audience, thereby increasing engagement and conversion rates. 
  • Competitive Analysis: By analyzing competitor data, Bard AI can help us understand their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. This intelligence is crucial for refining our marketing approach and differentiating our brand in the marketplace.
  • Content Optimization for SEO: Bard can assist in optimizing website and blog content for search engines. By understanding and integrating key SEO principles, it can help us rank higher in search results, thus improving our online visibility. 
  • Automated Reporting and Insights: Automating the generation of marketing reports and insights with Bard saves time and resources, allowing our team to focus on strategy and creativity rather than manual data analysis.

What advice would you give someone starting in their developer journey?

The key is to start with action rather than waiting for perfection. Adopt a mindset focused on experimentation and analytics. This approach allows you to follow data-driven insights rather than solely relying on innovation, leading to significant societal impact through technology.

Jirawat Karanwittayakarn

Headshot of Jirawat Karanwittayakarn, smiling
Bangkok, Thailand
Tech Evangelist, LINE Thailand

What Google tools have you used to build?

I have used a variety of Firebase services to build LINE chatbots for a number of years. These services have included Cloud Functions, Cloud Firestore, Cloud Storage, Firebase Hosting, and etc. Recently I have also used the PaLM API, a very powerful tool that allows me to build Generative AI chatbots.


Which tool has been your favorite to use? Why?

Firebase is my favorite tool because it is a platform that provides a complete set of tools for building and managing mobile, web, and chatbots. It is very easy to use and has a wide range of features that make it a great choice for developers of all levels. Furthermore, Firebase services have allowed me to scale my chatbots and make them more reliable.


Please share with us about something you’ve built in the past using Google tools.

  • LINE Developers TH is a chatbot that allows Thai developers to learn about LINE APIs and get started with building services. It also provides users with the ability to try out demos of LINE APIs.
  • TrueMoney is a wallet app that I have built in the past using Firebase. The app allows users to store money, send money, and pay bills. It is a very popular app in Thailand, with over 10 million users.
  • Sanook is an app that allows users to access news, articles, and other content from the number one web portal in Thailand on their mobile devices.

What will you create with Google Bard?

I would like to create a use case of building a powerful LINE chatbot using PaLM API and Firebase for developers. I believe this will be a great way to showcase the power of these tools and how they can be used to create innovative solutions.


What advice would you give someone starting in their developer journey?

First and foremost, I would encourage them to be curious and always be willing to learn new things. The world of technology is constantly changing, so it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. This can be done by reading articles, attending conferences, and taking online courses.

Secondly, I would recommend that they find a mentor or role model who can help guide them on their journey. Having someone who has been through the process can be invaluable in providing support and advice. They can help you identify areas where you need to improve, and provide you with tips and tricks for success.

Finally, I would encourage them to never give up. The road to becoming a developer can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. If you're passionate about technology, then don't let anything stop you from pursuing your dreams.

Laura Morinigo

Headshot of Lauren Moringo, smiling
London, England
Women Techmakers Ambassador
Principal Engineer and Consultant, Samsung Electronics UK

What Google tools have you used to build?

I have used tools like Google Cloud and Firebase.


Which tool has been your favorite to use? Why?

I would say Firebase! It helped me to build web apps and explore new technologies easily while saving a lot of time and resources. Additionally, a lot of functionalities have been added recently. Over the years, I've witnessed its evolution, with the addition of numerous functionalities that continually enhance its utility and user experience. This constant innovation within Firebase not only simplifies complex tasks but also opens doors to creative possibilities in web app development.


Please share with us about something you’ve built in the past using Google tools.

I've been leading a project in partnership with the United Nations to help share information about its worldwide global goals. We used Firebase hosting and Cloud functions for the first release of the web app and it was a success! It felt very good to help create tools that support a good cause.


What will you create with Google Bard?

I'm experimenting with the current extensions to improve personal productivity. It's very interesting how you can improve the way that you do your daily tasks.


What advice would you give someone starting in their developer journey?

Remember that as a developer you will have the power to create! Use this power to build personal projects and combine it with things that you enjoy. You will start building a portfolio and have fun while learning. Finally, don't hesitate to find a mentor and connect with a community of developers to support and guidance in your journey. You can find a lot of help, improve your networking, and even have friends for life!

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Web GDE Shrutirupa Banerjiee shares how we can stay safe in a world of cyber attacks

Posted by Kevin Hernandez, Developer Relations Community Manager

For Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we are celebrating Shrutirupa Banerjiee, Web GDE.

The web can be an excellent tool to learn a new skill, connect with people all over the world, digest information, or use new technologies such as Google Bard. However, there can be threats that loom whenever you go online - malware and social engineering attacks (also known as phishing) are some examples of today’s cyber attacks that can steal data or gain access to your system. Luckily, we have people like Shrutirupa Banerjiee, Web GDE, working on ways to keep companies and individuals safe from these threats. Shrutirupa got her start in the field by way of Blockchain security and eventually transitioned into a malware research role as a Senior Security Researcher. As an advocate for cybersecurity, Shrutirupa shares what threats are facing us today and what steps we can take to keep ourselves safe.

Headshot of Shrutirupa Banerjiee, smiling
Shrutirupa Banerjiee, Google Developer Expert, Web

Threats facing the web today

Shrutirupa is mostly concerned with malware and especially those that bide their time and sit in your systems for months and sometimes even for years. She describes, “These attacks get into your system and sit there for months while you’re unable to identify that there is any kind of malware or malicious program. When you’ve already gained trust, it will start connecting with the malicious servers.” A recent example of this type of attack was the SolarWinds attack. With this case, hackers were able to gain unauthorized access to the SolarWinds network in 2019, injected their malicious code into the SolarWinds software in February of 2020, and in March of 2020 SolarWinds unknowingly pushed a software update which included the malicious code (source: NPR). This malware was downloaded by 18,000 customers, compromising the data of companies and government agencies which included the Treasury and the Pentagon.

One mission that Shrutirupa is actively working towards is bridging the gap between developers and cybersecurity professionals. By being made aware of the new threats that face the web, developers can actively safeguard companies and consumers from malware attacks.


How you can stay safe online

Shrutirupa recommends the following to help prevent data breaches or attacks on our systems:

  • Think before you click: Be aware of anything that you’re downloading and do your proper research on the source of the software. You can see what others are saying about the software on community sites like Quora or Reddit.
  • Software updates: Make sure your software updates are up-to-date since these contain patches.
  • Antivirus scanners: There are many free options that you can add to your computer and use to run regular scans to ensure that your system is running safely.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This method allows you to have an extra layer of security when logging onto sites and notifies you of unauthorized logins.
  • Developers and researchers working together: Consult cybersecurity professionals like Shrutirupa! Cybersecurity professionals are on top of new threats and can make you aware of what you should prioritize as a developer.

Shrutirupa has also been able to leverage Google technologies and the GDE program in order to educate and test in a safe environment. “Google provides me with an environment where I can mentor students who want to get into cybersecurity or want to do development in a secure way. Google also has resources like Google Cloud Platform where you can practice and test everything while learning,” she says.

With people of all ages accessing the internet, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is crucial and Shrutirupa believes that awareness of threats should be a regular occurrence due to the importance of it. She states, “We have children, parents, and grandparents all accessing the internet. Because of this, we should always be vigilant about what we’re downloading and understand previous and new cybersecurity attacks so we can prevent them.”

You can find Shrutirupa on LinkedIn, GitHub, Twitter, and YouTube.


The Google Developer Experts (GDE) program is a global network of highly experienced technology experts, influencers, and thought leaders who actively support developers, companies, and tech communities by speaking at events and publishing content.

Global Developers Share How They Use Inclusive Design

Posted by Lyanne Alfaro, DevRel Program Manager, Google Developer Studio

Developer Journey is a monthly series highlighting diverse and global developers sharing relatable challenges, opportunities, and wins in their journey. Every month, we will spotlight developers around the world, the Google tools they leverage, and the kind of products they are building.

This month we speak with global developers across Google Developer Experts, Google Developer Groups, and beyond to learn more about their favorite Google tools, the applications they’ve built to serve diverse communities and the role of inclusive design in their process.

Lamis Chebbi

Headshot of Lamis Chebbi, smiling
Republic of Tunisia
Senior Software Engineer

What Google tools have you used to build?

I use Lighthouse and Google PageSpeed Insights to audit my application's performance and check my accessibility score. I can learn a lot about my application users and measure their engagement through Google Analytics. I have also used: Angular, Angular Dev tools, Firebase, TensorFlow and some services through Google Cloud Platform.


Which tool has been your favorite to use? Why?

On a daily basis I use Angular to develop my web applications. It helped me develop web applications faster with less code, less debugging time, and high scalability. The Angular CLI automates a lot of tasks, including the upgrade process, which saves a lot of time.


Please share with us about something you’ve built in the past using Google tools.

I have built a lot of web apps and progressive web apps using Angular, Firebase and TensorFlow in various fields from insurance, to banking, retail and education.


What will you create with Google Bard?

I'm planning on creating a blog using Google Bard and to generate content in different languages and enable some search and updates for content.


What role does inclusive design play in your development process?

Accessibility is no longer an option today. It is as important as other development goals and should be automated in the development process using the right tools.


What advice would you give someone starting in their developer journey?

Here’s a few pieces of advice for other professionals:

  • Invest in learning as much as you can and always practice the technologies you learn.
  • Don't forget that practice makes perfect.
  • Join developer communities and get a mentor; you will learn a lot and receive a lot of help.
  • Try to keep up with new technologies and trends that will open new perspectives for you.

You’ll probably make some mistakes. Be willing to accept it and learn from it.

Amani Bisimwa

Headshot of Amani Bisimwa, smiling
Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
Google Developer Groups Uvira Lead
Frontend Developer

What Google tools have you used to build?

I am using Angular and Firebase.


Which tool has been your favorite to use? Why?

Firebase is my favorite. I like how Firebase has simplified things by providing a Backend as Service. You no longer need to manage your own servers, worry about scalability, or other Backend complexities.


Please share with us about something you’ve built in the past using Google tools.

I have built some private ERP apps that help small local traders to manage their business (stock management, finance and hotels).


What will you create with Google Bard?

I always use Bard for guidance to document and test code. I hope to use it for more projects in the future.


What role does inclusive design play in your development process?

The role of a designer in the development process is so important to me. Not only does it allow me to arrange the elements well on the screen, but it also ensures that the application is accessible to users living with disabilities. The designer also knows how to choose colors, contrasts and hierarchy of different elements.


How do you prioritize accessibility alongside other development goals?

Accessibility is a priority for me when creating an app or product. I consider accessibility at every stage of the development process. I use a variety of tools and resources to ensure my apps are accessible to everyone, including people with visual impairments, hearing impairments, motor disabilities and cognitive disabilities.


What advice would you give someone starting in their developer journey?

My advice is: Choose your path and stick to it because there are several distractions from the trends of new technologies on social media especially on Twitter. Don't skip the steps; learn the fundamentals.  It's important because even to improve a prompt with generative AI, you need to have a solid understanding in your field.


Enrique López Mañas

Headshot of Enrique López Mañas, smiling
Munich, Germany
Freelance Software Engineer

What Google tools have you used to build?

Android Studio is my daily tool. I have used other tools or frameworks (like Firebase or TensorFlow) in the past as well. My choice of tool depends on the needs of the project I am currently engaged with.


Which tool has been your favorite to use? Why?

Android Studio is my absolute favorite, which is not a surprise for an Android Developer.


Please share with us about something you’ve built in the past using Google tools.

I have worked in many apps and frameworks in the past. The Deutsche Bahn (German Train) application, a Corona app for the Arab Emirates, the app for Alibaba couriers in Vietnam, and now the Google Maps library for Compose.


What will you create with Google Bard?

Bard and other tools like ChatGPT help me with the development of apps and software in general. I do feel they are not yet ready to significantly impact the development process. They still suffer from many inaccuracies and hallucinations.


How do you prioritize accessibility alongside other development goals?

Much less than I would actually like to. Often companies are on a budget and some important things tend to get deprioritized. As a developer (and consultant) my role is to advise them, and A11y is one of the main topics that tend to be underrated.

For instance, do you know that approximately 20% of the users in Switzerland have some form of disability, and can benefit from apps with accessibility integrated? I was really surprised when I heard this number, and I am fairly confident most people don't know about it. If there were more awareness, apps would benefit more from A11y practices.


What advice would you give someone starting in their developer journey?

For new developers: ask all the questions. Never leave a room with a doubt or a question and without an answer. Even more senior people do not have all the answers all the time, and the only way to know if they do is to ask questions. Do not feel embarrassed by raising your hand in a meeting. Ask all the questions you need. The quality of your life will be determined by the quality of your questions.

Global Hispanic and Latino Developers Share How They Use Google Tools

Posted by Lyanne Alfaro, DevRel Program Manager, Google Developer Studio

Developer Journey is a monthly series highlighting diverse and global developers sharing relatable challenges, opportunities, and wins in their journey. Every month, we will spotlight developers around the world, the Google tools they leverage, and the kind of products they are building.

In celebration of Hispanic and Latin Heritage, this month we spoke with developers from Mexico and Spain.

Estela Franco

Headshot of Estela Franco, smiling
Barcelona, Spain
Google Developer Expert, Web Technologies
Web Performance Specialist

What unique perspectives do you believe you bring to the tech industry as a Hispanic developer? How do your cultural experiences influence your approach to problem-solving and innovation?

We Spanish people love talking and interacting with other people. We tend to speak a lot, and we bring that to all areas of our lives, including development. I enjoy discussing projects, understanding user needs and use cases, challenging peers, and providing other ideas that weren't initially considered. Every developer has their own background and experiences, and that's something that any project can leverage, so having a space where the team can safely have this kind of discussion can be very beneficial.

What Google tools have you used to build?

As a Web Performance specialist, I use Chrome, PageSpeed Insights API, Big Query, CrUX API, and Looker Studio. With these tools, I create microsites and dashboards to monitor and analyze web performance.

Which tool has been your favorite to use? Why?

I love the CrUX API and all the information you can get from it. It's super helpful to understand how your users experience your website and how your competitors are performing. Providing a great user experience to your users is as important as understanding how your website is performing in the market versus competitors' websites.

The CrUX API documentation provides enough information and examples to create your request and get valuable data that you will convert into insights to identify issues/bottlenecks and improve your website.

Tell us about something you've built in the past using Google tools.

I created a basic and simple CrUX data explorer. It uses the CrUX API (for getting the data) and Firebase (for the authentication). This tool, which is still a work in progress, allows you to visually get the Core Web Vitals' values for any website or web page you want to check, based on CrUX data.

What will you create with Google Bard?

Google Bard is an excellent tool which you can use to create dev projects. It won't develop them for you, but you can save a lot of time thanks to it. Currently, I'm not planning to create any specific project using Google Bard, but any project I create will probably get some help from it.

What advice would you give someone starting in their developer journey?

  • Start from the beginning. You first need to understand the fundamentals before learning a framework or a specific technology. Being proficient on the fundamentals will make the rest easier.
  • Don't walk this journey alone. Get support from a community. Luckily, there are hundreds of tech communities you can get support from! You will probably find some difficulties during this journey and having this support will help you to go through them and solve them faster.
  • Don't be afraid to ask. You can ask your questions in a community or you can also ask them to Google (and Google Bard). Trust me, you're not the first person to have that question. Asking is the best way to get an answer.

What technological advancements or trends do you believe have the potential to positively impact Hispanic communities, both locally and globally?

Real-time translators using AI can be a game-changer. Although Spanish is one of the most frequently spoken languages in the world, English is needed in many fields and the tech industry is one of them.

Currently, it can be harder to have a successful developer journey if you don't speak English, and not all Hispanic/Latinx communities speak English. Having the tools to properly communicate with tech people even if you don't speak English could open new opportunities to these communities.

Alba Silvente Fuentes

Headshot of Alba Silvente Fuentes, smiling
Amsterdam, Netherlands by way of Alicante, Spain
Google Developer Expert, Web Technologies
Women Techmakers Ambassador
Developer Relations Engineer at Storyblok (a Headless CMS)

What unique perspectives do you believe you bring to the tech industry as a Hispanic developer? How do your cultural experiences influence your approach to problem-solving and innovation?

When coding or solving problems, one quality that has always been present in my culture is passion. While passion is not exclusive to Latinx or Hispanic people, it is a part of our culture to approach tasks with dedication, effort, and care.

To prevent myself from giving in to a very difficult bug, I rely on my sense of humor and open communication. Whether at work or at home, I communicate openly about what is happening to me, seeking help or collaborating on a solution. I often use humor to diffuse tension and find the funny side of frustrating situations. This helps me to clear my mind of thoughts that block the search for a solution.

When it comes to innovation, I focus on small, everyday things that can improve my daily life. This is because I have been taught to value small details over bigger ones.

What Google tools have you used to build?

One of my first experiences with Google technologies was when I was studying at university and I decided to learn Android development in my free time, which was then using Java as its official language. However, after starting my career and discovering my passion for frontend development, my first full-time job as a frontend developer involved using Angular. Throughout my professional journey, I have relied heavily on Google's essential tools such as DevTools, Lighthouse, and Page speed. These tools have become an integral part of my daily routine. And over the past two years, I have actively participated in developing Chrome Extensions and conducting numerous Flutter workshops.

Which tool has been your favorite to use? Why?

In my opinion, the most helpful tools are DevTools and Web Vitals. However, if I had to choose a favorite, I would say it is the Chrome Extensions Manifest. I had a great time developing extensions and exploring all the different possibilities. Whether I was scraping websites for useful information or extending functionality, it was always a fun and rewarding experience.

Tell us about something you've built in the past using Google tools.

The question should be what have you developed without the use of Google tools, because I think there hasn't been a project where I haven't used DevTools or Web Vitals since I focus on the frontend. If you were to check my GitHub, nearly 90% of my projects have undergone testing with Lighthouse in order to ensure basic performance improvements.

Please share a memorable project where you incorporated elements of your heritage into the design or functionality? How did this enrich the user experience?

During my first job, I was a part of a campaign project for wines from the Alicante region called “#EnamórateDeUnAlicantino” (translating to “#FallInLoveWithAnAlcantino”). The campaign had a website featuring a love form to help people find the wine that best suited their taste. Each wine was associated with a person, and every question in the form had a local food item linked to it, such as Valencia oranges. I had a lot of fun working on it.

What will you create with Google Bard?

Up until now, I've utilized generative AI to assist me in refining my content. It's been especially helpful in synthesizing detailed information for my podcasts, articles, and talks. On one occasion, I even used it to create the basis of an extension, and while the outcome was decent, I had to make a few adjustments. Nevertheless, it was a valuable experiment. Moving forward, I plan to further explore the potential of AI and perhaps even use it to generate tests for my code or troubleshoot bugs out of pure curiosity.

What advice would you give someone starting in their developer journey?

My recommendation for beginners is to start by focusing on one thing that they enjoy, taking the time to understand the basics and explore their limits without rushing through the process. It is important to remain calm and enjoy the journey.

What technological advancements or trends do you believe have the potential to positively impact Hispanic communities, both locally and globally?

Considering our past limitations with languages other than Spanish due to our historical past, there are still many people who face a language barrier and cannot access all the information they need. However, thanks to advancements in AI, chatbots like Bard, and technologies like VR glasses, we can now overcome this hurdle. These tools allow us to translate in real-time as the speaker shares their story, or improve automatic subtitles, enabling us to reach a wider audience than ever before.

Juan Guillermo Gómez

Headshot of Juan Guillermo Gómez, smiling
Mexico City, Mexico
Google Developer Expert, Firebase, ML, Google Cloud Platform, Kotlin
Tech Lead

What unique perspectives do you believe you bring to the tech industry as a Latino developer? How do your cultural experiences influence your approach to problem-solving and innovation?

The developer community is strong and very united in Latin America. We also have relationships with other communities around the world, which allow growth in our professional career. In some cases, there is a shortage of resources, but this is not a barrier, but rather a motivation. We can learn a lot about technology by visiting places and networking.

What Google tools have you used to build?

I have used a lot of tools. I have used several tools for Android applications, and a lot of services via Google Cloud Platform, Firebase, Go, TensorFlow, and more.

Which tool has been your favorite to use? Why?

I love two tools: Firebase and GCP. These tools have a host of services that allow you to build apps, track their performance, user behavior, growth, and more. You can create applications with the support of Google.

Tell us about something you've built in the past using Google tools.

I have created mobile applications for health services and applications for a security services company. In the last four years, I have created an app called "Wordbox English" with a great team. Wordbox is an application that allows you to learn English via television series and movies in an entertaining way.

Please share a memorable project where you incorporated elements of your heritage into the design or functionality? How did this enrich the user experience?

Wordbox English is a great application which helps the user learn another language in an entertaining way. To create new features and modules, we often work with our users and yield great results. Because of this, our users love to learn.

What advice would you give someone starting in their developer journey?

Learn and practice every day. There are many tools, videos, and educational platforms where you can learn. Learn to love problems and challenges. You can belong to a community with other people with whom you can grow.

What technological advancements or trends do you believe have the potential to positively impact Latin communities, both locally and globally?

AI and machine learning. These accelerated advances allow you to build apps and learn faster. You can innovate and add more value to users.