Earlier this year, the Udacity team decided we wanted to create a way for Nanodegree graduates to build leadership roles within our community. We determined that the best way to do this would be to gather a group of students that could meet with Udacity staff, and help us come up with and implement solutions for pressing issues in our community — issues like better serving the needs of rural students, and overcoming the psychological barriers many people face when starting a new career. We’re proud to announce that these students have now come together as the new Nanodegree Alumni Leadership Board (NALB).
When we began the process of seeking candidates for the board, what we were looking for above all else were individuals who clearly expressed a desire to give back to their peers. What we got were over 100 incredible applications. In the end, we chose 11 members of the Udacity Alumni community, and we couldn’t be happier about the individuals that were selected.
Each one brings a unique set of experiences and perspectives to the table. What unites them is their desire to build and support the Nanodegree community. We look forward to sharing the work of the board, and to the ways their efforts will benefit future students and alumni.
Without further ado, please allow us to introduce you to the members of the first Nanodegree Alumni Leadership Board!
The Nanodegree Alumni Leadership Board
Noble Ackerson
I build passionate communities around innovative ideas. I bring Alumni Board experience as a member at Lynchburg College. My startup LynxFit pivoted thanks to Udacity and is currently piloting a connected fitness tool for personal trainers.
Find out more about Noble at LinkedIn or follow him on Twitter.
James Childs-Maidment
I’m from Melbourne, Down Under, and was a filmmaker and musician before I pursued software development. I graduated from the first cohort of the Full Stack Nanodegree program, and have been a Udacity Code Reviewer ever since. I love React Native, musicals, and VR.
Find out more about James at LinkedIn or see his writing on Medium.
Karla Fernandes
I’m Brazilian by birth. Explorer by nature. In love with creativity, fueled by programming skills, surrounded by inspiring people, and crafting life as I dream it.
Find out more about Karla at her website or on LinkedIn.
David Harris
I am a web developer, currently working full time on Udacity Nanodegree code reviews! I graduated from the Full Stack Web Developer Nanodegree program and the Beginning Ruby Nanodegree program, and I’m in the process of completing the Front End Web Developer Nanodegree program.
Find out more about David at LinkedIn or check out his code on GitHub.
Sonja Krause-Harder
I am a graduate of both the Front End and Full Stack Nanodegree programs, and am currently busy on finishing the Ruby program. I’ve benefitted tremendously not only from the courses and projects, but also from the daily contact with current and former Nanodegree students—through chats and forums—and I want to contribute to, and improve, this community so it may help others as well.
Having worked in tech since 1999 (but not in software development for many years), the Nanodegree programs helped me to switch my career back to my original passion: writing code.
Find out more about Sonja on LinkedIn or check out her code on GitHub.
Fernando Marins
I am a wood engineer who fell in love with programming. After graduating I decided to quit my job as an engineer, and then I was called by Kunal to be one of the first Udacity reviewers. I found my real passion in life: programming and teaching.
Find out more about Fernando on LinkedIn.
Andrew Marmion
Having taught mathematics in international schools for the last 11 years I felt that it was about time to have a change. I completed the iOS Developer Nanodegree program in February, and I am in the process of starting the Android Developer Nanodegree program. I also have a few apps in the App Store.
Find out more about Andrew on LinkedIn or download his apps on the App Store.
Rowland Otieno
I’m an Android Developer. I’m also an ardent contributor to open source software on Github. Occasionally on my weekends, I spend time at the National Park watching wildlife with friends. I live in Nairobi, Kenya.
Find out more about Rowland at LinkedIn or follow him on Twitter.
Umair Ramay
I’m from Hong Kong and I am a JavaScript indie game developer and a board game designer, working on the JungleFall Adventure Board Game. I’m also a YouTube content creator with the name “Jimmy a Geek” where I answer tech and programming questions and also make technology content. I’m also a dropout from 3 degrees which are computer engineering, electronic engineering, and business computing.
Find out more about Umair on LinkedIn or check out his YouTube channel.
Jane Sheppard
I’m a Front End alumna, career and code reviewer, UX consultant, Udacity evangelist, and Chicago Blackhawks fan. I’m obsessed with the sweet spot where technology, creative design, and behavioral economics converge. Based in Chicago; love to travel.
Find out more about Jane at LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter.
Xunmo Yang
Wow I’m so excited. I get the chance to give something back to Udacity! Currently I’m a doctoral student in theoretical chemistry at University of Houston, with interest and background in chemistry, physics, programming, economics, and theoretical biology. I’ve finished the Data Analyst and Machine Learning Nanodegree programs.
Find out more about Xunmo on LinkedIn or check out his code on GitHub.
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Interested in joining the ranks of these amazing Udacity Alumni? Enroll today!
