Stories from the Hackery

Markus Matheny graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I've worked a hundred jobs and never had a career. However, I've always lived a data-driven approach to my life, trying to look at numbers and seeking truth that way. After spending years teaching myself, I realized this was a passion and so I selfishly enrolled in data school to learn how to make my own projects.

Diarra Fall graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I'm a licensed civil engineer with 7 years of experience in traffic engineering and bridge design. I was drawn to data analytics because as our transportation systems get smarter, we continually add more sensors that are constantly collecting data. Most transportation professionals don't have the tools to churn through all the data to see what it can tell us.

Zach McPherson graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I am a highly driven professional with a passion for solving complex problems. My diverse background, including hospitality and animatronics, allows me to solve problems through a creative lens. I am passionate about exploring datasets, collaboration, critical thinking while growing my skills further in a data analyst position.

Richard Leonard graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. Through my experiences in healthcare and biology, I was exposed to statistics and data analysis. Data analytics became appealing to me as a career path because of the innovation and creativity allowed when writing code.

Chernae Saka graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. Over a decade of experience in mortgage underwriting, analyzing, and risk mitigation. I have developed a passion for curiosity. My background in underwriting coupled with my interest to explore and make meaning of data has motivated me to pursue a career in data analytics. I look forward to new experiences within data.

Marty Burns graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. Data and analytics have always been a big part of my life. I love exploring, analyzing, and leveraging data to problem solve and build a story that will make an impact on both a professional and personal level. I have used data analytics most of my professional career to increase revenue, reduce waste, improve quality and drive supply chain improvements. I am thankful and grateful to Nashville Software School for providing me extensive training in new, exciting ways to extract, transform, analyze and visualize data. I can't wait to put these new skills to work in my future career endeavors.

Alec Blade graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I have recently switched paths from engineering to data analytics after noticing my niche and what I liked. I decided upon data analytics because I love being creative with technology and exercising logical thinking. During my free time, I like to support my local soccer teams or hang out with my cat.

Caroline Kim graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. Internal auditor and finance specialist turned data analyst, my innate curiosity and love of learning make me fearless when it comes to tackling complex problems. I believe that data analytics is an immensely powerful tool to distill the story behind the data, deriving meaning and actionable insight from abstract numbers.

Elizabeth Kinnard graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I've lived and traveled to many parts of the world mainly because my dad was in the military. And when it was my time to decide where to live, I decided on Tennessee. I went to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and received my degree in Economics. I also met my husband there. When we graduated, we moved to Franklin, TN where we both pursued our careers in finance. During the ten years of being in that field, we welcomed a son and a daughter. When I left the finance world in 2019, I wanted to take some time to decide on what my next career path would be. Unfortunately, Covid hit six months later which put everything on hold. Three years later and things are slowly getting back to normal, it was time to invest in myself and move forward in my career as a data analyst.

Maggie Quisenberry graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I have been a Registered Nurse working primarily in the home care setting. I enjoy getting to meet people and helping them with their healthcare needs. I enjoy the outdoors and try to spend as much free time outside with my family. We enjoy traveling and visiting national parks. I am a hard worker and will always show up on time with a smile and willingness to give whatever the project is 100%.

Brian Wilhelm graduated with full time Data Analytics Cohort 9. I was a middle school teacher and Athletic Director the past 10 years but have switched to data analytics. I am fascinated with the analytic side to problem solving and love diving into data to find a solution to problems. I am very family oriented and my wife and I have three children.

Allison Dial graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. I am an imaginative designer and developer who is excited to step into the field of software development. I am passionate about designing for accessibility and building products that have a positive impact on the lives of users. I was first drawn to this field by observing my grandparents struggle to use applications as well as my own experiences with having a minor motor skills disability.

Amy Ulmer graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60.

Grace Boaz graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60.

Emily Nelson graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. As a member of a large cajun family, being a team player has never been optional, but truthfully a passion. Being drawn to technology comes naturally and I've always thought my innate problem solving skills would be a great fit. It wasn't until I decided to make a career change from Hospitality into Software Development that I realized how much I could love learning!

Matthew Hedges graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. I developed an interest in technology at an early age by playing video games with friends. This hobby is what sparked my career into technology sales where I found a passion in working with and training others. Thanks to my time in sales, I was then able to discover that I wanted more than sales quotas, and I developed a passion for wanting to create my own applications. Now I plan to turn that passion in to a career!

James Linkous graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. I ultimately consider myself a craftsman. Whether it's web development, teaching Figure Drawing at Belmont University, or 16th Century English bookbinding, the craftsmanship will always be the most paramount.

Jason Howes graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. As a seasoned Director of Sales Operations and Project Manager, I possess a strong understanding of driving business success and growth. My diverse background has equipped me with a broad range of business acumen and technical skills. My passion for technology led me to pivot my career and attend NSS. I am excited to continue learning as I start my new career.

Wil Hammond graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. I developed a passion for technology at a young age computers and video games began a life long passion. In college however I chose a career path that led me into political campaign management and public service. After several successful years in that field, I got the opportunity to reset and an opportunity to follow this passion. I'm a curious learner who enjoys discovering new ways, thoughts, ideas and people.

Richard Canepa graduated with full time Web Development Cohort 60. I love programming, making music, and expanding my capabilities.