Faces of #OKGNTech
Accelerate Okanagan - May 21, 2018 - Columnists

Image: Accelerate Okanagan

A strong community can promote new ideas and ensure accountability. It can also act as motivation, support, and even provide a little friendly competition. The power of community is undeniable and the Okanagan tech community is no exception.

Our community is strong. Growing with record speed and maintaining connection through a period of growth like this can be a challenge. Nobody panic, we’ve got a plan.

Introducing, The Faces of #OKGNtech (@OKGNtech). It’s a showcase of Okanagan tech entrepreneurs, partners, supporters, and cheerleaders designed to fuel more connection, more growth, and more excitement.

Follow along (on the blog and on Instagram @okgntech) to learn more about our growing community and what makes them awesome.

Meet Lexi. Lexi Keen recently left the Accelerate Okanagan team to tackle coding boot camp at Light House Labs. Lexi loves to learn, lives for outside time, and can’t get enough of her full-bodied cat Lenard. We recently caught up with Lexi to learn more about her passion for coding and what she loves about #OKGNtech.

What’s your favourite thing about coding? 

“I’ve been wanting to learn how to code for a while now. Last year my sister got engaged and I wanted to build her a really nice website for her wedding. I really enjoy working with someone to create their vision. That definitely solidified my dream of wanting to go to coding school…and look at me now! I’m starting coding boot camp in less than a month!” #Followyourdreams

“Growing up, I was always really interested in computers. I used to play around on formatting templates on Nexopia…when that was still a thing. I might be dating myself with that one. At the time I didn’t really think much of it but I guess that was my intro to coding 101” #90skid #Bringbacknextopia

When did you realize you wanted to go to business school? 

“My experience working at Club Penguin made me realize that I had a passion for business. It also made me realized that in order to move up in a company I needed to go back to school. So I asked around and I got a lot of feedback that the Okanagan College had a great business program. I’m so glad I chose to get my Business Degree from the College.”

What’s the best piece of advice you can share us? 

“If you’re unhappy or you’re stuck or if something isn’t working, do not to be afraid to change. I’ve tried a few different careers so far and I haven’t found one that fits. Luckily I’m in a position where I can change my mind and go back to school and try something new. You shouldn’t let that hold you back”

What do you love about #OKGNtech?

“The tech industry here is really unique. There are always people offering to lend a hand and everyone feels comfortable to ask for help. There will always be someone who is willing to put their own project on hold in order to help someone else. The community here is very collaborative. That has to be my favourite thing about #OKGNtech”

What’s one word you would use to describe yourself and why? 

 “Nerd! I am a total nerd at heart. I am seriously interested in everything. It is such a struggle. I have to tell myself ‘No Lexi! One thing at a time. One-thing-at -a-time.’” #alltheskills

What’s something you want people to know about you? 

“Relationships are really important to me. A few people that I am not even that close with have spilt their life story to me and then realized what they are doing and have been like ‘wow you are so easy to talk to’ and I love that. I want all people to think of me as easy to talk to and open.”

What was your favourite thing about working at Accelerate Okanagan?

“My favourite thing about my position at Accelerate Okanagan was really the people. I loved showing new people the amazing space and explaining Accelerate Okanagan’s mission.”


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