Last week, I had the chance to chat with Jenn Junod, cohost of the API Denver Meetup. We discussed her involvement in Denver, her career, and her hobbies. Read on to learn more about Jenn and her emerging leadership in the Denver tech scene, and soon in Arizona!
Jenn, are you originally from Colorado?
No, I'm actually from Arizona. I've moved around quite a bit, from Arizona to Idaho to Colorado, then back to Arizona, Indiana, and now back to Colorado temporarily before heading to Arizona again. Although we don't have family in Arizona, we have friends there, so it's a positive move. However, I'll definitely miss Colorado.
What are you currently doing in Denver?
I work as a developer advocate at Aiven. Additionally, I actively participate in various meetups and contribute to Denver Startup Week. Networking is a crucial aspect of my job, and I genuinely enjoy witnessing others succeed and assisting them in achieving their goals.
What motivated you to get involved with the API Denver Meetup?
I was working for a startup called Stoplight based in Austin. When we relocated to Denver, I attended the API Denver Meetup. Oury, Alice, and Brice, the other organizers, inquired about Stoplight, and our conversation evolved from there. Eventually, they invited me to become a co-organizer of the meetup, which I initially hesitated about. However, when I got laid off, Oury suggested that joining the meetup might help me find a new job. In May 2022, I made the decision to join, and since then, I haven't regretted it. Oury has a remarkable ability to recognize people's potential and helped me discover my true calling. I'm incredibly grateful for that.
What do you appreciate most about the Denver tech community?
The diversity of backgrounds is what stands out the most. There are always kind-hearted individuals ready to lend a hand and help you progress. Last year, during Denver Startup Week, I encountered numerous people from different backgrounds, and it filled me with hope and a sense of endless possibilities.
If there was one thing you could improve about the Denver tech community, what would it be?
I would focus on improving visibility. Despite being active on Twitter and LinkedIn throughout the day, I rarely come across posts about the Denver Tech Community. Even Denver Startup Week seems to lack substantial coverage. Given the prominence of meetups in Denver, we need to find ways to enhance visibility.
What tech trends are you particularly excited about?
I'm particularly thrilled about AI. Recently, I came across an app that could transform a blog article into tweets and images. AI has the potential to automate various aspects of our lives and increase our availability. I'm eagerly looking forward to exploring the numerous ways AI can make our lives more efficient.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I host a podcast where I discuss mental health topics, and I also engage in livestreaming. My personal life often intertwines with my work, and I also enjoy traveling.
Colorado will miss you, Jenn! But rest assured, she told me she would visit often, especially for Denver Startup Week.
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