Caroline Karanja is a designer, developer and cultural architect. She is the founder of 26 Letters, a SaaS e-learning solution that helps companies understand and incorporate, diversity and inclusion. Her deep experience working with engineers to build products in the technology space gives Caroline a unique perspective that has helped define and refine 26 Letters’ approach.

Jeff founded Bust Out Solutions in 2005 with the vision of assembling a team of highly-talented individuals who share his love of technology and his passion for design. The Bust Out team has also created a payment management platform called Pearl which launched as a separate company in 2016. Jeff has a degree in molecular biology, a background in software engineering, and he also spends time chasing his three young children around.

Currently, a Product Manager at Data Curation Experts, Shanita John joined this small, agile team of open-source software developers with a decade of experience (yikes) as a Senior Project Manager in the fields of interactive design and advertising. 

Though she counts it a privilege to have worked at large agencies, Shanita is happiest in smaller, close-knit teams because of their ability to adapt readily and embrace iteration.

Mercedes Cox is the Principal Engineer and Product Owner for Target’s Product Security program. She has over 10 years experience in both security and engineering, with a passion for automated security testing and promoting other women in tech. Mercedes moved to the Twin Cities in 2008 with her husband and boxer dog Molly.