To kick off our GirlCode series, we are thrilled to have one of New York's finest ladies in tech: Maddy Maxey. Maddy has combined her passions for design and technology to partner with some big names like Google, Zac Posen, and Autodesk. She spends her time making textile circuits for The Crated, and writing code for computational design. She has been named one of Forbes 30 under 30, was an Entrepreneur in Residence for General Assembly and is Thiel Fellow.
How has coding allowed you to pursue your passion?
Coding lets me program microcontrollers and create files for 3D printing and make beautiful graphics. Code makes it easier for me to be creative!
What kinds of problems do you love solving?
I love chasing after the unknown. The Dark Matter of the world gets me really excited when a solution is questionably possible. To be more specific, I love problems that combine the digital and physical like 3D printing, or CNC milling, or making e-textiles.
Coding lets me program microcontrollers and create files for 3D printing and make beautiful graphics. Code makes it easier for me to be creative!
What kinds of problems do you love solving?
I love chasing after the unknown. The Dark Matter of the world gets me really excited when a solution is questionably possible. To be more specific, I love problems that combine the digital and physical like 3D printing, or CNC milling, or making e-textiles.
Maddy helped build the electronics for a programmable LED matrix dress for Zac Posen and Google. Her contributions were firmware development, textile shield fabrication and circuit design.
How did you learn how to code?
I started with a class at General Assembly and then just made things that suited by interest until the logic started to make sense.
Why do you think it's important for girls to learn to code?
I think it's important for girls to be agents and if a girl is interested in code and building things, I think she should feel capable of doing exactly that.
Who or what inspires you?
I'm so inspired by creative and technically challenging companies like Kreysler and Associates and La Makerie Studio, or nVoid Studio, or anything from Reza Ali or Marius Watz. The list goes on and on!
Do you have any secret talents?
Impressive food consumption!
I started with a class at General Assembly and then just made things that suited by interest until the logic started to make sense.
Why do you think it's important for girls to learn to code?
I think it's important for girls to be agents and if a girl is interested in code and building things, I think she should feel capable of doing exactly that.
Who or what inspires you?
I'm so inspired by creative and technically challenging companies like Kreysler and Associates and La Makerie Studio, or nVoid Studio, or anything from Reza Ali or Marius Watz. The list goes on and on!
Do you have any secret talents?
Impressive food consumption!
Maddy will be joining us for The GirlCode Program this summer as a mentor. If you want to learn more about the program, just go to www.thecodingspace.com/girlcode.