Virginia Dooley

Summary

Virginia is a full-stack software engineer with over six years of experience, specialising in Python, Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, and React. With a 15-year career in international development, she has gained expertise in people-centred management, effective communication, critical decision-making, public speaking, and fundraising. Passionate about leveraging technology for social impact, she transitioned from non-profit work to software development after assisting startups and charities in overcoming outdated systems. As a co-founder of an ethical e-commerce business (2004–2018), she developed strong skills in project management and business strategy, which she now applies to mission-driven tech projects.

Technical Skills

Languages: Python, JavaScript, Ruby

Frameworks: Django, Ruby on Rails

Databases: SQL, Postgres

DevOps: Docker, AWS, CircleCI

Frontend: React, HTML, CSS

Tools: Git, GitHub, Jira, Trello

Data Analysis: Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib

Education

Flatiron School | Full-Stack Software Engineering | London | Sept 2018-2019

Startup Leadership Programme | London | Sept 2017-Apr 2018

SOAS, University of London | MSc in International Development

Georgetown University | BS in Russian Language; minor in Government

Experience

Full Stack Developer | Democracy Club | Jan 2021-October 2024

• Reduced technical debt, resulting in improved system performance, scalability, and long-term maintainability.
• Enhanced and maintained core features across multiple platforms using AWS, React, and Python, streamlining functionality and user experience.
• Integrated AWS Textract to automate data extraction and optimize the processing and aggregation of official documents, significantly improving efficiency.
• Collaborated on organizational strategy and contributed to enhancing digital service delivery, aligning technical solutions with broader business goals.

Junior Developer | Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing | Jan 2020-Present

• Implemented new features for a customer service platform using Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, Docker, and AWS.
• Collaborated in two-week sprint cycles, contributing to sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and product demos.

Independent Consultant | Freelance | Aug 2014-Sept 2018

• Crafted and developed custom websites to enhance clients' online presence and brand visibility.
• Designed and implemented CRM systems and digital strategies to build and grow vibrant virtual communities.
• Collaborated with UK-based clients, including Nova New Opportunities, KitchinTable, Mums in Tech, MAMACodes, Bindi Karia, Structur3dPeople, and WonderWomenTV, providing business strategy consulting and digital solutions.

Senior Programme Officer | EMpower - The Emerging Markets Foundation| Oct 2004-Aug 2014

• Managed a $1.2M grant portfolio supporting at-risk youth in Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Russia, and Turkey.
• Developed a donor management and impact assessment system using Salesforce.com.