Name: JoAnna Springsteen
Role: Project Manager, Agilist, Delivery Lead, Business Analyst, QA…
Why do you love what you do?
I love building teams. I especially love building teams that rally around building awesome products. It’s fun and exciting to see a group of people bring their unique perspectives to the table to create something awesome for a client.
Favorite food?
Hard choice to pick one thing as I do love trying new and different things, but I always come back to Steak, medium rare.
What is an accomplishment you’re proud of?
I knitted a sweater during the pandemic and it actually fits! (unlike a lot of my other knitting attempts)
Anything else we should know?
I’m pretty passionate about Agile, Lean, and Product mentalities. At some point I’ll probably talk your ear off about it. I’m pretty involved with our local Agile Iowa community.
Fun Fact?
For my 40th birthday I finally decided to buy a house. And have been fixing it up ever since.
How did you get started down the path to becoming a PM?
I started out my career as a Technical Writer, which quickly turned into creating and managing large sets of documents in web based content management systems. As I got put in charge of implementing these CMS’, I realized I liked working with web and mobile technologies more than actually writing documentation. I went back and forth as a tech writer, business analyst, project manager, and eventually scrum master until I found what I liked best. I honestly don’t consider myself a project manager – I’m a delivery lead, a team member, and help keep teams organized to get stuff done.
What made you decide to join We Write Code?
I had heard a little about WWC and when Erin reached out, we had a great conversation. I was excited to find a group of like minded people! I loved the interview process and the attitude everyone exuded. It’s such a chill, adult place that understands the balance of having fun while working.
How do you see your past experiences at other organizations helping you in your new position at We Write Code?
I’ve worked for big corporations to start ups and everything in between. I’ve learned a lot at every company I’ve been at. Part of the benefit of spending most of my career as a contractor is I can bring that experience of what does or doesn’t work to the table, to help We Write Code figure out how we want to mature in our development and delivery practices.
What hobbies and activities do you do outside of work?
Knitting, Biking, Sewing, all things plants, foodie, puzzles, re-learning to roller skate, camping, learning to salsa dance, weight lifting, and making friends with random pets at parties instead of talking to people.