My tech career has focused on making tools that help people be their best, from Design Systems that support engineers building UIs to personal style. I've built no-code products, component libraries, written technical documentation, created and given hundreds of hours of workshops and trainings, owned product for a Design System used by 150+ projects, and built my own business solo.
Not all skills are visible on a resume. Here's me at my best, explained via my StrengthsFinder Top 5.
I make things happen by turning thoughts into action. I'm a catalyst, and my enthusiasm is contagious.
I'm a visionary. My powerful visions and explanations of what could be helps others turn aspirations into reality.
I intuit and create alternative ways. I anticipate relevant patterns, making me an agile decision-maker.
I accumulate information, ideas, and relationships that help me make credible and well-informed decisions.
My ability to find words for my (and your) thoughts and feelings helps me make meaningful connections.
CSSCONF EU · BERLIN, GERMANY · JUNE 2019
CLARITYCONF · SAN FRANCISCO, CA · NOVEMBER 2017
“One of those great ones: masterfully weaving two topics, astronomy and
web development, with an impeccable presentation, purposeful analogies,
valuable insight and captivating stories.”
CONVERGE SE · COLUMBIA, SC · APRIL 2015
KEYNOTE CSSCONF OAKLAND · OAKLAND, CA · DECEMBER 2014
FRONT END DESIGN CONF · ST. PETERSBURG, FL · JULY 2014
“Unequivocally my favourite session—an eloquent and raw talk that
spoke directly to the soul of everyone there.”
INTERNAL FOR INDEED · AUSTIN, TX & TOKYO, JAPAN · 2017–2018
“Elyse does a great job making an abstract concept very relatable. Rather than talk about high level best practices, she found relevant real life examples. Her workshop felt more collaborative then just a one-way lecture.”
SASSCONF · AUSTIN, TX · 2015
Created and ran call for proposal and speaker selection process, including a speaker mentorship program to help speakers prepare, refine, and practice their talks. Improved submission rate from underrepresented groups in tech from 5% to 48%, including international, women, trans and LGTBQ+, and non-white speakers.
Created and fundraised for attendee scholarship program. Through corporate and attendee scholarship donations, we funded five full-ride scholarships for women/non-binary attendees from three countries. This program also inspired other conferences to create full-fledged scholarships.
"Conf scholarships aren't about diversity numbers; they can be life-changing. Thanks for the reminder @elyseholladay. —Una Kravets, on her experience with SassConf's scholarship program
SASSCONF · NEW YORK CITY, NY · OCTOBER 2014 · in collaboration with Jina Anne
