2023 Retrospective
Overview
- 🥇 awards: nominated for “Go That Extra Mile”, “Mission Impossible”, and “The Houdini” awards by manager and peers
- 🥈 accomplishments: volunteered to pioneer Level Access' new methodology, led auditing documentation team, promoted from senior accessibility analyst to accessibility consultant, achieved IAAP CPACC and CPWA certifications
- 🥉 technical skills: improved experience with writing ACR/VPATs, took on design reviews utilizing the new markup process, learned about the new additions to WCAG 2.2
- ♾️ other: got my ears pierced, visited Chicago for the first time, relaxed at a spa resort in the mountains, and had to say goodbye to the best dog
What’s happened since last year?
Following up on my goals from 2022 for this year I’m at 2.5 out of 3. I was able to achieve the CPWA certification and took the initiative to jump teams to become a lead mentor for a growing/under-performing team. This team has worked so hard in 2023 and the company is taking notice of the improvement—better quality and better efficiency. ✨ Still working on more fun ways to excercise and build muscle strength. I’m still wobbly on my rollerblades.
2023 started strong in the work and fun category with a company kick off (CKO) retreat in Chicago, Illinois. Level Access paid for all of us to go and stay in the windy city for a week and it was awesome! So many great speakes and so many city exploring to be had. I joined a new team and the CKO was my first time meeting the new team. During 2023 Level Access also went through a merger with Essential Accessibility. The merging of teams went on throughout 2023, but I have made many friends and met many amazing peers.
During this year I also lead a documentation team, was promoted to an accessibility consultant, had more opportunities to write acr/vpats and scope very large multi-unit audits as project owner. I was able to more fully attend GAAD events by contribuiting non-profit transcription/captioning, mentor students, and attend a virtual conference.
Photo Highlights
Achievements, celebrations, & team feedback
After months of study I am so happy that 2023 was the year I achieved my CPWA (certified professional of web accessibility) certification, the highest level offered by IAAP. I have worked hard in all aspects of my work to become a recognized leader. Moving forward into 2024 this long-term goal is seeing fruition.
Other things of note:
- Took a needed vacation to Asheville, NC and had a spa-day ♡
- Met my Level Access co-workers in person for the first time
- Visited (and solved the mystery of) Omega Mart in Chicago, Illinois
“Mel is super quick to take initiative and problem solve”
“Thank you Mel for coaching me on mobile testing and helping me feel more confident in my work”
“She is always going out of her way to support the team towards growth and success!”
2023 backlog & goals for 2024
- volunteer animal fostering or at county animal shelter
- re-pick up React since version 17.0.1
- continue to build up muscle strength when rollerblading
- progress to a team-lead position