Kali Stara, Developer in Athens, Central Athens Regional Unit, Greece
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Kali Stara

Verified Expert  in Engineering

Front-end Developer

Athens, Central Athens Regional Unit, Greece

Toptal member since March 30, 2022

Bio

Kali is a passionate front-end engineer with ten years of experience building and maintaining web and mobile applications in the information technology and services industry. She is proficient in JavaScript, React, React Native, Redux, HTML, CSS, and Git and well-versed in the Scrum and Agile methodologies.

Portfolio

Blackheart Miniatures
JavaScript, React.js, Redux, React.js, Next.js, Material UI, RxJS, JSS, Netlify...
Arizona State University - University Technology Office
React Native, TypeScript, React.js, Material UI, Redux, JavaScript, Web UI...
Allwyn
JavaScript, React.js, Next.js, Material UI, Jest, TypeScript, Node.js, Prisma...

Experience

Availability

Part-time

Preferred Environment

MacOS, MacBook, WebStorm, iTerm2, Gmail, Apple, GitHub, GitLab, Bitrise, JavaScript

The most amazing...

...thing I've led the development of was the Irish National Lottery app, which received the first award for "Best Use of Mobile" at the Irish Digital Media Awards.

Work Experience

Senior Front-end Engineer

2021 - PRESENT
Blackheart Miniatures
  • Designed, developed, and deployed a custom eCommerce web application.
  • Managed a social media account and worked on search engine optimization (SEO) for an eCommerce web application.
  • Consulted on the design process and implemented a custom site generator according to the client's needs.
Technologies: JavaScript, React.js, Redux, React.js, Next.js, Material UI, RxJS, JSS, Netlify, REST, Jest, Enzyme, NPM, Git, GitHub, Flow, HTML, CSS, CSS3, JavaScript, JavaScript, Lint, Babel, Yarn, REST API, UI Development, Node.js, Responsive Design, Progressive Web Applications (PWAs), Front-end, UI Development, Software Development, CI/CD Pipelines, SendGrid, Stripe Development, Stripe Development, APIs, Content Management Systems (CMS), E-commerce marketing, Application State Management, Reusable Libraries, API Integration, HTML5, Lottie, Full-stack, SVG Design, Web Development, React.js, Google SEO, SEO Tools, Social Media Marketing, UX Development, Responsive Web Development, TypeScript, eCommerce APIs, SDKs, Front-end Development, Shopify, Architecture, Software Architecture, Headless Software, Tailwind CSS, Asynchronous Programming

React Native Developer

2023 - 2024
Arizona State University - University Technology Office
  • Developed a mobile app that handles the user's digital wallet of educational credentials through DIDComm Messaging.
  • Developed an admin dashboard that allows system users to handle business objects.
  • Converted and redesigned both mobile and admin dashboard applications from demo to fully functional applications.
  • Produced clean, efficient code based on specifications.
Technologies: React Native, TypeScript, React.js, Material UI, Redux, JavaScript, Web UI, Mobile UI Design, React-JSS, Decentralized Applications, JavaScript, Babel, React Navigation, React.js, UX Development, Storybook, SDKs, Front-end Development, Figma, Asynchronous Programming

Front-end Architect

2023 - 2023
Allwyn
  • Designed the architecture of a web application that could be used as a template for various web applications to cover business needs.
  • Designed the architecture of a mobile application that could be used as a template for various mobile applications to cover business needs.
  • Provided working prototypes for all the introduced design patterns and technologies.
  • Researched and analyzed available technologies to provide optimal solutions for business needs.
  • Designed scalable and extendable applications based on the latest technologies and market trends.
Technologies: JavaScript, React.js, Next.js, Material UI, Jest, TypeScript, Node.js, Prisma, Auth0, React Query, Application State Management, Architecture, Web Architecture, Mobile Architecture, React Native, Accessibility Development, Agile Development, API Integration, Docker, GitHub, React Navigation, Responsive Web Development, SDKs, Front-end Development, Contentful, Software Architecture, Headless Software, Asynchronous Programming

Senior Front-end Engineer

2022 - 2022
Poolit,
  • Designed the app architecture from scratch according to business needs.
  • Led technical interviews, provided guidelines, and mentored new members, providing them with daily feedback reports.
  • Set up and maintained CI/CD tools for the mobile application.
  • Contributed to setting engineering processes and ways of working between engineering and product teams.
Technologies: React Native, JavaScript, TypeScript, Bitrise, Axios, Redux, Styled-components, React Navigation, RxJS, Jest, Third-party Integration, React.js, REST, Braze, Apple Push Notifications, Responsive Design, Mobile App Design, Mobile App Design, Mobile App Design, WebView, Figma, Front-end, UI Development, Software Development, NPM, Git, CI/CD Pipelines, APIs, UI Development, Application State Management, API Integration, CSS, iOS, Code Architecture, SVG Design, React.js, Android, UX Development, SDKs, Front-end Development, Architecture, Software Architecture, Asynchronous Programming

Lead Software Engineer

2019 - 2021
Agile Actors | Outsource for Camelot Lottery Solutions
  • Designed and implemented a React Native iOS and Android application.
  • Developed the ability to convert business problems into technical solutions and skillfully cooperated with people from non-technical fields.
  • Mentored junior developers, elicited requirements, conducted usability testing, and acted as a technical lead and project manager.
  • Reviewed completed work in local, development, stage, and production phases and suggested fixes within software best practices.
Technologies: React Native, React.js, React.js, Redux, Bitrise, RxJS, React Navigation, Styled-components, Jest, Enzyme, NPM, Jira, Agile Development, Scrum Master Consulting, Flow, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JavaScript, Lint, Babel, Yarn, REST API, Firebase Analytics, Responsive Design, Mobile App Design, Mobile App Design, Mobile App Design, WebView, Figma, Front-end, UI Development, Technical Design, Software Development, Git, Git, Leadership, CI/CD Pipelines, APIs, UI Development, Content Management Systems (CMS), Application State Management, Reusable Libraries, API Integration, JavaScript, iOS, Lottie, Code Architecture, SVG Design, React.js, Android, SDKs, Front-end Development, Architecture, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Headless Software, Asynchronous Programming

Front-end Instructor

2017 - 2020
Agile Actors
  • Oversaw mentoring processes with adult students in different groups.
  • Created active learning materials according to the client's needs.
  • Introduced new ideas and new technologies to students.
Technologies: JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, Sass, React.js, Redux, React.js, Web Development, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JavaScript, Babel, REST API, Mobile App Design, Front-end, UI Development, Software Development, NPM, Git, APIs, UI Development, Application State Management, Reusable Libraries, SVG Design, React.js, Docker, Front-end Development, Vanilla JS, Asynchronous Programming, Angular

Senior Front-end Engineer

2015 - 2019
Agile Actors
  • Designed and developed various web applications to fulfill the client's needs.
  • Excelled in the rapid application development and management of technological issues for assigned projects.
  • Conducted job interviews and the training of new developers.
  • Participated in all phases of the software development cycle, including requirements analysis, designing, testing, implementation, maintenance, and debugging.
  • Participated in project planning, providing realistic time estimates for work units, and updating and tracking progress with appropriate tools.
  • Advanced my knowledge of the Agile best practices, including project workflow, site deployment, release procedures, scheduling, triage and defect remediation, hotfixes, and software project management.
Technologies: JavaScript, React.js, Redux, React.js, RxJS, HTML5, Jenkins, CSS3, REST, Sass, Git, GitHub, Git, Web API, Accessibility Development, Vue.js, jQuery, Apache Cordova, Ionic, Agile Development, Scrum Master Consulting, Jira, GatsbyJS, GraphQL, Flow, Less, HTML, CSS, Spring, JavaScript, JavaScript, Lint, Babel, Yarn, TypeScript, FreeMarker, REST API, UI Development, Responsive Web Development, Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), CMS, Responsive Design, Bootstrap, Mobile App Design, WebView, Single-page Applications (SPAs), Figma, Front-end, UI Development, Software Development, NPM, CI/CD Pipelines, APIs, Content Management Systems (CMS), Application State Management, Reusable Libraries, API Integration, Full-stack, SVG Design, Web Development, React.js, Google SEO, SEO Tools, UX Development, Storybook, SDKs, Front-end Development, Vanilla JS, Headless Software, Asynchronous Programming, Angular

Web Developer

2014 - 2015
OpenBet
  • Developed dynamic templates according to business requirements.
  • Integrated back-end systems through REST web services.
  • Participated in all phases of the software development cycle, including requirements analysis, designing, testing, implementation, maintenance, and debugging.
Technologies: JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, REST, jQuery, Less, HTML, CSS, Responsive Design, Front-end, UI Development, Software Development, NPM, Git, APIs, UI Development, Reusable Libraries, API Integration, SVG Design, Web Development, Responsive Web Development, Front-end Development, Vanilla JS, Asynchronous Programming

Junior Web Developer

2013 - 2014
Chemmedia AG
  • Developed new features and updated the existing ones for production software.
  • Oversaw the development and implementation of web applications based on clients' requirements.
  • Participated in system design, development, testing, implementation, documentation, and support.
Technologies: JavaScript, AngularJS, jQuery, HTML, CSS, Spring, MySQL, Git, Front-end, UI Development, Software Development, UI Development, Content Management Systems (CMS), HTML5, Full-stack, Web Development, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Front-end Development, Vanilla JS

ASU Pocket

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/asu-pocket/id6451395024
I led the architecture and development of a cross-platform mobile application using React Native to provide users with a digital wallet that allows lifelong learners to store and manage their learning and employment records in a digital format.

WORK DONE
• Designed a scalable and modular architecture that facilitated code reuse across iOS and Android platforms, ensuring consistent performance and user experience.
• Integrated the mobile application with mediator services through sockets, using DIDComm Messaging.
• Implemented a responsive and intuitive user interface utilizing React Native components and libraries, such as React Navigation, to create a cohesive design language.
• Utilized Redux for state management, enabling efficient data flow and synchronization across different app screens.
• Collaborated closely with UX/UI designers to translate wireframes and mockups into interactive prototypes, iterating based on user feedback.
• Conducted thorough testing and debugging to ensure the application met quality standards and performance benchmarks on both platforms.

Front-end Architect for Mobile Application

http://allwynentertainment.com
I led the architecture and development of a cross-platform baseline mobile application using React Native to provide a base for all mobile applications.

WORK DONE
• Designed a scalable and modular architecture that facilitated code reuse across iOS and Android platforms, ensuring consistent performance and user experience.
• Introduced libraries, such as React Navigation and React Native Paper, to create a cohesive design language. I utilized React Query for state management, enabling efficient data flow and synchronization across different app screens.
• Collaborated with back-end engineers to integrate RESTful API endpoints for seamless data exchange between the front and back ends.
• Collaborated closely with UX/UI designers to translate wireframes and mockups into interactive prototypes.

Front-end Architect For Web Application

http://allwynentertainment.com
I led the architecture and development of a web application using Next.js to provide a base for all web applications.

WORK DONE
• Designed a scalable and modular architecture, ensuring consistent performance and user experience.
• Implemented modern design patterns and technologies, including responsive web design, lazy loading, and client-side caching. Utilized Next.js framework to create dynamic user interfaces and optimized page load times through code splitting and server-side rendering.
• Implemented state management using React Query to ensure data consistency and facilitate efficient data flow. I collaborated with back-end engineers to integrate RESTful API endpoints for seamless data exchange between the front and back ends. I conducted performance audits and optimization techniques to enhance site speed and responsiveness across various devices and browsers.

BlackHeart Miniatures

https://blackheartminiatures.com
As a co-founder of BlackHeart Miniatures, I oversaw all the technical aspects of the company. I designed and developed a custom eCommerce platform using the Next.js framework, and I have used Vercel for deployments.

Investment App

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/poolit/id1621546981
Developed React Native application for alternative investments. I joined the team at the early stage of the application. I set up the project according to best practices to cover business needs. I have also set up and maintained CI/CD tools (Bitrise) for the mobile application. Furthermore, I led technical interviews, provided guidelines, and mentored new members. I also composed daily feedback reports for them.

Lastly, I contributed to setting engineering processes and working methods between engineering and product teams.

Irish National Lottery App

https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/national-lottery-lottery-ie/id333559134
Created React Native application for the Irish National Lottery published in App Store and Google Play.

I started as a senior front-end engineer, participating in all phases of the software development cycle. This included requirements analysis, design testing, implementation, maintenance, and debugging. After six months, due to the project's needs, I took the lead engineer role. I was leading a team of ten members. During this time, I developed the ability to convert business problems into technical solutions, cooperate, and understand people from non-technical fields.

Apart from eliciting requirements, part of my responsibilities was mentoring less experienced developers, code reviews of completed work, consulting in design reviews for upcoming features, and performing most aspects of the technical lead and project manager roles.

Illinois Lottery Webapp

Designed a server-side web application for the Illinois Lottery. I joined as a senior front-end engineer, participating in all phases of the software development cycle, including requirements analysis, design, testing, implementation, maintenance, and debugging. Part of my role was to meet accessibility AA standards

Apart from eliciting requirements, part of my responsibilities was mentoring less experienced developers, code reviews of completed work, and consulting in design reviews for upcoming features.

Agile Actors

https://www.agileactors.com
A static-generated website for Agile Actors' digital presentation.
I joined as a senior front-end engineer and collaborated productively with the product and UI/UX teams to design, develop and maintain a strong brand identity for the company.
2009 - 2013

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

University of Greenwich - Athens, Greece

2002 - 2007

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

University of Macedonia - Thessaloniki, Greece

Libraries/APIs

React.js, RxJS, jQuery, React Navigation, React.js, Web API, Vue.js, REST API, Node.js, Vue 2, Stripe Development, Stripe Development, JavaScript, React-JSS, React Query, React.js, Sockets

Tools

Babel, React.js, Git, Flow, FreeMarker, WebView, Figma, WebStorm, GitHub, NPM, Jenkins, Git, Jira, JSS, Firebase Analytics, Braze, Apple Push Notifications, Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), CMS, Webpack, Yarn Workspaces, Lerna, SendGrid, Prisma, Auth0, Fastlane, AWS CLI

Languages

JavaScript, HTML5, SCSS, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, CSS3, Sass, Less, GraphQL

Frameworks

Redux, React Native, Next.js, Yarn, Vanilla JS, Material UI, Jest, AngularJS, Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS, Angular, Ionic, Spring, Aries Framework JavaScript

Paradigms

JavaScript, Asynchronous Programming, REST, Mobile App Design, Management, Agile Development, Scrum Master Consulting, Unit Testing, Web Architecture

Platforms

Bitrise, Mobile App Design, MacOS, Netlify, iOS, Docker, Android, Contentful, Shopify, Blockchain

Storage

MySQL, PostgreSQL

Industry Expertise

Social Media Marketing

Other

Software Development, Web Development, Lint, UI Development, Responsive Web Development, Responsive Design, Single-page Applications (SPAs), Front-end, UI Development, APIs, Application State Management, Reusable Libraries, API Integration, SVG Design, Front-end Development, Headless Software, CI/CD Pipelines, Content Management Systems (CMS), Lottie, Full-stack, Code Architecture, Google SEO, Architecture, UX Development, Storybook, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, MacBook, iTerm2, Gmail, Technical Design, GatsbyJS, Styled-components, Enzyme, Accessibility Development, Apache Cordova, Axios, Third-party Integration, Biometrics, Mobile App Design, Progressive Web Applications (PWAs), Leadership, E-commerce marketing, SEO Tools, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Web UI, Mobile UI Design, Decentralized Applications, Mobile Architecture, eCommerce APIs, SDKs, Authorization, Authentication, Mobile UX Design

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