About Irena

Fullstack developer with a strong interest in languages, coding, and modern web technologies, as well as secure, reliable system design. I enjoy working with others to produce a better outcome. Facilitating discussions and coordinating different streams of workflow. I have extensive knowledge of front-end JavaScript and browser APIs as well as significant experience with popular frameworks and libraries like React and Redux. Deep full-stack experience includes Node.js and Express, MongoDB.

My expertise spans front-end development with frameworks such as React, Redux, Vue.js, Nuxt, Next.js, and Vite, alongside full-stack backend development using Python (FastAPI, Django), Node.js, and Express, paired with MongoDB and GraphQL (Apollo). I build user-centric interfaces, backend services, and APIs with security, performance, and maintainability in mind.

I have hands-on experience with containerization and orchestration using Docker and Kubernetes, and I apply best practices in authentication and secure system design, including JWT, OAuth2/OIDC, HTTPS, and role-based access control (RBAC). I place strong emphasis on testing, reliability, and code quality, using tools such as Jest and React Testing Library.

Skills: Front-End: JavaScript, React, TypeScript, Next.js, HTML5, CSS, SaaS, Testing, Jest.

Backend: Python, FastAPI, Django, Node.js, MongoDB, Apollo, GraphQL, Docker, Kubernetes.

Work Experience

JavaScript / React Mentor Volunteer - ReDi School for Digital Integration

March 2021 - Present

Mentoring advanced ReDi students in FrontEnd cycles. Empowering students to get a job in tech. Guiding project teams through feedback and support. Time investment: 4 hours per week.

WTM Berlin - Tech Writer & Ambassador

May 2021 - Present

Tech Writer (JavaScript, CSS, Python for beginners). Organizing coding workshops, Hack with Peers Nights, and JavaScript fundamentals sessions.

IT - FrontEnd Developer - Majorel / Google, Berlin

May 2020 - April 2021

Solving Google Analytics issues, troubleshooting, providing solutions, researching APIs, services, and infrastructure. Advocated for product quality, security, and performance improvements.

Web Developer Trainee & JavaScript Teaching Assistant - DCI, Berlin

Sept 2017 - Aug 2019

Developed workshops & projects in JavaScript and React, organized coding workshops, prepared presentations, exercises, lectures, coordinated with clients in German & English, and managed current projects.

Informatik Teacher - Internationaler Bund, Neuenhagen bei Berlin

Sept 2017 - Aug 2019

Created UI applications, developed responsive designs, implemented HTML/CSS/JS concepts, coordinated functional and aesthetic designs, and founded a coding club for teens.

Business English Teacher - Multiple companies, UK, Bulgaria, Germany

May 2002 - May 2017

Taught Business English, English for specific purposes, exam preparation (ICFE, ILEC, LCCI, IELTS), and facilitated corporate communication training.

Education

Blockchain Developer - Cimdata, Berlin

10.08.2022 - 10.02.2023

Frontend: JavaScript, React, Next.js, TypeScript, Vite.js, Apollo, GraphQL. Backend: Python, Flask, APIs, Microservices. Project: Blockchain with Python & Flask.

Web Development Full-Time Program - DCI, Berlin

Dec 2019 - April 2021

MERN Stack: JavaScript, Node.js, React, CSS, SASS, Express, MongoDB.

Front-End Web Development - Udacity Nano Degree Programs

July 2019 - Oct 2019

React.js, Full-Stack Development. Scholarship from CodeDoor.

Web Development - ReDi School for Digital Integration, Berlin

Aug 2019 - Dec 2019

Advanced JavaScript, React, Vanilla JavaScript, building web applications projects.

Software Engineering - Software University, Sofia, Bulgaria

May 2017 - Dec 2019

Core modules: JS Essentials, Advanced JS, JS Apps. Web modules: Node.js, React. Front-end: HTML & CSS, React Web Applications Masterclass.

Applied Linguistics - South-West University, Neophit Risly, Bulgaria

1993 - 1998

Master's degree: English and German, Sociolinguistics, Computational Linguistics, Literature.

Projects

Dolphin Educational School - Full-Stack Website

Dolphin Educational School — Full-Stack Website

Building the Dolphin Educational School website from concept to launch, including UI/UX design, frontend and backend development, deployment, and SSL/TLS security configuration. Delivered a secure, scalable, production-ready solution for an educational institution. All website content, including informational pages and blog articles, ensuring clear communication for parents and students. Designed and implemented the blog structure to support ongoing content updates. Managed hosting, security hardening, and ongoing maintenance. Collaborated directly with stakeholders to align technical delivery with educational and business goals. Delivered a stable, maintainable production system aligned with business and educational needs.

Delphin Educational Centre Full-Stack Application

Delphin Educational Centre Full-Stack Application
Frontend stack
  • Built the frontend with Vue 3 and Nuxt, using CSS and Sass for the visual design
  • Built and launched the official website for Delphin Educational Centre, improving information access and online visibility for courses and school services
  • Implemented responsive design, content structure, and performance best practices
  • Created all written content and blog posts, focusing on clarity, SEO fundamentals, and audience engagement
  • Built and maintained a scalable blog system to support content publishing
Backend stack
  • Built the backend with a payment system integrated with Stripe
  • Building and maintaining the Delphin Educational Centre website from design to deployment, including backend logic, hosting setup, SSL security, and performance optimization
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to deliver a reliable, maintainable production system
  • Configured SSL certificates, HTTPS enforcement, and security best practices
  • Delivered a stable, maintainable production system with long-term usability in mind
Database
  • Using PostgreSQL as the relational database for structured and reliable data management
DevOps
  • Containerizing the application and its services with Docker
Testing
  • Unit testing with Vitest for utility functions, validation rules, and backend logic
  • Component testing with Vue Test Utils for forms, product cards, navigation, and checkout components
  • Integration testing for frontend, backend, database, and Stripe payment communication
  • End-to-end testing with Playwright for browsing products, placing orders, and completing payments
  • Testing error states, invalid form input, unavailable products, failed payments, and responsive layouts
Monitoring
  • Monitoring the application with Grafana and Prometheus

Bakery Grain Bites — Full-Stack Website (In Progress)

Bakery Grain Bites — Full-Stack Website (In Progress)
Frontend stack
  • Building the Grain Bites bakery website with Vue.js and Vite on the frontend, supported by a Node.js and Express backend
  • Designing responsive, accessible UI/UX optimized for performance and modern web standards
  • Project includes content creation, product catalog structure, and multilingual support; currently in active development
Backend stack
  • Adding a payment system integrated with Stripe
  • Planning secure deployment, SSL/TLS configuration, and production-ready infrastructure
Database
  • Using PostgreSQL as the relational database to manage products, inventory, and orders
DevOps
  • Containerizing the application and its services with Docker
Testing
  • Unit testing with Vitest for utility functions, validation rules, and backend logic
  • Component testing with Vue Test Utils for forms, product cards, navigation, and checkout components
  • Integration testing for frontend, backend, database, and Stripe payment communication
  • End-to-end testing with Playwright for browsing products, placing orders, and completing payments
  • Testing error states, invalid form input, unavailable products, failed payments, and responsive layouts
Monitoring
  • Monitoring the application with Grafana and Prometheus

View detailed project case study

References

Bastian Albers - Mentor at OpenTechSchool Berlin

Email: bastian@civey.com

Nora Schiming - SEO CODEDOR, Frankfurt, Germany

Email: nora@codedoor.org

Erik Bolikwski - Mentor at ReDi School Berlin

Email: erik@gmail.com

Russell Snyder - Senior Software Engineer Mentor

Email: russellevansnyder@gmail.com

Tim Rohde - Marketing & Head of Ambassador Management - Digital Career Institute, Berlin

Email: timrohde@dci.com

Mariana Trenkova - SEO & owner Delphin Educational Center

Email: delphinschool@gmail.com | Phone: +359(0) 879 461 009

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