Work

Over 15 years, I've led initiatives from hands-on classroom programs to national frameworks. Here are some highlights that show how I think and work.

GYST (Get Your Style Together)

Founder & Developer

2024 - Present

Independent Project

Challenge

Create a mobile app that helps users organize their wardrobe, discover their personal style, and make intentional clothing choices through AI-powered recommendations.

What I Did

  • →Designed and developed full-stack React Native mobile application
  • →Integrated Claude AI for personalized style recommendations and outfit suggestions
  • →Built ethical shopping integration prioritizing secondhand and sustainable brands
  • →Implemented mental health features including daily check-ins and mood tracking
  • →Created gamification system with achievements and milestones
  • →Deployed to Firebase with real-time data synchronization

Impact

Built a comprehensive personal styling tool that combines AI assistance with sustainability values, helping users develop confidence in their style choices while promoting ethical consumption.

Skills

React Native, Expo, Firebase, Claude AI integration, UI/UX design, mobile app development, ethical tech design

SMARTIEgoals.org

Founder & Developer

2024 - Present

Independent Project

Challenge

Develop a goal-tracking platform that helps users set, monitor, and achieve personal and professional goals through structured milestones and progress tracking.

What I Did

  • →Built Next.js web application with modern React architecture
  • →Designed goal hierarchy system supporting main goals and sub-milestones
  • →Implemented progress tracking with visual indicators and completion percentages
  • →Created responsive UI with Tailwind CSS for optimal user experience
  • →Integrated authentication and data persistence
  • →Developed dashboard for comprehensive goal overview

Impact

Created an accessible tool for goal management that breaks down ambitious objectives into actionable steps, making long-term achievement more attainable.

Skills

Next.js, React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, responsive design, full-stack development, data modeling

SceneCraft

Research Scholar & Product Manager

March 2025 - Present

NC State University, Friday Institute for Educational Innovation

Challenge

Build an AI-driven storytelling platform that helps students learn through narrative while keeping teachers in control of educational outcomes.

What I Did

  • →Serve as product and project manager for Unity-based LLM platform
  • →Lead cross-functional teams (researchers, engineers, educators)
  • →Design prompt-engineering frameworks and teacher-in-the-loop processes
  • →Conduct user research with K-12 teachers and students
  • →Manage development roadmap toward 25,000 student users by 2026

Impact

Created educator network scaling from pilot schools toward statewide adoption. Developed responsible AI frameworks now informing NC's state AI education roadmap.

Skills

AI product development, LLM design, user research, cross-functional leadership, responsible AI frameworks

SCRIPT

Program Lead

April 2023 - December 2024

CSforALL

Challenge

Create a practical framework and support system to help US school districts build comprehensive, sustainable K-12 computer science education plans.

What I Did

  • →Designed and led national implementation of SCRIPT initiative
  • →Created workshop curricula, facilitator training, and digital resources
  • →Managed partnerships with Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Hopper-Dean Foundation
  • →Built and led Learning Management System for program delivery
  • →Developed data-driven evaluation tools to track district progress

Impact

50+ school districts across the US used SCRIPT framework to create equity-focused CS plans. Trained 30+ facilitators who now support districts nationwide.

Skills

Framework design, national program scaling, partnership management, facilitator training, data systems

NYC CS4All

Computer Science Education Manager

August 2016 - August 2019

NYC Department of Education

Challenge

Bring computer science education to every school in Manhattan as part of NYC's CS4All initiative - the largest CS education equity effort in the nation.

What I Did

  • →Managed CS implementation across 200+ schools in Manhattan
  • →Trained 500+ educators in CS pedagogy and culturally responsive teaching
  • →Built partnerships with industry, nonprofits, and community organizations
  • →Ensured curriculum alignment to CSTA standards K-12
  • →Led equity initiatives increasing participation of girls and students of color

Impact

Thousands of students who had never accessed CS education gained pathways to computing. Created sustainable model for district-wide CS integration.

Skills

Large-scale program management, teacher professional development, equity-focused design, stakeholder management

CS Coaching Toolkit

Director, K-12 Coaching Initiatives

November 2021 - April 2023

Cornell Tech

Challenge

Create actionable frameworks and resources to support the emerging field of K-12 computer science instructional coaching.

What I Did

  • →Designed CS Coaching Card Deck and comprehensive Toolkit
  • →Created coaching frameworks with clear guidelines for establishing relationships and delivering support
  • →Developed equity-focused strategies for inclusive CS instruction
  • →Facilitated workshops for NYC DOE, Louisiana State, South Carolina DOE
  • →Advised universities and districts on CS program integration

Impact

Toolkit adopted nationally as key resource for CS coaches. Influenced coaching practice across multiple states and districts.

Skills

Resource development, framework design, professional development design, multi-state partnerships

Joe Alexander Meléndez-Naharro | EdTech Consultant