Introducing: Alyssa Romero
Web Developer, Problem-Solver, and Aficionado of Food, Health, and Travel
ERI is delighted to welcome Alyssa Romero to the team as our newest Full-Stack Web Developer. With five years of experience in web development, Alyssa brings a valuable blend of technical expertise in full-stack development, UI/UX design, and custom solutions. Her strategic approach and commitment to quality digital experiences make her an invaluable addition to our team.
In a Q&A session with ERI’s Digital Strategist Jillian Cote, Alyssa dives into her professional journey as a web developer, her fascination with linguistics and wellness, and her experience as a ‘digital nomad’.
Professional Journey & Inspiration:
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in web development?
I think after having been drowned (yes drowned) in the overly technical, numerical and non-human side of computer science during my 4 years at University of Alabama at Birmingham, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career that invoked more passion out of me. When it came time to deciding what I wanted to do for a career after university, I had the choice of working for the department of defense as a software engineer or taking on an unpaid 3 month full-time internship as a web developer and designer. Ultimately, I chose the route of the internship because I knew it would be more fulfilling for me in the end and I couldn’t imagine having picked anything else.
I have to thank my degree slightly. Although I didn’t learn any web development during my undergrad, I did learn how to quickly adapt to new technologies in most career fields. So although I have a great foundation of computer science, I consider myself to be entirely self-taught as far as web development goes, which is why I often describe myself as being “scrappy” — a personal descriptor that I hold very close to my identity.
Q: How has your role evolved over the years, and where do you see the future taking it?
My role has shifted drastically over the past 5 years. During my internship I also juggled freelance work to further my hands-on education and to get real-life experience working directly with clients. After 3 months, my internship ended and I dove head first into a full-time position as a web developer/designer working on both WordPress and Shopify development, thus increasing my skillset to include an additional CMS. Although I started my career as both a designer and developer I very quickly realized that my strength was in the development side of things, which is no surprise given my background, so I switched from being a designer/dev combo to being solely a developer. From this point on I’ve worked for a few agencies, learning different things along the way, and eagerly hoping to continue learning as I go.
I am sure that you and everyone you know has used AI in some form or fashion and honestly I believe it’s “the future” for better or for worse. I believe every career field can utilize it and work with it as an aid and a resource to really deliver a phenomenal end product. In the next 5 years I see it being a huge component of web development since it’s already started to wedge its way in (i.e. AI driven search results, FAQ generators, 24/7 chatbots, etc.) Outside of AI I think that performance and accessibility will continue to grow to be a leading concern given the push towards inclusivity.
Creativity & Skills:
Q: It’s clear that the art of language fascinates you, as you speak multiple languages and have a background in linguistics. With code often referred to as a “universal language”, how have your linguistic studies affected your developer skills?
My background in linguistics and multilingualism has profoundly shaped my approach to development. Language—whether spoken or written—has syntax, structure, and a logic of its own, similar to coding. In learning multiple languages, I’ve developed a sensitivity to nuances and patterns, which translates into a heightened attention to detail in coding. Just as languages have rules and exceptions, coding languages have syntax and semantics, and the ability to quickly adapt between them has helped me navigate multiple programming languages more effectively.
Moreover, linguistics taught me the importance of clarity and efficiency in communication. In code, just like in language, there’s value in expressing ideas concisely and logically, which has guided me toward writing clean, readable, and efficient code. Understanding the structure of language has also influenced how I approach problem-solving, especially when tackling complex problems or new technologies. It’s about breaking down a problem into its core components, analyzing the relationships, and reconstructing it in a logical, manageable way—a process very similar to dissecting language. Ultimately, my linguistic studies help me see coding as more than just commands but as a medium of expression, creativity, and connection—much like any other language.
Q: How do you approach blending technical precision with creativity in your web development and design work to deliver a seamless user experience? Once this balance is found, how do you measure impact in your work?
For me, my approach to blending technical precision with creativity is rooted in understanding that a website isn’t just code or aesthetics—it’s a full experience. The technical side allows me to build robust, optimized foundations that ensure functionality, security, and performance, while creativity enables me to shape how users feel and interact with the site. When these two aspects come together, it’s about crafting something that’s not only visually appealing but also intuitive and accessible.
As for measuring impact, I rely on both quantitative and qualitative metrics. Analytics, such as page load times, heat mapping, bounce rates, conversion rates, and user engagement, provide a direct view of the site’s performance. However, I also highly value client and user feedback, as it offers insights into the user experience that data alone can’t capture. Together, these help me gauge whether I’ve achieved that blend of form and function—and whether the experience is resonating with the audience.
Aspirations & Personal Exploration
Q: As a self-proclaimed foodie and health aficionado, how do these interests influence your day-to-day work life and creativity? Can you share a favorite dish or wellness activity that boosts your motivation?
For me, these activities are intentionally separate from work, and that’s exactly what makes them so valuable. I’m a strong believer in work/life balance, and I think having interests and routines to look forward to outside of work keeps me energized and prevents burnout. By creating this clear separation, I can fully dedicate myself during the workday and then genuinely shift into ‘me mode’ afterward.
Typically, I’ll work a focused eight-hour day, but once that’s done, I consciously ‘turn off’ work mode, allowing myself to recharge through activities like pilates or running, dinners with friends and family, or cooking at home. Whether it’s a solo activity or social time, these moments ground me, keep my creativity fresh, and help me approach each new day with energy and focus.
Q: I’m a firm believer that some of the best lessons are learned through travel – I’m sure you share this belief, seeing that you’re also an avid traveler and francophile! What lessons have you learned in your past travels that impacted your work approach, and what do you hope to learn as you embark on a new chapter in France?
Travel has been one of my greatest teachers, and I genuinely believe that the best lessons often come from stepping into new places and embracing unfamiliar experiences. My journey over the past year—from Portland, Maine, down through the U.S., and eventually across borders to Belize and France—has taught me a lot about adaptability, resilience, and the value of immersing oneself fully, whether in work or life.
For me, being a digital nomad has reinforced the importance of work/life balance and finding passion in what I do. Traveling full-time means my workdays are productive and focused, but they don’t define my entire life. Outside of those hours, I’m free to explore, meet new people, and get inspired by different cultures and perspectives. This balance keeps me refreshed and brings a sense of purpose to both my projects and my travels.
As I make my move to France permanent this November, I hope to continue embracing new ideas, even when they push me outside my comfort zone. I think there’s something invaluable in learning to see the world from a different angle—it doesn’t just make you a better traveler; it makes you a more open-minded, inspired, and adaptable professional.
