Meet the Team: Lauren Ruiz, GIS Full-Stack Developer

Here at Latapult, our team consists of a variety of tech professionals who have years of experience developing excellent and easy-to-use GIS software. But our people are much more than this. They are the backbone of our organization and are truly what makes work even more fun and rewarding!

To showcase our unique people and culture, we’re excited to kick off a new series featuring our exceptional team, their backgrounds, and what they enjoy most about life at Latapult!

First up, meet Lauren Ruiz, our full-stack developer. She works on the backend of our platform making new and unique enhancements to improve the experience of our customers. Read more about her below:

Tell us about your background and your role at Latapult.

This year, I decided to switch from chemistry to software development, completing the Full Stack Web Development program from Bloom Institute of Technology. I am working on the geothinQ product development team assisting with development and design of the application, databases and backend architecture, while constantly improving the program with new and rapidly-changing technologies.

What drew you to the GIS technology industry?

I have always been interested in innovation growing up. The way that technology has improved so much throughout the years never ceases to amaze me. What drew me to Latapult specifically was all the information it could present to you with the click of a button and all the endless possibilities the platform can have in the future. Initially, I never expected to get into the GIS technology industry, but as I look at our massive database and what our application does, my brain really gets ticking. 

What is your favorite thing about working at Latapult?

My favorite part about working at Latapult is my team! I’m the youngest and newest member, but I haven’t felt that way since starting my career here. I know my team members care about me and never hesitate to answer any questions I have. It doesn’t feel like an ordinary office job as I work with this amazing group of people.

From your perspective, what about Latapult and its solutions do you find to be the most innovative or unique compared to the rest of the industry?

The one thing that amazes me the most is how neatly the user-friendly application displays massive amounts of information. I’ve seen how big the database is and Latapult really gives its users an easy way of finding the exact information they need. Being in the field of science for most of my life, I’ve experienced the time-consuming process of digging through large datasets and information. The way Latapult simplifies this process is amazing!

What GIS or solar trends do you think we’ll be talking about in the next 5 years?

I think solar will take over very soon! In addition to being better for the environment, it is cheaper for any person with a solar-powered home. For example, some states get plenty of sun but haven’t yet implemented solar technology. As bigger cities are already leading the way in solar power, I wouldn’t be surprised if other states followed suit.

What are some of the ways in which Latapult celebrates successes amongst the team?

Even for small victories, the buzz around the office is infectious — and sometimes we even have celebratory lunches! When I got hired, my team treated me to lunch in my first week and it really felt like I was already one of the members as soon as I stepped foot inside the office.

What is your favorite activity outside of work?

I religiously wake up at 4:30 a.m. to do CrossFit. Then in the evenings, I’m an active member at my church. Strangely enough, the days I don’t go to the gym are the days I’m most tired at work! I believe that CrossFit helps keep my mind sharp whenever I need to work on a project.

Want to learn more about our team or how to apply for any of our open positions? Learn more about the Latapult team here and check out our open positions here.