Shifra Williams
Data Scientist → DevRel
Developer Relations Advocate specializing in data science education and technical communication. I transform complex data concepts into accessible learning experiences, building bridges between cutting-edge technology and developer success.
About
đź‘‹ I'm Shifra, a Developer Relations Advocate whose career has been defined by one core mission: making complex technical concepts click for real people. My journey spans data science, technical writing, and community building, all tied together by my passion for creating those crucial "aha!" moments that transform confusion into confidence. My educational content creation experience with platforms like Crash Course and DataLemur proved invaluable when I became a data scientist, where I discovered that great insights mean nothing if you can't communicate them effectively.
Now at Ascend.io, I operate at the intersection of agentic data engineering and developer success. What energizes me most is community building—connecting technical experts with early-career learners and creating educational experiences that stick. Through my work across platforms, I've reached over 135K learners and contributed to projects that serve 100K+ users, with every role sharpening my ability to bridge gaps and build meaningful connections in the developer community.
Education-first approach
Transforming complex data science and development concepts into engaging, accessible learning experiences that create lasting "aha!" moments.
Community builder
Connecting technical experts with learners and fostering collaborative environments where developers at all levels can grow together.
Translation expert
Bridging the gap between cutting-edge data engineering technology and practical developer success through clear communication and real-world application.
Experience
Projects
Crash Course: Code and Programming for Beginners
Educational video series teaching Java programming with 180K+ views, making complex programming concepts accessible to a broad audience.
DataLemur
SQL & data analytics interview practice and preparation platform for the data community.
Classification of Fall Out Boy Eras
Academic research project applying machine learning techniques to classify different musical eras of Fall Out Boy, published in Rutgers academic journal.
Lua Learning
Interactive educational game teaching Lua programming concepts, reaching 8.4M+ visits and helping developers learn programming fundamentals.
Shakespeare GPT
AI language model trained on Shakespeare's works to generate text in Shakespearean style, demonstrating natural language processing capabilities.
New Jersey Flood Prediction
Predictive model for flood risk assessment in New Jersey using historical weather data and geographic information systems.
Speaking engagements
AI in Finance Forum
Featured speaker
CFO Leadership
Fireside chat exploring the role of the CFO as an AI leader—someone who doesn't need to build models but does need to lead transformation. Attendees gain clarity on building credibility, spotting opportunities, and bringing their teams along for the AI journey.
Women in Data Boston
Featured speaker
Sigma Computing & Women in Data community
Delivered keynote on data leadership and women in tech, resulting in all data leader prospects moving forward in the marketing funnel.
Data Science for Finance Professionals
Podcast guest
FP&A Today
Explored how data science transforms financial analysis and strategic decision-making, highlighting practical applications and the critical role of data-driven insights in modern corporate finance.
ListenHow to Pivot to a Career in Tech
Podcast guest
Ready Set Do
Shared the journey from music to data and how to pivot to a career in tech in general, emphasizing the importance of practical applications and identifying the most impactful skills to learn.
ListenMastering Science Communication
Science communicator
Midwest Big Data Hub
Shared insider tips and strategies for effective science communication, focusing on translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
Computer Science Career Pathways
Industry panelist
Carlmont High School
Participated in career panel for AP Computer Science students alongside Meta engineers, sharing insights on industry pathways, daily responsibilities in tech roles, and practical advice for transitioning from academics to professional software development.
CS Education & AP Exam Success
Educational advisor
Bay Area Computer Science Council
Delivered comprehensive workshop on computer science education pathways and AP exam preparation strategies, providing Bay Area students with practical study techniques, career guidance, and industry insights to maximize academic and professional success.
Podcast
Saturdata
The podcast by and for the data community
Humanizing the data world for the next generation of analysts, scientists, and engineers. Join hosts Shifra Williams and Sam LaFell every weekend as they share the journey of building data careers - the wins, the struggles, and everything in between.
Featured episodes
Day in the life of a data engineer
Join hosts Sam and Shifra as they explore the realities of data roles. Sam discusses a day in the life of a data engineer. From the glamorous perceptions to the day-to-day challenges, they discuss the skills, stakeholders, and the importance of understanding the "why" behind data projects.
Data interviews: The good, the bad, and the hilarious
If we didn't get the job, at least we got a story out of it! Join Sam and Shifra as they break down the most popular interview questions, the wildest interview stories, and the benefits of the Zumba council. Maybe the real interviews were the friends we made along the way?
Support the show
Support our mission to humanize the data world for the next generation.
Buy me a coffee
Skills
Domains
Programming
Data platforms
Business intelligence
Cloud
Mathematics
Documentation
Product & growth
Interests
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the following people for their valuable support and mentorship in my career: