DePaul University
Hi, I’m Liliana Mendez
I am first-generation Latina from Chicago and a student at DePaul University studying Information Technology with a double minor in User Experience Design and Network Technologies. Getting to college wasn’t automatic for me: it was a goal I worked toward, piece by piece and that journey shaped how I view education. Education is not just a personal milestone but as a tool to open doors for others.
Personal Background
Chicago is home for me including its neighborhoods, its cultures, and its challenges. Growing up here taught me how quickly opportunity and access can diverge. In this city there are so many different paths one can take, whether it be working downtown in a highrise building or in a kitchen. I realized I wanted to be the first in my family to make it as someone involved in the technology sector. That moment, and the reality of being one of the few Latinas in tech spaces around me, planted the seed for my purpose: to build technology and programs that make learning and opportunity available to everyone, especially communities like mine.
Professional Background
My Skills
- Core Technology / Framework (e.g. Node.js, React, HTML/CSS)
- Rendering / Architecture (Express, Flexbox, Grid)
- Responsive / Front-end focus (Responsive, Accessible)
- Feature / Component focus (Components, Dynamic Forms, Filtering)
- Domain / Theme or Audience (Web Design, Music, Literature)
- Design / UX emphasis (Accessibility, Usability)
Short-Term Goals
I’m focused on building real-world experience through internships, collaborative projects, and community partnerships. These opportunities will let me apply my classroom learning, sharpen my technical skills, and begin developing the professional network that will support my career in technology.
Continuous Growth
I believe growth comes from constant learning. I’m refining my coding skills, deepening my knowledge in networking and cybersecurity, and improving my UX design process. Every project I take on is a chance to experiment, reflect, and raise the quality of my work.
Long-Term Goals
My vision is to become a web developer and technical leader who designs secure, inclusive systems. I want to mentor Latinos and women entering STEM and create tools that increase accessibility and digital literacy, ensuring technology works for everyone in the community.
Let’s Connect
Thanks for visiting my portfolio. Here you’ll find projects that showcase my web work, UX case studies, and community initiatives. If you’re hiring interns, collaborating on community tech programs, or just want to swap ideas about accessible web design, I’d love to connect: lsmendez117@gmail.com or use the contact form page.
