Mina
Q: Who are you? Where are you from?
A: My name is Mina and I’m a big fan of making things and thinking about how tech (specifically the manipulation/interpretation/presentation of data) impacts our ability to process and connect with each other! I spent my early childhood in the Bay Area before moving to Seoul, Korea with my family.
Q: What’s your background? What did you do before Modulate?
A: Before Modulate I was an undergrad at Cornell University studying Information Science, Systems, and Technology. While this major allowed me to take a wide breadth of classes, I primarily was drawn to topics around coding, ethical issues in data science, and HCI. In my free time, I enjoyed working on personal projects and was involved in organizing local music events. I also had a brief stint as a tattoo apprentice but that was shut down by the pandemic.
Q: Why are you joining Modulate?
A: In addition to the dedication to transparency and how the culture is defined, I was really drawn to Modulate’s mission of making virtual spaces inclusive and safe. I know quite a few people who have felt turned away from certain games due to toxicity, and that really sucks because gaming is supposed to be fun! I want to actively work to make virtual resources and environments such as gaming accessible to all (especially as these spaces are fast-emerging and tech does not always prioritize inclusivity/ethics). On another level, I’ve also seen how existing methods for moderation fall short in many different ways, such as being superficial or over-policing or really negatively impacting a moderator’s mental health. I believe in Toxmod’s potential to improve on this, and in doing so, positively impact how we use social platforms and connect virtually/non-virtually too. So I’m excited to contribute to this work, all while developing my own skills and learning a lot along the way!
Q: What’s your ideal work environment? Any special strategies you use to stay effective?
A: I think my ideal work environment is one that actively acknowledges and values the differences between people. Navigating environments that are passive/dismissive of this can add bumps in understanding and take energy away from actual work. As for strategies, I hope to be clear about my boundaries/needs and also make it clear that I value knowing that from other people so I can meet them where they are at.
Q: Tell us about something you must have in any culture you join?
A: I look for intentionality in developing/defining a culture, and in learning and continuous improvement. I believe that dedication to these things results in a better understanding of individual roles, how we relate to one another, and the common goals that unite us. Continuous improvement is also important as a positive way to acknowledge that things can always be improved and that it’s okay to talk about that.
Q: Who are you outside of work?
A: Outside of work I’d say I’m a dabbler working towards proficiency. I want to continue developing my skills in creative coding, cooking, mixing drinks, gaming, doodling, playing with sounds, and crafting to make cool things. I love sharing interests and exchanging information with people as well. And I have a great love for cats.
Q: What’s something you’re great at that few people realize?
A: I think I’m great at archiving things. Specifically, I’m really proud of things like the playlists I’ve made and the list of movies I’ve watched. But this extends to other things like how I sort my Pokemon cards, photos, and notes to self.
Q: Leave us with a fun tidbit - a favorite joke, a story from your past, an obscure riddle, whatever you like!
A: Using narrative-device.herokuapp.com I got a sweet output (inputting Gengar, and mina): “Mina couldn’t help but smile as she recalled the time her Gengar had brought her a bowl of soup in the middle of the night. It was such a kind gesture, and she knew that the Gengar had been feeling sick. She loved her Gengar very much, and she knew that the Gengar loved her back.”
