Meet Kathryn Szombatfalvy, a current student of Emerging Prairie’s Iwatani cohort!
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in Lansing, Michigan, and I grew up in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.
What was your occupation before graduating from EDA?
Most recently I was an Operations Specialist for WEX. But I’ve also taught preschool, English as a second language, and have done admin work for arts organizations.
Why EDA?
I’ve had the opportunity to work in customer service and operations positions at a couple of different tech companies. These roles have gotten me really excited about product improvements and meeting client needs. I wanted to be a part of EDA to learn the necessary technical skills to help make technical products better. EDA has also been an amazing way to connect with the community!
What has been the most interesting or suprising part about EDA so far?
EDA has been so great at consistently prepping me for the next challenge. I am always learning something new, but never feel completely lost. I am provided the tools to be able to think through the new problems I am working through.
Are there any companies you would love to work for?
I feel very lucky that Fargo-Moorhead has so many amazing companies to work for. I would like anything in the area.
What are your hobbies outside of EDA?
I have two music degrees, so the arts are very special to me! Since moving to Fargo I have loved performing in the Fargo Moorhead Community Theater.
Is there any advice you would give to somebody thinking about joining EDA?
You can do it! Just enroll during a time when you can give it everything you’ve got. It’s a risk, but you will be jumping into something new with so much support around you.
Give a shoutout to somebody in your cohort. What have they done that has wowed you?
Everyone has been so hardworking and has continued to keep a positive mindset!
What are you grateful for?
I really just kind of accidentally landed in Fargo, ND in 2021. I feel SO grateful that I ended up somewhere with so much community initiative, arts, and tech culture!
