Rachel Alden

Hi, I'm

Rachel Alden

Software developer painter, critic|, cat mom, and more

About Me

Rachel Alden

My path to software development was anything but a straight line. Driven by a deep curiosity to understand how the world works, I explored fields as diverse as biology and education, and even earned a cosmetology license. While each step taught me something new, I knew I hadn't yet found the thing that truly set my mind on fire.

My “aha” moment came while volunteering with Big Brother Big Sister. My "little sister" loved Roblox, and I started building games for her. I didn’t even realize I was programming at first. All I knew was that it felt like discovering magic. It was like casting spells: with the right words in the exact right order, I could build anything.

This journey transformed my perspective. My questions shifted from asking what was possible to figuring out how to make it a reality. That relentless drive to solve the “how” is exactly what I bring to every project I touch today.

My Professional Journey

Software Developer at Gateway Ticketing Systems

I build software that powers experiences for millions of visitors. As VP of the DEI committee, I also help foster an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

Rachel at women's conference in Philadelphia

Co-Founder at WriteYourLawmaker

We help people connect with their representatives and make their voices heard. Compose your letter, choose a template, and we print and mail it to the officials you choose. Visit WriteYourLawmaker.com →

Internship at Gateway

I spent a summer interning at Gateway Industrial Systems, where I worked alongside an amazing team of interns. We learned the ropes together, tackled real-world projects, and even left our mark—literally—with a whiteboard that read "THE INTERNS were HERE." It was a formative experience that taught me how software development works in the real world.

Kutztown University

I was honored to receive the Graduation Award for Academic Excellence in Computer Science— an award given to only one student each year across the entire department. It meant the world to me, especially after years of late nights debugging and early mornings in the lab.

Kutztown University Graduation Award for Academic Excellence Rachel at Kutztown award ceremony

Pet Sitting Business

While juggling coursework at Kutztown, I started a pet-sitting business on the side. What began as a way to earn extra income turned into something I genuinely loved—getting to know furry friends and their families, and bringing a little peace of mind when people traveled. It taught me responsibility, time management, and that the best jobs are the ones that don't feel like work.

Rachel with a tabby cat

Games & Projects

A selection of projects I've built—each one a little world of its own.