Rachel Alden

Hi, I'm

Rachel Alden

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

About Me My Journey See My Work

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. I received Gateway’s IMPACT award for identifying and fixing a huge bottleneck in our release process. 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 →

Write Your Lawmaker - Make your voice heard

Internship at Gateway Ticketing Systems

I worked alongside a small group of fellow interns on a tool that bidirectionally synced Azure DevOps with an internal application, and I got to demo the project to the whole company. The internship was amazing. I met some awesome people and learned so much about software development in an industry setting.

Intern group outside

Kutztown University

I earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Kutztown University in 2025. I received the Graduation Award for Academic Excellence in Computer Science, given to one student each year across the entire department.

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

Rachel’s Animal Services

What began as a college side hustle grew into a business with over 50 recurring clients. I turned a love for animals into a dedicated pet-sitting business, focused on making travel stress-free for pets and their owners alike.

Rachel with a small senior dog
Tabby cat in a pink harness walking on grass
Tabby cat resting on a cat tree
Small dog with a teal collar outdoors
Tabby cat lying on grass
Beagle looking up at camera
Border collie resting on a bench
Orange cat with blue eyes sitting by a window
Bengal cat lying on a table
Orange and white cat on hardwood floor
Gray and white cat looking at camera
Orange cat sitting by a window in golden light
Golden retriever named Finn smiling
Gray cat on a braided mat
Calico cat sitting by a window
Tabby cat on a windowsill with plants
Fluffy cat sitting on a chair
Gray lab puppy with a collar
Small tan chihuahua on a couch
Tabby cat lying on a couch
Orange cat in warm dark lighting
Black cat sitting on a rug
Fluffy cat rolling on the floor by stairs
Boston terrier in a red coat
St. Bernard puppy lying in grass

Personal projects

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

All That Glitters - alchemy puzzle game grid

All That Glitters

Convert lead to gold in this browser-based puzzle game—the alchemist's dream, one rune at a time.

Play Live GitHub