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Seattle City (spot)Light: Valli Dorai, Senior Applications Developer 

The Basics 

How long have you been at City Light? Since March 2018  

Division: Utility Technology 

Tell us about your role: I serve as the subject matter expert and senior applications developer for Seattle City Light’s retail supply chain application, Asset Suite, a software tool that helps the utility manage the flow of materials and equipment needed to ensure the reliable generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. My responsibilities include maintaining the software, monitoring batches, applying fixes for issues, and creating improvements for the software based on client needs. I also provide reporting and audits. Additionally, I am the backup support for the utility’s Work Asset Management System application, providing similar support as I do for Asset Suite. 

Background 

Hometown: Chennai, India 

Alma mater: Bharathidasan University 

Discipline/Trade of study: Master’s in computer applications 

Tell us about your family/pets: My husband and I have been married for 21 years, and we have two children: an 18-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old-son. 

Just for fun 

What do you like most about your role? As an applications developer, I like managing and supporting applications from frontend to backend. This gives me first-hand knowledge of both the business and technical aspects of the application. I’m exposed to various technical knowledge, from Unix server to database management. I also get to configure hardware as part of Asset Suite support. There is always a new learning in a different technology due to this and that keeps me feeling accomplished as a software developer. 

What is your favorite movie genre and/or all-time favorite movie? My favorite genre is rom-coms, and I love watching all types of classic Christmas movies during the holidays. 

What’s your favorite way to spend a rainy day? Drinking chai (Indian milk tea) with some hot pakoras (fritters) and watching movies.

What has helped you get to where you are and what advice do you have for others who want to set off in a similar career direction? A positive growth mindset, perseverance, and a curiosity to learn new things has been the mantra for my career. Technology is an area you have to constantly keep up with, and the above mindset helps anyone succeed in that area. Being curious about the facts and asking questions is key to understanding what is expected of the job responsibilities. 

What is your hidden talent or hobby? I like to draw and paint, which many are not aware of. 

What fashion trend would you bring back? Non-torn jeans, please. 😊 Would love to get back to wearing normal, fully covered jeans than ripped ones.