Kasi Reeves (Gold Tooth Dev)

Born in Japan and raised in the Bay Area, Kasi Reeves, also known as Gold Tooth Dev, is a dynamic force in the world of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Her journey into a leadership role is a testament to her unyielding ambition and innovative spirit, offering a compelling blueprint for aspiring tech professionals.

In a truly remarkable feat, Kasi transitioned from a customer service agent at an EdTech company to a Lead AI/ML Engineer in a mere eight months. This rapid ascent began with a bold declaration during her final interview: her five-year goal was to lead an engineering team within the company. What followed was a masterclass in strategic self-advocacy and proactive development.

While excelling in her customer service duties, Kasi dedicated her off-hours to building side projects specifically designed to enhance company productivity and integrate much-needed AI solutions. Recognizing a crucial gap, she single-handedly developed and showcased these projects, which garnered significant attention and praise from directors and C-suite members at a company conference. This initiative led to a pivotal opportunity: she was asked to dedicate three days a week to developing AI solutions across various departments.

During this interim period, Kasi delivered four small projects ahead of schedule and beyond expectations, proving her immense capabilities. This unparalleled performance culminated in her signing an offer as the Lead AI/ML Engineer, dramatically shortening her five-year goal to just eight months. Her story is a powerful illustration that success in the competitive tech market demands creativity, patience, and relentless pursuit of one's vision.

Kasi is not just a builder of AI; she's a builder of community and an advocate for continuous learning. Her engagement with "Tech Twitter" highlights her appreciation for its diverse and quirky inhabitants. She actively invites others to join hackathon teams, emphasizing that "all experience levels are welcome," fostering an environment where everyone can learn and grow. Her practical advice, "Stuck in tutorial hell? Start building," resonates deeply within the developer community, encouraging action over endless consumption of theoretical knowledge.

As a Lead AI/ML Engineer, Kasi Reeves is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence into practical business applications, transforming complex ideas into tangible results. Her exceptional drive, technical prowess, and commitment to mentorship position her as an inspiring figure, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible in tech. She embodies the spirit of an innovator who isn't afraid to forge her own path and empower others to do the same.