We’re reporting on, doing business in and hosting events for your communities every day. But who is Technical.ly, really?

You may be familiar with the team from corresponding with us by email, following us on social media or reading our stories in one of our four markets (Philly, Baltimore, D.C. and Delaware). Or maybe you know some of us IRL, thanks to things like Super Meetup (happening this and next month in all markets!) or our dedicated beat coverage.

But you probably don’t know the team members as well as you will when you finish reading this.

In honor of Team Dynamics Month of our 2019 editorial calendar — and inspired by sister site Generocity’s own get-to-know-us list — Technical.ly staffers kindly answered this editor’s Qs about why they love their cities and what there is to look forward to in tech, plus a few personal fun facts.

(Note: If you want to get in touch with any of us about our specific areas of expertise, know that our email naming convention is [firstname]@technical.ly.)

Let’s go in reverse order of hire, shall we?

Paige Gross, Technical.ly Philly lead reporter

Take us beyond the job title: What do you do at Technical.ly?

I’m the go-to for any and all tech, entrepreneurship or business-related news here in our Philly market. I write profiles of companies and founders, features of orgs doing cool things and I’m constantly trying to keep my finger on the pulse of Philly’s tech community.

How long have you worked here?

About two months — I’m coming off a two-year stint as a crime reporter, so, still shifting gears and getting to know the tech community here.

Favorite spot in your city, and why?

I’m a big fan of public spaces created just for hanging out and have no barrier to entry, meaning you don’t have to buy a single thing to be there. Think Cherry Street Pier (where we’re having our Super Meetup Aug. 22), Piazza Pod Park, Dilworth Park or The Oval.

What’s the coolest thing going on in your city (or state) right now?

I think these are happening around the country, but Buy Nothing groups! Facebook groups where neighbors can post items they don’t need or want anymore, or items they “wish” they had, and maybe a neighbor has an extra of. Awesome alternative to throwing things away, and building sense of community within neighborhoods.

What does the best-case-scenario future of tech look like to you?

One where tech communities continually strive to be inclusive, where voices from everyone can be heard. I thought it might be hard to break into the community here, and everyone has been really welcoming so far. But it’s still clear that it’s harder to jump into the industry for some than others, and I think in the long run we’ll all miss out because of that.

Just for fun: What’s your style in three words?

Classic, relaxed, blue

Less Cardinal, Techical.ly marketing manager

What do you do at Technical.ly?

The marketing manager responsible for digital, audience growth, product marketing and sales content development. I do a little bit of everything between marketing, analytics, events, strategy and product. It’s fun and exciting to be a part of so much.

How long have you worked here?

I started in March 2019.

Favorite spots in our markets, and why?

• Philadelphia — The garden at Christ Church, it’s a great place for self reflection.
• D.C. — The Smithsonian. Growing up, I loved museums and they were free. One of my favorites times with my family was spending the day on the mall.

What’s the coolest thing going on in your city right now?

The underdog sports city is becoming the dominant sports city. We all we got, we all we need.

What does the best-case-scenario future of tech look like to you?

The tech economy is equitable and diverse. Praying that big tech doesn’t become the new big banks. Socially conscious organizations that can be profitable and thoughtful.

What’s your style in three words?

Should care more

Sam Markowitz, Technical.ly production manager

What do you do at Technical.ly?

As production manager, I oversee the execution and delivery of our products and services. This includes our Talent platform, sponsored content campaigns, This Week in Jobs newsletter and more. I’m the main point of contact for our clients and users, and constantly strive to improve our offerings and experiences.

How long have you worked here?

Since February 2019.

Favorite spot in one of our markets, and why?

Hip City Veg is an amazing vegan fast food place with a few locations in Philly as well as D.C. Try the Disco Chick’n!

What’s the coolest thing going on in one of our markets right now?

The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore is incredible. It’s a showcase for self-taught artists and features some spectacular and unique pieces and exhibitions.

What does the best-case-scenario future of tech look like to you?

Getting saved by robots rather than destroyed by them.

What’s your style in three words?

Vegan hippie nerd

Michelai Graham, Technical.ly DC market editor

What do you do at Technical.ly?

I lead Technical.ly DC coverage and presence via daily articles, attending events and connecting with the tech community here.

How long have you worked here? 

I’m 13 days shy of my one-year anniversary!

Favorite spot in your city, and why? 

I really love the Columbia Heights area, specifically this place called Coffy Café. They always have the best Spotify R&B playlists and the breakfast sandwiches paired with a hot coffee is amazing.

What’s the coolest thing going on in your city (or state) right now? 

The “Lawn” installation at the National Building Museum. For the last six years, the museum has been transforming its main common area into a summer wonderland and it’s one of the best exhibitions I’ve seen out here.

What does the best-case-scenario future of tech look like to you? 

A world where we are living cohesively with robots. I love robots!

What’s your style in three words?

Witty, quirky and peculiar 🙂

Alex Galiani, Technical.ly business development manager in D.C. and Baltimore

What do you do at Technical.ly?

It is my goal to reach out and connect with as many folks in our communities and share with them all of the great work we do here at Technical.ly beyond the daily reporting that we are so well known for. My goal is to inform our partners, develop custom strategies and provide solutions for our clients about great ways they can partner with Technical.ly to help them accomplish their goals.

How long have you worked here? 

I have had the honor of representing Technical.ly for over a year and a half.

Favorite spots in our markets, and why?

In Baltimore there is always something at Belvedere Square that I am up for, whether it’s catching a movie and supporting a local icon like The Senator or flipping through comics at Amazing Spiral or grabbing a lobster roll down at the square.

In D.C. I am really enjoying the energy coming from all of the exciting new possibilities and development down at the Navy Yard.

What’s the coolest things going on in our markets right now?

In Baltimore I am so excited by the growing and increasingly connected coworking spaces in and around town. In D.C., the coolest thing going on is Technical.ly’s growing footprint between our editorial coverage, events and the support we provide for organizations.

What does the best-case-scenario future of tech look like to you? 

Strong connections between local tech companies with real input into the development and training for jobseekers that provides a runway for folks to get the tech jobs that companies are hiring for.

What’s your style in three words?

Understated classic hip-hop

Holly Quinn, Technical.ly Delaware lead reporter

What do you do at Technical.ly?

I explore economic development throughout Delaware, from new startups at University of Delaware to coding cohorts in Wilmington to agtech downstate, with an eye on the future.

How long have you worked here?

Two years as lead reporter, preceded by time as a freelance contributor.

Favorite spot in your city (or state), and why?

West Side Grows Community Garden at Rodney Reservoir, because it’s where I grow tomatoes and connect with people in the neighborhood.

What’s the coolest thing going on in your city (or state) right now?

The high-speed broadband initiative that will make fast internet accessible to the entire state, including the most rural areas, by 2020.

What does the best-case-scenario future of tech look like to you?

For Delaware to look within when it comes to training and hiring talent as way way to add economic stability to historically underserved communities.

What’s your style in three words?

Pre-mid-century modern

Aileen Connolly McNulty, Technical.ly business development manager in Philly and Delaware

What do you do at Technical.ly?

I help companies connect with Technical.ly’s audience through our content and events to support a top-notch tech hiring pipeline. I act as an internal champion for our clients to make sure we’re providing the best service and value possible.

P.S. I love hearing when companies meet great people to hire through Technical.ly because it shows how we impact the careers of our readers and the workforce of the markets we serve.

How long have you worked here?

Three years in September!

Favorite spot in our markets, and why?

• Delaware — DE.CO [where we just held Super Meetup Delaware!]
• Philly — Schuylkill River trail

What’s the coolest things going on in our markets right now?

• Delaware — Continued growth of initiatives like the #MillSummit to support young professional career development
• Philly — I’m always looking for the next new restaurant to try, so the steady influx of new spots keeps me busy!

What does the best-case-scenario future of tech look like to you?

A tech industry reflective of the community.

What’s your style in three words?

Madewell x J. Crew’s lovechild

Julie Zeglen, Technical.ly managing editor

What do you do at Technical.ly?

I’m the last set of eyes on every story that publishes in three out of four markets. I also lead strategic editorial initiatives (like making sure these editorial calendar themes happen!) and act as chief internal challenger and external defender of our reporters.

How long have you worked here?

Seven months leading Technical.ly editorial, preceded by over three years editing sister site Generocity.org, which focuses on social impact in Philadelphia.

Favorite spot in your city, and why?

I’m in love with West Philly generally, but now that it’s summertime, I’m reminded that the Schuylkill River Trail is tops for outdoor adventures.

What’s the coolest thing going on in your city (or state) right now?

• Delaware — Workforce development efforts
• Baltimore — E-scooters (maybe? we’ll see?)
• D.C. — The Vinetta Project
• Philly — Support for creatives

What does the best-case-scenario future of tech look like to you?

Equity!

What’s your style in three words?

Athleisure sparkle goth

Stephen Babcock, Technical.ly assistant editor and Technical.ly Baltimore lead reporter

What do you do at Technical.ly?

As assistant editor, I have a few different roles. I’m leading reporting and working with freelancers/contributors in Baltimore, providing input and being the last set of eyes on our D.C. market editor’s coverage and taking a role in conversations on strategy and long-term projects.

How long have you worked here?

I joined Technical.ly Baltimore as lead reporter in 2015, and came on full-time with expanded editing responsibilities in 2017.

Favorite spot in your city, and why?

Lately I have been enjoying Druid Hill Park for bike rides and lake walks. It also holds the Rawlings Conservatory, which brings lots of comfort and serenity.

What’s the coolest thing going on in your city (or state) right now?

There are many specific examples, but my overall takeaway from reporting is that there are many Baltimoreans creating new businesses and ventures that offer new approaches to tackling the city’s challenges. Innovation is happening at the neighborhood level.

What does the best-case-scenario future of tech look like to you?

Tech plays a key role in make the sweeping changes needed to protect and preserve Earth.

What’s your style in three words?

’60s meets ’90s

Chris Wink, Technically Media cofounder and CEO

What do you do at Technical.ly?

It’s my job to make sure we have money today, create value today and ensure both for the future. That means a lot of switching in between short-term needs and long-term wants. It’s a mix of meetings, calls, emails and whiteboard sessions.

How long have you worked here? 

We started publishing in February 2009, and I came on full-time in December 2010.

Favorite spot in our markets, and why?

• Delaware — Wilmington’s SEPTA station, which is (externally) beautiful, functional and a lifeline between Wilmington in the past and the future. Trains somehow are both relics and time machines.
• Baltimore — Broadway Square on Thames Street in Fells Point; my house is adorned with several treasures from the junk shops and regular flea market. This is where every tourist should start, to understand Baltimore, a short walk from neighborhoods of real difference, rather than the Hooters in the Inner Harbor.
• D.C. — It’d have to be something in Shaw, for its historical roots and mixes of culture. Maybe Howard Theatre, though many bars and restaurants there would be competitive. I only recently turned on to All-Purpose Shaw but they make a noteworthy dark-colored Old Fashioned.
• Philly — Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown: I’ve spent countless weekend strolls here, and it’s always managed to remain a destination for so many different types of people that it strikes a wonderful kind of harmony that reminds me of what Philadelphia can be when it’s well-behaved, well-fed and fanned by breezes off the Delaware.

What’s the coolest thing going on in our markets right now? 

• Delaware — North Market Street development
• Baltimore — Revival of the smaller-scale, neighborhood food halls (Hollins, Cross Street, etc. beyond Lexington)
• D.C. — Collaboration across the DMV to make the Amazon HQ2 case more unified than any other place in the world, with a continuation on the inclusive innovation message
• Philly — The “Friends of” groups for schools, which address directly one of the core factors mid-career professionals leave the urban core

What does the best-case-scenario future of tech look like to you? 

Tech-enabled efficiencies to continue to reduce mundane tasks and revel in creative invention

What’s your style in three words?

Moderately curated thrift-store

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P.S. A few members of our team weren’t available to supply answers, but they’re pretty awesome, too, and you should know who they are:

• Kristin Dudley, Technical.ly chief product officer
• Clayton Wert, Technical.ly events and experiences manager