# Melina Sparks > Ex-Microsoft Full Stack Software Engineer | Fullstack | Frontend | React | JavaScript | Typescript Location: Greater Seattle Area, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/melinasparks I've spent nearly a decade immersed in the world of software engineering, with my most significant chapter unfolding at Microsoft. There, I was part of the team that shaped the Outlook Mail and Calendar experiences—both web and native Windows Universal apps. My journey into tech started early; I was that kid who took apart the TV just to see how it worked. My mom still laughs about how I once reprogrammed our garage door opener to open the neighbor's garages when I was just ten! This curiosity has fueled my passion for innovation throughout my career. While my roots are in front-end web development, I’m currently shifting toward full-stack development to leverage and expand my back-end development skills. I genuinely enjoy crafting solutions that not only meet user needs but also enhance their overall productivity, efficiency, and sense of individuality. In addition to my technical skills, I'm both a business owner and tradeswoman (Welding). I embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure by founding Wild Cranberry Rentals three years ago. I learned how to manage operations and build strong client relationships. This venture instilled invaluable lessons about focusing on customer needs, improving with iteration/feedback, and adapting to change—skills that are highly valuable in the tech industry. I believe that collaboration is key when it comes to innovative problem-solving. Whether it’s brainstorming with colleagues or discussing ideas with fellow entrepreneurs, I thrive in environments where creativity flows freely. Outside of work hours, you will often find me exploring new tech trends, traveling the world with friends, playing sports, going to concerts, creating art, or hanging out with my cat. If you’re interested in collaborating on projects that prioritize user experience, innovation, and diverse perspectives, feel free to reach out! You can contact me via email or chat—I’d love to connect. Skills: - Front-End Development - Full Stack Development - Problem Solving with a growth mindset (if it isn't known it can be learned) - Cross-functional collaboration Programming Languages: (more below) TypeScript, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Java, C#, Python Technological Proficiencies: (more below) ReactJS, React Native, SASS, IndexedDB, NodeJS, GraphQL, Redux, Jest ## Work Experience ### Full Stack Software Engineer @ Venteur Jan 2025 – Present ### Company Owner @ Wild Cranberry Rentals Jan 2021 – Present • Founded and operate Wild Cranberry Rentals as a sole proprietor, demonstrating entrepreneurial initiative and business acumen leading to a $24,000 increase in yearly revenue since inception. • Developed and implemented effective digital marketing strategies to attract qualified tenants, resulting in consistent occupancy. • Successfully managed, utilizing different software technologies, all financial aspects of the business, including rent collection, expense tracking, and budgeting, ensuring profitability and financial stability. • Proactively addressed tenant concerns and maintenance issues promptly, demonstrating problem-solving skills and resourcefulness to maintain a positive rental experience. ### Software Engineer @ Microsoft Jan 2016 – Jan 2023 | Redmond, WA • Spearheaded the front-end development of critical features for Outlook.com Mail and Calendar applications using React; engaged cross-teams to ensure seamless design-to-deployment process to over 400 million global users. • Rewrote core functionalities in React Native for the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app, enabling rapid feature development; reduced implementation time from hours to mere minutes, saving 20 developers approximately 30% of daily work hours. • Delivered core functionality for an experimental iOS Calendar application, collaborating closely with design and product management teams to transition the app from user research phase to fully operational beta version in 6 months. • Delivered training workshops covering architecture, performance, testing methodologies, culture and more; creating an engaging environment aimed at bolstering collaborative efforts towards achieving superior project results. • Led a team of 5 new developers, cultivating an inclusive environment and onboarding to team-owned features; launching the project completion from 10% to full global launch within just 3 months. • Mentored, coached (as an instructor), and created educational content for lectures for a technology academy (The new technologist program by Cyborg Mobile and Microsoft) for university students. • Developed and maintained a multi-channel feedback system encompassing in-person user research, digital surveys, and in-app feedback; ensured alignment with user needs leading to successful feature deployments across global markets. ### Help Desk Analyst & Hardware Technician @ University of Victoria Jan 2013 – Jan 2015 | Victoria, BC - Provided first-level technical support to university faculty, staff, and students, troubleshooting hardware, software, and network issues via phone, email, and in-person interactions. - Diagnosed and resolved a wide range of technical problems, escalating complex issues to appropriate teams while maintaining timely communication with end-users. Installed, configured, and maintained computer hardware, peripherals, and software, ensuring proper functionality and adherence to university IT standards. - Documented support interactions and solutions in a ticketing system, contributing to knowledge base development and improving service efficiency. ### Software Engineer in Testing @ Microsoft Jan 2014 – Jan 2014 • Developed a custom Windows application to streamline the debugging of near field communication (NFC) devices, specifically Windows Phone. • Enabled seamless pairing with external NFC devices to capture detailed error logs, packet by packet. • Transformed raw log data into a human-readable format, facilitating efficient analysis of errors and identification of bugs. ### Lead Welder @ Wilsons Transportation Jan 2012 – Jan 2012 | Victoria, BC • Led and directed a team of laborers, assigning tasks, providing instruction, and overseeing their work to support welding operations and ensure efficient project completion. • Oversaw all on-site welding activities, including interpreting blueprints and plans, selecting appropriate welding techniques and materials, fabricating the plans and inspecting finished welds, while coordinating with laborers to prepare materials, manage equipment, and maintain a safe work environment. ## Education ### Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science with Distinction University of Victoria Jan 2011 – Jan 2015 ### Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science The University of British Columbia Jan 2011 – Jan 2011 ### Level C Training Certification in Welding Vancouver Island University Jan 2009 – Jan 2010 ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/melinasparks --- Source: https://flows.cv/melinasparks JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/melinasparks/resume.json Last updated: 2026-03-29