From Diplomacy to OTP: Mackenzie Morgan's Path to Erlang and Elixir

From Diplomacy to OTP: Mackenzie Morgan's Path to Erlang and Elixir

Author: Rede Emílias de Podcasts October 10, 2025 Duration: 1:05:43

In this episode of Elixir in Focus, part of the SE4FP 2025 warm-up series, host Adolfo Neto welcomes Mackenzie Morgan, a senior backend engineer at Level All. Mackenzie shares her journey into technology, which began with a focus on Japanese and International Affairs at university. She recounts how the "siren song of the computer lab" and a scheduling conflict between an algorithms class and a Japanese class ultimately led her to a computer science degree — a path she had already begun exploring through her contributions to the Ubuntu project as an undergraduate.

Mackenzie describes herself like this:

“I'm a programmer who writes Elixir and Erlang. Former Ubuntu developer. I enjoy languages, Argentine tango (especially queer tango!), historic costuming, and photography. Washington Spirit & USWNT fan ⚽.”

Website: https://wandering.shop/@maco

🎥 Original livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuA5XwGWnqE
🌐 Elixir em Foco website: https://elixiremfoco.com/index_en.html

The Erlang Ecosystem Foundation supports the Elixir em Foco podcast by funding the software we use to record the episodes. The Erlang Ecosystem Foundation is a non-profit organization supported by over 1,000 members who embrace its model of collaborative Working Groups and community-building events. EEF members include industry leaders dedicated to advancing the state of the art for Erlang, Elixir, LFE, and other BEAM-based technologies.

👉 Join the Erlang Ecosystem Foundation: https://bit.ly/3Sl8XTO


Ever wonder about the person behind the code, the story behind the job title? Professor Adolfo Neto pulls up a chair for conversations that go far beyond technical specs and career advice. As a professor at UTFPR Curitiba, Adolfo brings a genuine curiosity to each discussion, sitting down with professionals from computing and its many intersecting fields. The focus here isn't on dry lectures or industry buzzwords. Instead, you'll hear the winding paths that led each guest to their current work-the early fascinations, the accidental discoveries, and the pivotal moments that shaped their trajectory. This podcast digs into the human experience within a tech-driven world, exploring the daily rhythms, the personal motivations that fuel long hours, and the very real challenges these professionals navigate. It’s about understanding the 'why' behind the work. Each conversation reveals the texture of a life in technology, offering listeners a chance to find relatable threads in other people's journeys. Presented by Rede Emílias de Podcasts, these interviews provide a thoughtful, often surprising look at the diverse people who build and influence our digital landscape. Tune in for a series that values depth and personal narrative, reminding us that every system has a story, and every developer, designer, or engineer has a unique voice worth hearing.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 88

Professor Adolfo Neto
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