Anne K. Goodfriend is a Designer, Technologist, + Educator who is skilled at rapid ideation + prototyping. She has worked on everything from app development to wearable technology. Anne is currently a Lead Educator at the NYC FIRST STEM Center at Cornell Tech, where she teaches Robotics. Having felt empowered through her own journey of learning to code, craft, + engineer, she is passionate about sharing these skills with others. She holds a BA in Media Studies from the New School University + a MPS from ITP at NYU Tisch School of the Arts.
Location: Roosevelt Island, New York City
1. Beverage of choice?
Most often, I just want a Lime Seltzer.
2. What are you best known for?
My crazy curls + sarcasm. Also, for being an educator, maker, + artist.
3. How did we meet?
We met through social media + started following each other as fellow women in STEM!
4. How did you get here?
It was not a straight path by any means.
I was always a creative person with an active imagination. I loved to craft + make art. As a kid I helped my father with projects around the house, so I was also surprisingly handy by a young age.
In 2004, when I was 18, I moved to NYC. Sometimes I’m surprised I survived, but in 2009, I received a BA in Media Studies from the New School University. I graduated during the recession + I spent the next 5 years piece-mealing together a freelance career. I started as a video editor + then moved into graphic design + web development.
In 2013, I started making interactive walking tours using QR codes. It started as a fun activity with fellow artist, Wesley Flash, but the project led me to pursue a Masters Degree from ITP at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. As a grad student, I worked on everything from interactive window displays to augmented reality experiences to wearable technology. At the same time, I also began working professionally as a User Experience Designer + Product Manager.
While completing my Masters degree, I launched a project called VillageLIVE alongside two amazing collaborators, Shir David + Jordan Frand. We built an augmented reality walking tour of NYC using archival video footage. The project was supported by NYC Media Lab, A+E Network, + the Columbia Journalism School. It was a dream come true to see my work receive such recognition, + it really lit a fire under me.
I feel so lucky to have found the job I have now, after I graduated. It wasn’t immediate, but in hindsight I am grateful about that. I seriously think I might have the best job in the world. I have felt empowered throughout my own journey learning to code, craft, + engineer. Now I am a teacher, maker, designer, coder, + fabricator who gets to share these skills with others!
5. What are you compensated to do (job)?
I am a Program Manager + Lead Educator at NYC FIRST STEM Center. I run a Maker Space + teach robotics to NYC high school students. In my classes, students + I investigate, build, + innovate without the shame of failure or inadequacy. We try things we’ve never done, + no one is an expert. We work together to find new paths, try new skills, + push the boundaries of what we thought was achievable.
6. What do you like to do?
I like to be in the Maker Space learning new tools, tinkering, + trying new projects. Other than that, I love to explore New York City + be outside as much as possible. I’ve lived in this city for 15 years + I still discover new + exciting things about it all the time. I also love to travel, dance, sing, + cook.
7. Can you suggest a book?
Professionally - The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman If you want to make things that people can actually use, then read this book! It’s so insightful.
Personally - The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison It’s a beautiful + sad story that I think every American should read.
8. What is the best lesson you have taught someone?
It’s ok the fail. Through failure, we learn + improve.
9. Where do you go to find inspiration?
My students. My friends. Art shows. This city. + Instagram, more than I want to admit.
10. Favorite city + why?
I briefly lived in New Orleans many years ago. I am still in love with the city, + sometimes I wonder if I’ll move back. It’s such a beautiful + soothing town. The food is amazing, there is music everywhere, + people are so friendly. It’s really a magical place.
11. What is your fondest memory?
The first time I ever turned on an LED using an Arduino changed my life. The world opened up before me, + I felt like the smartest person alive. In that single moment, I transformed into more than just a passive consumer of tech. I had joined the conversation; I was a maker. It was one of the most empowering moments of my life. I am constantly trying to give my students similar experiences.
12. What would you tell your younger self?
You’re already enough. Be confident. Be kind to yourself in the process. Love your body. Listen to your instinct. Be open to the unexpected.
13. Who mentored you and what did they teach you?
Countless educators have influenced the way I view the world, + I am grateful to them all. But most recently, I had a professor in Grad School who really made an impression on me. She was just so damn smart + put together. Not to mention an amazing designer! Seeing her work + her approach made me want to be like her - thoughtful, intentional, diligent, fearless, + kind. I love finding inspiration in other strong women. It helps me to see the potential in myself.
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