Makenna Smutz
About Makenna Smutz
Makenna Smutz is a Design Engineer with experience in both technical and marketing roles. She has worked at several startups, including Fern, Whop, and Meeshkan, and has a background in frontend design and product development.
Work at Fern
Makenna Smutz currently holds the position of Design Engineer at Fern, a company that is part of Y Combinator's Winter 2023 batch. She has been with Fern since 2024, contributing her expertise in design and engineering. Her role involves applying her skills in frontend development and design to enhance the company's offerings. Fern is based in Brooklyn, New York, where Makenna continues to work.
Previous Experience in Design Engineering
Before joining Fern, Makenna Smutz worked in various design engineering roles. She was a Design System Engineer at Whop for three months in 2023, where she focused on design systems. Additionally, she co-founded Meeshkan, serving as a Product/Design Engineer from 2020 to 2022, and worked at Heron App in a similar capacity for six months in 2022. Her experience spans multiple startups, showcasing her ability to adapt and contribute in dynamic environments.
Background in Technical and Marketing Roles
Makenna Smutz has a diverse professional background that includes both technical and marketing roles. She served as a Marketing Content Manager at ClickUp Project Management for four months in 2017, where she managed marketing content. Her technical expertise is highlighted by her roles as a Design Engineer and Product Engineer at various companies, including GraphCMS and Roopairs Technologies, Inc. This blend of skills allows her to approach projects from multiple perspectives.
Education and Expertise
Makenna Smutz earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) degree from the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Economics. Her studies focused on Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. This educational background, combined with her specialization in frontend development and design, equips her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in her roles within the tech industry.
Experience in Remote and In-Office Environments
Makenna Smutz has experience working in both remote and in-office settings. She has held positions in various locations, including Brooklyn, New York, and Ljubljana, Slovenia. This versatility in work environments has allowed her to develop a flexible approach to collaboration and project management, making her an asset to the teams she has worked with.