Kathy Valade

Kathy Valade is a dynamic hands-on software professional with extensive international experience in the flexible materials and sewn products industries, specializing in manufacturing processes, automation, and CAD/CAM technology. She focuses on supporting computer-aided design applications for product development and production in the global supply chain, excelling in managing data in alignment with company goals.

In her career, Kathy has demonstrated effective communication skills, collaborating in cross-functional team environments to identify solutions and reach consensus. She bridges end-users with technical communities to innovate solutions that enhance product quality and speed time to market. She is known for her solid work ethic, passion for helping others, and unwavering integrity.

Kathy's expertise includes product development, SDLC, agile methodologies, offshore development, testing, and customer support with extensive cross-cultural integration experience. She is multi-faceted, with skills in interaction design, research, usability, quality assurance, training, e-learning, documentation, defect tracking, and remote access tools.

Specializing in Gerber software applications for various industries, Kathy is proficient in AccuMark PDS, Grading and Marking, Made-to-Measure, DXF, data exchange, plotters, peripherals, product management, interaction design, quality assurance, and technical support. She is keenly interested in 3D simulation, augmented reality, disruptive technology, and open innovation.

Kathy holds certifications including HFI Certified Usability Analyst (CUA), ISTQB Certified Tester, Foundation Level (CTFL), and has received project management training from PMI as a PMP Candidate. She has also completed web development training in HTML, CSS, and Adobe Design Suite.

Education-wise, Kathy studied CUA and User-Centered Design at Human Factors International, PMP Certification Prep at Project Management Institute, AS in Retail Fashion & Merchandising at Becker College, BS in Design & Resource Management with a focus on Textile & Apparel Systems: Apparel Design at University of Connecticut, and Software Tester Certification at Software Quality Engineering. She also attended Newington High School.

In her professional journey, Kathy has taken on significant roles such as Senior Product Owner in CAD Product Management at Gerber Technology, WUD Event Coordinator for CT UPA 2010 World Usability Day Committee at Connecticut Chapter of the Usability Professionals Association (CTUPA), Co-Leader and Program Lead at Pierson Method for Job Search Work Teams, as well as various positions including Senior Applications Specialist, Senior Technical Support Specialist, Advanced Training Specialist, and Product Marketing Specialist at Gerber Technology.