Hi! My name is Elena Escalas and I am a Software Engineer III at YouTube in San Francisco, California. I specialize in Machine Learning and C++. I graduated from UCLA in 2020 with a B.S. in Computer Science. During my time at UCLA, I was a member of the Varsity Swim and Dive team, president of ACM ICPC, and the Bruin Athletic Council. I'm passionate about technical communication, empowering others through mentorship, and exploring the latest in tech.
YouTube (Google)
San Bruno, CA
Sep 2024 - Present
San Jose, CA
Oct 2022 - Sep 2024
Mountain View, CA
Aug 2020 - Oct 2022
Amazon A9
Palo Alto, CA
June 2019 - Sept 2019
Designed a new structure for high impact metadata and wrote Python scripts that converted the newly structured metadata into it's previous form. The goal of this new structure was to decrease the tendency towards merge conflicts for over 100 engineers modifying the metadata annually. I added the Python scripts within an existing code base and properly tested the validity of the converted metadata by using existing unit tests and creating my own. I worked with my Senior Software Developer mentor to improve my code in order to be reviewed by Principal Engineers and added to the code base.
Microsoft
Seattle, WA
June 2018 - Sept 2018
Spearheaded a proof of concept team focused on finding business insights by converting data on individuals into a graph form. Tested multiple tools, including CosmosDB and Gephi, before deciding to use the industry leader in graph visualizations: Neo4j for the graph analysis. Found high impact business insights in relation to recommending Microsoft marketing events for individuals as well as determining the success of events in motivating individuals to participate in other Microsoft marketing activities. Achieved my stretch goal of achieving expert proficiency in Pluralsight Scrum Master training, as well as acting as Scrum Master for my team.
Intel
Austin, TX
June 2017 - Sept 2017
Created an HTML5 GUI using Polymer Webcomponents and a Node.js webserver from scratch to create XML files used to customize the health analyses performed by the Intel Cluster Checker. I received recognition for my intern project presentation from upper management and for providing valuable contributions to the Cluster Checker team. With my internship ending later than the majority of students attending schools on the semester system, I presented much earlier than the end of my internship, and was able to incorporate the work of one of the phD interns into my project to add the capability of generating CLIPS rules with my GUI.
AgonSportLLC
Nashville, TN
June 2016 - August 2016
I programmed an svg parsing software for client agreements in .NET C#, allowing sales representatives to upload custom designs without having inconsistent descriptions of swimsuit fabric, lining, or strap color.
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles
Education
Sep 2024 - Oct 2024 (2 months)
Education
Apr 2021 - May 2021 (2 months)
Education
Jan 2021 - May 2021 (5 months)
Edlyft
Education
Apr 2020 - Jun 2020 (3 months)
Edlyft
Los Angeles, CA
March 2020 - June 2020
UCLA Athletics
Los Angeles, CA
Sept 2018 - December 2019
Tutoring other Student-Athletes. Dedicating a minimum of 6 hours per week of tutoring or tutoring preparation to help Student-Athletes develop the skills necessary to learn and succeed on their own. I wanted to become a tutor for student-athletes becuse I noticed as I was tutored myself that there was a low supply of tutors available to tutor mathematics classes. My goal as a PLF is to get more student-athletes into STEM by helping them pass lower-division math classes and gain confidence in their ability to learn and challenge themselves.
Nashville, TN
August 2010 - May 2015
Graduated Cum Laude with a 3.97 unweighted GPA. Received AP Scholar status with Distinction, National Merit Hispanic Recognition, and Academic Honors in Science and Mathematics. My senior year, I was awarded with the Faculty Award, which is given to the student in the senior class who has exhibited a passion for learning evident to the faculty. I also received the Tiger of the Year Award, which is awarded to the student with the most athletic success in the class, and finished my senior year with USA Scholastic All-American distinction for three years out of three years eligibility for the distinction
Los Angeles, CA
Sept 2015 - June 2020
Cumulative GPA: 3.656
Activities and societies: Varsity Swim & Dive Team Co-Captain (2018-2019), Co-President of Bruin Athletic Council (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee), President of UCLA ACM ICPC
Technical Breadth in Urban Planning
Jul 2022
Awarded to Googlers in the Platforms & Ecosystems organization who improve product, engineering, or operational excellence. Recognized for work creating the Noograds organization providing community to new grad Googlers.
2020
Awarded to undergraduate and graduate engineering students who have made outstanding contributions to student welfare through participation in extracurricular activities and who have given outstanding service to the campus community.
2019
One of 50 students selected to receive a scholarship to attend the Grace Hopper Conference for Women in Technology.
2019
Award given to student-athletes who earned a 3.0 grade point average or higher every quarter as an undergraduate
2019
Award given to the student-athletes with the top 48 highest GPAs among female swimmers competing in the PAC-12 Conference
2019
Award voted by teammates to the athlete who most selflessly displays the highest levels of character and integrity in the spirit of helping the team
Awarded to the junior or senior class member who holds the highest cumulative grade point average on the team.
Competitive Programming Club
Los Angeles, CA
April 2019 - June 2020
Los Angeles, CA
January 2020 - June 2020
Los Angeles, CA
May 2018 - June 2019
Los Angeles, CA
Fall 2017 - June 2020
Los Angeles, CA
Sept 2018 - June 2019
Act as a mentor to a small group of female first-year students in computer science by sharing personal experiences and lessons learned so they can make the most out of their time at UCLA and receive advice and support when needed.
