Meet Tali: Jewish Bot-Maker of the Week!

by Allison Friedman / February 27, 2019

tali

Allie: How did you wind up living in DC?

Tali: I moved to DC last November from New York, but I’m originally from near Cleveland, Ohio. I got an exciting new job here and I was lucky to have friends in the area when I moved (shoutout to Ariella, Joelle, and to former GatherDC Jewish Person of the Week, Monica Arkin)!

Allie: What were you doing in New York?

Tali: In New York, I was focused on designing bots and AI at an incredible startup called Wade & Wendy. My portfolio includes ‘The ShaBot”, a bot you can chat with via Facebook Messenger that provides Shabbat times.

The ShaBot was discovered by the design team that I ended up joining at Capital One. I still can’t believe it, but by building my own things, I was eventually able to connect with designers and creatives that I respect a lot. It’s been an interesting experience working on Eno (Capital One’s intelligent assistant) for over a year now. I’ve loved working with the insanely talented people who challenge me to grow all the time on this team! I’m also excited to challenge the status quo of having female robot assistants (why is that a thing?) and to continue to build technologies that make people feel understood and in control of their finances!

Allie: What is you dream day in DC from start to finish, assuming money is no object?

Tali: Take a jog by the waterfront. Picnic with all the good friends I’ve made in DC by the cherry blossoms. Check out a museum. Taste a bunch of things at the DuPont Circle Farmer’s Market. Surprise someone with a speakeasy they haven’t seen before, and then end the night overlooking the city at the W Hotel’s rooftop.

tali college

Allie: What is a piece of wisdom or quote that inspires you?

Tali: “Be a rainbow in someone’s cloud,” from Maya Angelou. I love Maya Angelou’s writing and wisdom. The idea of being a rainbow in someone’s cloud is that when we take it upon ourselves to make someone else feel awesome, we all benefit. It’s based on the idea that people will forget what you said and what you did, but they won’t forget how you made them feel. So why not bring the light?!

Allie: What are your favorite ways to relax and destress at the end of a long work week?

Tali: White wine, a bubble bath, and some Adele blasting in the background before heading to a Shabbat dinner with friends.

Allie: What three things are at the top of your life bucket list?

Tali: Make Tina Fey laugh, climb at least one more mountain, and learn how to master baking challah.

Allie: Complete this sentence. When Jews of DC Gather…

Tali: We make so many mothers very proud.

tali

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