About

Kaylee

A designer, developer, and problem solver.

My Rapid Ascent: From Beginner to National Champion

I began my coding journey just this past January, completely new to the field. What started as a step into the unknown quickly revealed a natural passion and talent. In just a few months, I went from beginner to building functional websites and solving real-world problems. This dedication fueled an incredible achievement: winning the SkillsUSA State Web Design and Development competition in April, followed by the National Gold Medal in June. Earning national recognition so quickly was a moment of pure awe, showing me the immense power of focus and commitment.

My Motivation: Coding as Creative Language and Impact

For me, coding is more than just a skill—it’s my creative language. I’m motivated by the thrill of discovery and the ability to turn abstract ideas into impactful realities. I thrive on diving into the endless possibilities of code, constantly exploring new techniques to uncover the most elegant and innovative solutions.

I’ve carried a deep passion for helping people throughout my life, and coding provides the perfect outlet to deliver on that. I focus on creating effective tools and user experiences that solve tangible, real-world problems. I’m excited to continue learning and evolving with every new challenge, using the power of code to bring innovative, impactful ideas to life.

Core Philosophy: Why Failure is My Fuel

One quote that resonates deeply with me is by Robert F. Kennedy:

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”

The principle I follow is simple: failure is fuel. This is particularly true in my programming journey. Rather than seeing errors as defeats, I treat every mistake as a crucial chance to learn and innovate. This resilience is what drives me. By welcoming the possibility of getting something wrong, I find the courage to dive into complex new challenges, confident that each bug I fix pushes me toward greater achievements and more powerful coding solutions.

Certifications

Badge for the WordPress Elementor Specialist certification

Recognitions

Recommendations

Kaylee Conley is an exceptional student and emerging professional whose dedication and growth have been nothing short of inspiring. She entered the Web Development program with no prior experience and, within six months, earned a National Gold Medal in Web Design and Development at SkillsUSA—a reflection of her talent, work ethic, and leadership. As team captain, Kaylee led with focus and initiative. She brought organization, creativity, and technical skill to every phase of the project, and her ability to communicate clearly under pressure set her apart in the competition’s interview process. Beyond the classroom, Kaylee is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and actively gives back by volunteering at the PTC Clearwater Food Pantry. As a mother to a one-year-old, Kaylee exemplifies balance and resilience, showing up fully for both her family and her goals. Kaylee is not only driven—she’s thoughtful, collaborative, and a joy to work with. I’m confident she’ll continue to excel in every opportunity she pursues.

A photo of a blonde woman with a green artsy background.

Marianne Shaffer

Instructor at Pinellas Technical College

Skills