For Ethredah Chao, creativity and engineering are not separate worlds. They constantly inform each other. A Software Engineer at Microsoft ADC, Ethredah’s journey into tech has been deeply shaped by a lifelong relationship with visual art.

Her interest in art started early, back in primary school, with simple drawings and one unforgettable moment: creating an image in MS Paint, printing it out, and realizing she had made something tangible. “It felt almost magical,” she recalls. That early curiosity slowly evolved into a more intentional practice, creating contemplative pieces that invite presence rather than passive consumption, an approach she describes as unspoken art.

Art remains an active part of her life today. Ethredah continues to create while also deeply enjoying the experience of other people’s work. Growing up alongside rapidly evolving technology further shaped her creative lens. Digital interfaces felt like windows into imagined worlds, nurturing a sense of wonder that still influences how she approaches both art and engineering, always looking beneath the surface of ordinary experiences.

Her path into technology was anything but linear, something she sees as a strength. While in campus, Ethredah explored innovative ways to solve real societal challenges. One of her early projects focused on healthcare and led to Afya Plan, an initiative addressing the burden of out of pocket medical expenses in communities with limited access to formal health insurance. The project received recognition, including awards and a small grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Ethredah joined Microsoft through TechnoBrain as a vendor developer before transitioning into a full time role at ADC. Today, her days are a blend of coding, meetings, brainstorming sessions, and the occasional tea break.

Her artistic mindset shows up clearly in how she works. “Art trains you to sit with ambiguity,” she says. That ability to explore multiple perspectives helps her navigate complex engineering problems and collaborate more effectively with diverse teams.

When asked what she’s most proud of at ADC, Ethredah points not to a single project but to the people. Building alongside talented, thoughtful colleagues stands out as the most rewarding part of her journey.

A guiding principle from art continues to shape her approach: stay fluid, not rigid. For Ethredah, adaptability is essential in both creative practice and technology.

Her advice to early career technologists with creative interests is simple: explore beyond tech. “Different disciplines will always teach you something valuable and often something unexpected.”

Connect with Ethredah on LinkedIn.