Women in Tech: Abby’s Journey in AI Assistance & Engineering for Accessibility

What does it take to build an AI assistant that’s truly accessible? On the occasion of International Women's Day, Vanessa from Envision sat down with Abby, a software engineer at Envision, to talk about her unique journey, the evolution of ally, and how she’s shaping the future of assistive technology.

From UI/UX to Software Engineering

Abby didn’t start as a developer—her background was in UI/UX design. But her curiosity for how things worked behind the scenes led her to software engineering - starting with our Envisipn App, founded in 2018. Now, she’s the driving force behind ally’s iOS version, blending design and functionality to create a seamless experience.

“I love that I was able to combine my design background with my passion for development. iOS was a natural fit for me.”

Her story proves that career paths aren’t always linear—and that sometimes, the best opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Building ally with Accessibility at Its Core

For Abby, accessibility isn’t an add-on—it’s the starting point. She’s seen firsthand how Apple’s evolving iOS tools are making it easier to integrate features like VoiceOver into ally, ensuring a smooth experience for users.

“Now, iOS automatically optimizes accessibility elements. That’s a game-changer!”

Every update, every tweak, and every new feature is designed with one goal in mind: making ally as intuitive and empowering as possible for people who are blind or have low vision.

Life as a Remote Engineer

Abby has been a remote team member since 2019, working from the Philippines while collaborating with Envision’s global team. She loves the flexibility and the freedom it brings.

When she’s not coding, she’s soaking up the sun on some of the Philippines’ most stunning beaches—or spending time with her mini bull terrier, Patrasch.

“He’s small but incredibly heavy—lifting him is a full-body workout!”

Her beachside snapshots during team meetups often leave her colleagues just a little bit jealous.

Advice for Future Women in Tech

Abby knows that taking the leap into a tech career can feel intimidating, but her advice is simple: go for it.

“Your perspective is valuable. Technology thrives on diversity.”

Her journey is proof that you don’t need a traditional path to succeed—you just need curiosity, passion, and the confidence to take the first step.

What’s Next for ally?

One of the most exciting aspects of ally is its customization. Users can personalize their AI assistant, and Abby envisions a future where they can share custom Allies with the community.

“I love a sassy assistant—it keeps things interesting!”

With the rapid advancements in AI, the possibilities are endless—and Abby is right at the center of it all.

Listen to the Full Conversation

Want to hear more about Abby’s journey, her insights on accessibility, and the future of AI at Envision? Don’t miss this inspiring conversation—listen to the full episode now! Listen to our podcast everywhere.