Randy Frutos: Turning Challenges into Innovation at Mismo

Mismo thrives on the strength of its exceptional team. We provide top-tier remote software development teams that seamlessly integrate with companies worldwide, driving exceptional results. Many organizations have partnered with Mismo to augment their development capabilities and achieve their technology goals.

At the heart of these successful teams are the talented individuals who make Mismo what it is. We’re committed to celebrating our remarkable employees and their invaluable contributions to our company culture. Our employee spotlights showcase the genuine relationships we’ve forged with team members and clients, highlighting their dedication and the positive impact they have on our collaborative environment.

Meet: Randy Frutos

Software Engineer 

Country: Costa Rica

I’m a very tech-oriented person. I enjoy programming, gaming, and anime, and I also love lifting weights and playing soccer.

  • What initially attracted you to engineering and how have you found inspiration in this career? I started creating websites and experimenting with technologies like WordPress, Drupal, and others when I was 12, so I began programming at a very young age.
  • What innovation or technical advancement have you been a part of that you consider to have made a milestone in your engineering field? I worked on a project that relied heavily on excellent performance and fast response times. We migrated from a slow Ruby engine running JavaScript through React on Rails to a fully performant Node.js solution, which improved both our response times and overall performance.
  • What made you choose Mismo? I feel it’s a great company with excellent people and truly outstanding projects. 
  • How would you describe the work environment at Mismo? It’s an incredible work environment—everyone is always open to helping, discussing, and contributing. 
  • What learning and development opportunities have you had at Mismo and how have you utilized these opportunities to grow as a professional? Becoming more detail-oriented. 
  • What aspects of working at Mismo’s engineering team make you proud and motivate you in your daily tasks? I feel like we’re a family, always doing our best and making the most of our knowledge.
  • How do you believe the company and engineering can positively impact the world, people’s lives, and make a difference in their respective industries? Continue contributing the way we do and elevate our collective drive for improvement. 
  • What Mismo policies or practices have helped you improve your work-life balance? Showing and maintaining a strong understanding of all the projects we have or contribute to. 
  • What inspiring advice would you give to someone considering a career in engineering or looking to join a company like Mismo? I’d say to always look for ways to improve your workflow. Try to enhance each step of the engineering process, but also remember that understanding every requirement is important—not just in work, but in every aspect of life. 
  • What tools or technologies do you use most frequently in your daily work as an engineer at Mismo? React and Ruby on Rails.

 

 

Beyond Code: Marjorie Valverde’s Vision on Leadership, Equity, and Growth at Mismo

Mismo thrives on the strength of its exceptional team. We provide top-tier remote software development teams that seamlessly integrate with companies worldwide, driving exceptional results. Many organizations have partnered with Mismo to augment their development capabilities and achieve their technology goals.

At the heart of these successful teams are the talented individuals who make Mismo what it is. We’re committed to celebrating our remarkable employees and their invaluable contributions to our company culture. Our employee spotlights showcase the genuine relationships we’ve forged with team members and clients, highlighting their dedication and the positive impact they have on our collaborative environment.

Meet: Marjorie Valverde

Software Engineer / Engineering Lead

Country: Costa Rica

I was born in Cartago, Costa Rica, and grew up in the beautiful Zona de los Santos region, specifically in Tarrazú. I earned my bachelor’s degree from the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica.
Outside of work, I enjoy practicing taekwondo and have recently developed an interest in weightlifting. I’m working on building a consistent gym routine and loving the feeling of getting stronger. I got married in 2024 and now live in Budapest, Hungary, with my husband and our two cats.
I’m passionate about live music and try to attend concerts whenever possible. I’m also an avid Formula 1 fan and rarely miss a race weekend!

What initially attracted you to engineering and how have you found inspiration in this career?
I didn’t have much exposure to coding or software development before university, but I’ve always been passionate about solving problems and understanding how systems work. Once I began studying engineering, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed the challenge and creativity involved in building solutions from the ground up.
What inspires me most is collaborating with other engineers—taking an idea from concept through design, architecture, and development, and ultimately seeing it come to life in the hands of users.
Beyond my technical passion, this career has also given me the opportunity to support my family and pursue personal dreams. It’s incredibly fulfilling to do work I love while creating a better future for myself and my loved ones.

What innovation or technical advancement have you been a part of that you consider to have made a milestone in your engineering field?

One of the most meaningful aspects of my journey has been the ongoing opportunity to learn and grow—from applying what I learned in university to collaborating with experienced staff engineers and gaining valuable insights from their expertise every day.
I’ve had the chance to work with startups and witness their evolution over the years, which has given me a deep appreciation for scalability, adaptability, and the vital role engineering plays in driving growth.
Collaborating closely with product and design teams to bring new features to life has also been incredibly rewarding. A particular highlight has been working with a client in the mental health space—knowing that the features I help build directly support people as they navigate challenges and improve their well-being is something I’m especially proud of.
These experiences remind me that engineering isn’t just about writing code—it’s about creating real value and making a meaningful impact through technology.

What made you choose Mismo? 

It all started with a recommendation from a close friend, and it quickly turned into one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Mismo has provided a safe and supportive environment where I can grow both personally and professionally.
I’ve found incredible colleagues here—people who are not only great to work with but have also become friends outside of work. The flexibility in working hours makes it much easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance, which I truly value.
Another reason I chose Mismo is the variety of opportunities it offers. Being able to work with different clients and technologies keeps things dynamic and continuously challenges me to learn and improve.

How would you describe the work environment at Mismo? 

The work environment at Mismo is relaxed, flexible, and supportive. There’s a strong sense of trust and autonomy that allows you to manage your time in the way that works best for you.
People here are approachable, generous with their knowledge, and genuinely invested in helping one another succeed. It’s a place where you feel valued—not just for the work you do, but for who you are.

What learning and development opportunities have you had at Mismo and how have you utilized these opportunities to grow as a professional?

At Mismo, I’ve had the opportunity to take ownership of large projects—from defining technical requirements and shaping the design, to development, testing, and final release. Being trusted with that level of responsibility has helped me grow not only as an engineer but also as a problem-solver and decision-maker.
Working with a variety of clients, each with their own workflows and organizational styles, has pushed me to adapt quickly and keep learning. At the same time, it has allowed me to contribute fresh ideas—whether by proposing more efficient processes or helping build systems that are scalable and maintainable.
These experiences have strengthened both my technical and communication skills and given me a broader perspective on how to approach challenges in different environments.

What is your personal vision of a future where gender equity is a reality in all organizations, including Mismo?

True gender equity in engineering is still a work in progress, and while I wouldn’t say we’re close to that ideal just yet, I remain hopeful. One of the biggest challenges is that equity doesn’t begin in the workplace—it starts much earlier, with how society encourages (or discourages) girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM.
At Mismo, I’ve personally experienced a sense of equity—women are treated with the same respect and given the same opportunities as men. However, when looking at the numbers, we’re still far from achieving a 50/50 balance, which reflects a broader issue across the industry.
My vision is a future where more women feel confident pursuing engineering, supported by both societal change and inclusive work environments. Organizations like Mismo can play a key role by continuing to create spaces where women can thrive and by actively supporting initiatives that bring more women into the field.

What aspects of working at Mismo’s engineering team make you proud and motivate you in your daily tasks?

One of the things I’m most proud of is the opportunity to support and mentor other engineers through my role as a team lead. Being able to guide both women and men as they begin or advance in their careers is incredibly rewarding.

It’s deeply motivating to know that I can help others build confidence, develop their skills, and feel supported as they navigate their own paths in tech.

How do you believe the company and engineering can positively impact the world, people’s lives, and make a difference in their respective industries?

I believe companies and engineering teams can make a real difference by choosing to work with clients and projects that have a positive social impact—such as those focused on accessible mental health support, education, or community development. Technology has the power to improve lives, and it’s incredibly meaningful to be part of that mission.
Within the team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and support is just as important. Sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and being approachable help everyone grow—and ultimately lead to better, more thoughtful solutions for the people we’re building for.

What Mismo policies or practices have helped you improve your work-life balance?

One of the most valuable aspects of working at Mismo is the strong support for continuous learning. Having access to courses and development programs allows me to keep refining my skills without having to sacrifice my personal time or well-being.

What inspiring advice would you give to someone considering a career in engineering or looking to join a company like Mismo?

My advice would be to stay curious and never be afraid to ask questions—there’s no judgment in learning, only growth. Always strive to become the best version of yourself, and trust that you’re capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.
Joining a company like Mismo means becoming part of a supportive community that values learning and collaboration, so embrace the opportunity to grow, contribute, and make a difference.

What tools or technologies do you use most frequently in your daily work as an engineer at Mismo?

In my daily work at Mismo, I primarily use Python as my main programming language for building and automating solutions. For data management and storage, I work extensively with PostgreSQL.
Additionally, I leverage AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT, OpenHands AI, and Glean AI to enhance productivity, support problem-solving, and streamline workflows. These technologies enable me to work more efficiently and deliver stronger results for our clients.

 

 

Álex Dávila: Building Solutions That Transform Lives

Mismo thrives on the strength of its exceptional team. We provide top-tier remote software development teams that seamlessly integrate with companies worldwide, driving exceptional results. Many organizations have partnered with Mismo to augment their development capabilities and achieve their technology goals.

At the heart of these successful teams are the talented individuals who make Mismo what it is. We’re committed to celebrating our remarkable employees and their invaluable contributions to our company culture. Our employee spotlights showcase the genuine relationships we’ve forged with team members and clients, highlighting their dedication and the positive impact they have on our collaborative environment.

Meet: Álex Dávila

Sr. ElasticSearch Engineer

Country: Ecuador

  • What initially attracted you to engineering and how have you found inspiration in this career? I am a data engineer from Ecuador, happily married and blessed with a young child. I value quality time with my family, enjoy watching movies, and lead an active lifestyle through regular exercise. Since I can remember, I’ve always been passionate about building things, making engineering the natural path for my lifelong fascination. I find it incredibly rewarding to learn new things and constantly solve different challenges. I truly enjoy what I do for a living!
  • What innovation or technical advancement have you been a part of that you consider to have made a milestone in your engineering field?  During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, I developed a contact tracing system that utilized cell phone tower logs to track potential virus exposure. This project involved integrating a range of technologies, including data cleaning, data modeling, geospatial analysis, and real-time alerting systems.
  • What made you choose Mismo? When Mismo reached out to me about a position, I was immediately drawn to the opportunity to work with world-class companies. I knew it could be a significant step forward in my career.
  • How would you describe the work environment at Mismo? It’s a highly collaborative environment where everyone is approachable and always ready to help when needed.
  • What learning and development opportunities have you had at Mismo and how have you utilized these opportunities to grow as a professional? Working with world-class companies has helped me enhance both my technical and soft skills. Within Mismo, I took advantage of the education budget, which allowed me to complete a MicroMaster in Data Science last year.
  • What aspects of working at Mismo’s engineering team make you proud and motivate you in your daily tasks? Working at Mismo offers many great opportunities to tackle different challenges. I find this motivating and encouraging, inspiring me to continue learning new things.
  • How do you believe the company and engineering can positively impact the world, people’s lives, and make a difference in their respective industries? Fostering an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged leads to a meaningful impact for our clients and their end users. Mismo excels at this, allowing us to see the tangible difference our engineering solutions make across various industries.
  • What Mismo policies or practices have helped you improve your work-life balance? Definitely working from home! It allows me to be the husband and dad I aspire to be. Being available right after finishing work gives me more quality time with my family, and I truly appreciate that!
  • What inspiring advice would you give to someone considering a career in engineering or looking to join a company like Mismo? Success in engineering is directly proportional to the effort and dedication you put in. I believe that with determination and hard work, anyone can achieve their goals. It’s a highly rewarding field that offers endless opportunities for continuous learning.
  • What tools or technologies do you use most frequently in your daily work as an engineer at Mismo? I primarily work in data and search, using Python and Elasticsearch. Currently, I’m leading initiatives in semantic search implementation with reranking models and starting to explore agentic AI implementations.

Alejandro Galvis: Transforming the Future at Mismo

Mismo thrives on the strength of its exceptional team. We provide top-tier remote software development teams that seamlessly integrate with companies worldwide, driving exceptional results. Many organizations have partnered with Mismo to augment their development capabilities and achieve their technology goals.

At the heart of these successful teams are the talented individuals who make Mismo what it is. We’re committed to celebrating our remarkable employees and their invaluable contributions to our company culture. Our employee spotlights showcase the genuine relationships we’ve forged with team members and clients, highlighting their dedication and the positive impact they have on our collaborative environment.

Meet: Alejandro Galvis

Engineering Lead

Country: Colombia

  • Tell us a little about yourself: I’m 31 years old, born and raised in Bogotá. I love playing video games and tennis. Currently, I’m learning to play the drums, and I would like to study photography in the future. In February of next year, I’m going to get married.

  • What initially attracted you to engineering and how have you found inspiration in this career? I studied economics and initially pursued a career in finance. However, my first job after university was as a business development consultant, where I commercialized software used to automate business processes. Through that work, I became increasingly interested in technology and decided to complete a Master’s degree in Big Data and Analytics.

  • What innovation or technical advancement have you been a part of that you consider to have made a milestone in your engineering field? I have been involved in the transformation of on-premise infrastructure to cloud environments. This shift has had significant implications for technology as a whole, but it has been a true game changer for data analytics and AI. On one hand, it has facilitated the digitalization of a company’s internal and external processes, resulting in more data being captured and made available. On the other hand, it has exponentially decreased the cost of storing and processing data.

  • What made you choose Mismo? I chose Mismo because it empowered me to work with an innovative company from the U.S. that I wouldn’t have been able to reach directly. It has given me the opportunity to experience a different culture and work with more advanced technology.

  • How would you describe the work environment at Mismo? The work environment at Mismo is truly special. It is characterized by people who love what they do and are eager to share their knowledge with others to grow together. Mismo takes great care of its employees, focusing not only on financial gains but also on their overall well-being, which is quite rare in the corporate world.

  • What learning and development opportunities have you had at Mismo and how have you utilized these opportunities to grow as a professional? At Mismo, there is a strong commitment to establishing and developing career paths, guided by each collaborator’s team lead. We are constantly encouraged to consider the roles we aspire to reach, and we are provided with guidance and educational resources to help us achieve those goals. Additionally, Mismo excels at identifying individuals interested in managing teams and has created an organizational structure that offers these individuals the opportunity to take on related responsibilities and tasks.

  • What aspects of working at Mismo’s engineering team make you proud and motivate you in your daily tasks? I’m highly motivated by the fact that we are given the freedom to develop our careers in the way we see fit. Those who are ambitious and interested in continuous improvement are provided with opportunities and resources to help them grow. Additionally, it is respected if someone is satisfied with their job and wishes to continue with the same responsibilities.

  • How do you believe the company and engineering can positively impact the world, people’s lives, and make a difference in their respective industries? Mismo has a significant impact on the lives of its collaborators and the industry by fostering a symbiotic relationship. We, the collaborators, have the opportunity to work with disruptive companies that use state-of-the-art technology and have a modern work culture. The companies that utilize Mismo’s services are connected with crucial roles they need to fill, performed by individuals with a strong work ethic and ambition.

  • What Mismo policies or practices have helped you improve your work-life balance? Mismo offers valuable tips and advice for mental health and consistently works to build a community where your manager and peers are always available to discuss problems and help you find the necessary solutions.

  • What inspiring advice would you give to someone considering a career in engineering or looking to join a company like Mismo? The present and future of the world are undoubtedly highly dependent on technology. Pursuing a career in engineering places you at the forefront of its development, providing you with the tools to shape your life as you see fit while also equipping you to make a positive impact.

  • What tools or technologies do you use most frequently in your daily work as an engineer at Mismo? I primarily use Snowflake, Python, and Airflow to transform raw data into clean and enriched datasets that can be used to derive insights. I use Tableau to effectively identify, visualize, and communicate potential areas for improvement and their corresponding solutions. Additionally, I use Retool to build low-code applications that automate manual tasks and streamline business processes.