Keanya Phelps

Keanya is a Project Manager at Caktus, bringing a unique perspective shaped by a career transition into tech. With a background in project management and a passion for problem-solving, She thrives at the intersection of technology and collaboration.

Driven by a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and mentorship, She actively contributes to the Django community, sharing knowledge and championing accessibility in tech. When not coding, she enjoys spending time with family, including her pitbull, Graham, and unwinding with music—especially house music and live festivals.

2025


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Chicago Like a Local: Part 2

Chicago Like a Local: Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences (Part 2)

DjangoCon US 2025 is getting closer, and while we’ve covered some classic must-see spots in Part 1, there’s so much more to explore beyond the typical tourist attractions. If you’re looking for unique experiences, quirky hidden gems, and places where locals actually hang out, this guide is for you.

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Cakti Share Their Favorite Tools For Streamlined Workflows

Let’s jump into it!

At Caktus, we’re always looking for tools that help us streamline our workflows, increase productivity, and make our day-to-day tasks more efficient. Whether you’re managing projects, writing code, or debugging, the right tools can make all the difference. Here are some of our favorite tools that we love using to get the job done!

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Chicago Like A Local

Chicago Like a Local: Things to Do During DjangoCon US 2025 (Part 1)

DjangoCon US 2025 is coming to Chicago, and while you’ll be busy soaking in all things Django, there’s no reason you can’t experience the city like a local while you’re here. Whether you’re looking for great food, cultural spots, or just a cool place to unwind, here are some top recommendations from a Chicago native.

Understanding Pricing in Custom Software Development

If you’re in the early stages of a software project and researching a technology partner, I can guess your top two questions:

2024


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Reflections on DjangoCon US 2024: Highlights, Takeaways, and Community Connections

DjangoCon 2024 was a resounding success for the community, with attendees from all over the world gathering to learn about the latest developments in Django and to connect with the Django community. Caktus was well-represented at the conference, with six of our team members attending. In this blog post, we share our experiences at DjangoCon 2024, including our favorite talks, the people we met, and the things we learned. We also offer some tips for future attendees on how to get the most out of DjangoCon.

2023


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Forging a New Path

I haven’t always been a Software Developer….Imagine that.

I spent 20 years in Corporate America where I took my career as far as I could without holding a college degree, so I’m definitely not green when it comes to work experience. What a stark difference from my past work experience and my current situation: the corporate world was a dog eat dog kind of world versus the collaborative nature of developing I’m in currently.

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Grab a Good Book and Put on Some Music

Lindsey Ardrey

It’s another collaboration Friday during this celebration of Black History Month with Caktus! Here is a list of books that team member Keanya Phelps read and loved, along with an accompanying soundtrack curated by Lindsey Ardrey.

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Back Down Memory Lane: An 80's Jukebox Jam Session

Gather a group of friends and family, put on your dancing shoes, and flashback to the 80s with Keanya Phelps’ playlist. Enjoy a vibrant weekend, folks!

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A Refactoring Dance Party

Lindsey Ardrey

Every work project, or weekend dance party deserves a worthy soundtrack and we’re not here to disappoint. Team members Keanya Phelps and Lindsey Ardrey invite you to open your ears and let the musical notes of these artists drift into your ears. Happy first Friday of Black History Month, folks!