Keanya Phelps on Caktus Group

All Things AI Conference: Team Insights

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0500

A few of my colleagues attended the 2026 All things open AI Conference in Durham. I found myself with a major case of FOMO, so I thought I would pick Colin, honorary Cakti Peter and Gerald’s brain.

DjangoCon 2025 The Attendee's Experience

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0600

This post is the second in a three-part series reflecting on DjangoCon US 2025. In this post, I’m reflecting on experiencing DjangoCon 2025 from the audience while serving as conference chair.

Behind the Curtain as a Conference Chair

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600

This post is the first in a three-part series reflecting on DjangoCon US 2025 — In this post, I’m taking you behind the scenes of DjangoCon US 2025 to share what it taught me about leadership, community, and the power of holding space for others.

DjangoCon US 2025: A Celebration of Community, Code and 20 Years of Django

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Celebrating 20 years of Django

DjangoCon US 2025 was a milestone year for the community, as we gathered in Chicago to celebrate 20 years of Django. Attendees from around the world came together to learn about the latest developments, share their work, and strengthen the bonds that make DjangoCon such a special event. Caktus was well-represented once again, with our team contributing as organizers, speakers, and active participants throughout the week.

Why Open Source Makes Sense For Your Business Web Projects

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:15:00 -0500

What Is Open Source?

Open source software is publicly available code that anyone can use, modify, and improve. It’s the foundation of much of the modern internet and it’s trusted by global enterprises, startups, nonprofits, and government agencies alike.

Chicago Like a Local: Part 2

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 23:54:16 +0000

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.

Cakti Share Their Favorite Tools For Streamlined Workflows

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 20:09:03 +0000

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!

Chicago Like A Local

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 18:16:09 +0000

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

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:30:34 +0000

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

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

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 23:00:00 +0000

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.

Forging a New Path

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 15:30:00 +0000

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.

Grab a Good Book and Put on Some Music

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 16:19:17 +0000

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.

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

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 15:55:39 +0000

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!

A Refactoring Dance Party

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000

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!