Hello, friends! We’re back in the great state of Texas. A third team member calls Texas home, also in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area. Let’s meet Manasa Gurumurthy!
Hi Manasa. Thanks for taking the time to let us get to know you a bit more! Let’s start with your role at The Gartrell Group. Can you tell us your job title and what you do?
Hello! I am a QA Engineer. Having taught myself the tools and skills from scratch, I've since implemented them in many ensuing projects. For example, I utilized performance testing with Jmeter and Neoload for several projects. I had the opportunity to research, document, and create a Framework for Automation using Jackson API. I have also been able to get hands-on with Azure, Microsoft's public cloud platform.
I would like to give credit to my QA Lead, Erick Caceres, who has helped me grow immensely as a QA Engineer over the past year, too.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
All the projects I am working on are new. It's exciting to brainstorm and implement solutions, which is the best thing about my job.
That’s really great. Do you have a project that you’re particularly proud of?
Of course—the WFCA!
Oh, yeah. That’s a great one! I use that map almost daily during fire season.
Working in Texas, I guess the answer to my standard, “Do you work at the office or remotely?” question would be yes, so let’s go with, “Where did you grow up?”
Tumkur, India
How long have you been in the US, and what brought you?
I have been in the US for the past nine years. I got married and came to the US in 2014 to Rhode Island and recently moved to Texas.
Is there anything people should know about you?
I am calm, flexible, like trying new things, am amiable, and I trust my intuition.
Well, the Gartrell Group QA team has quickly gained a reputation for excellence. No doubt, thanks, in large part, to your ability to maintain your composure. What do you like to do outside of work?
I am a Carnatic classical musician. I have been learning music for 12 years and would love to continue my passion forever. I also perform at events.
I have to admit, I had to Google Carnatic music. That’s pretty amazing. Are you a vocalist, or do you play one (or more) of the instruments? Do you play in a group or a regular ensemble?
Yeah, I have been a student of Carnatic Musician for the past 12 years. I am currently at the Advanced level in Carnatic Music, learning from my GURU (teacher). I am a vocalist, so I have solo performances and perform in ensembles during Temple Events. Music has been my passion since childhood; my parents nurtured it, and my hubby encourages and supports it. Life as a Carnatic musician is wonderful, and I cherish it. Music has been divine, spiritual, and soul-healing for me. It is a universal language that inspires, brings a sense of camaraderie, and connects people. It is one of the best ways to express myself and allows me to be myself.
That’s really wonderful. I think it’s essential that we all find that thing in life that makes us feel fulfilled. Speaking of a full and happy life, can you tell us about your family?
I live with my loving, caring husband Nitin and a hilarious kid, Advay, a 7-year-old, in Frisco, Texas :). He is the best thing that happened in our lives :). We love traveling and gardening and have a few fruit and veggie plants on our portico.
Manasa, thank you so much for sharing this with us. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you better!
