Zaden Connell

Experience

• 2025 - Present

  Software Developer @ Samaritan's Purse

  Boone, North Carolina - On site
• 2024 - Present

  Co-Founder @ SwiftSeg

  Summary:

  • Developed scalable web applications, integrated Supabase, and improved team efficiency at SwiftSeg.

  Responsibilities:

  • Developed and maintained scalable, responsive web applications using Next.js, enhancing user experience and reducing page load times by 40%.
  • Integrated Supabase as a backend and database solution for real-time data management, authentication, and storage, streamlining development.
  • Contributed to Agile Kanban workflows, improving team efficiency and workflow through effective communication.

  Achievements:

  • Developed a web application from scratch that increased user engagement by 30%.
  • Reduced page load times by 40% through performance optimization.
  • Integrated Supabase as a backend and database solution, streamlining development.

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  • Web Development
  • Next.js
  • Supabase
  • Agile Development
  • Communication
  • Performance Optimization
  • User Experience
  • Scalability
  • Real-time Data Management
  • Authentication
  • Team Efficiency
• 2025 - 2025

  Intelligence & Security Advisor @ Liberty Analytical Support Initiative

  Lynchburg, Virginia - On site

  Summary:

  • Conducted critical intelligence analysis and presented strategic recommendations to senior Department of Defense leadership, contributing to U.S. national security decision-making processes.

  Responsibilities:

  • Conducted extensive research, analysis and framed analytical recommendations on topics pertaining to U.S. national security.
  • Presented to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff Strategic Plans & Policy Directorate.
  • Traveled to the Department of Defense at the U.S. Pentagon.

  Achievements:

  • Delivered strategic intelligence briefings to senior DoD leadership at the Pentagon, influencing national security policy decisions.
  • Conducted comprehensive research and analysis on critical U.S. national security topics, producing actionable recommendations.
  • Presented findings to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense and Joint Staff Strategic Plans & Policy Directorate.
  • Gained direct access to classified intelligence environments and high-level government decision-makers.

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  • Intelligence
  • Security
  • Advisory
• 2024 - 2024

  AI Developer & Advisor @ Liberty Analytical Support Initiative

  Lynchburg, Virginia - On site

  Summary:

  • Presented on AI strategy, implementation, and ethical considerations in enhancing cultural competency to NATO Security Force Assistance leaders.

  Responsibilities:

  • Presented a custom trained AI chat-bot to NATO in Rome, Italy.
  • Led the development of a AI chatbot that equiped international security force advisors with the knowledge and skills to enhance cultural competency.
  • Created training materials and reccomendations for AI implementation in international security force assistance.
  • Analyzed current NATO SFA training programs and reccomended AI integration strategies.

  Achievements:

  • Developed an AI chatbot that equipped international security force advisors with the knowledge and skills to enhance cultural competency.
  • Traveled to NATO SFA headquarters in Rome, Italy to present.

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  • AI Development
  • AI Strategy
  • Training & Development
• 2023 - 2023

  Software Development Intern @ Samaritan's Purse

  Boone, North Carolina - On site

  Summary:

  • Launched a major application, developed features and bug fixes, and improved data validation at Samaritan's Purse.

  Responsibilities:

  • Oversaw the launch of a significant ministry application.
  • Independently developed and deployed 14 feature releases and bug fixes for an internal-facing CRM application, which serves hundreds of users.
  • Implemented UI and backend features using Angular Typescript and C# to ensure validity and enhance UX.
  • Designed and implemented account data validator that accurately flagged over 500k accounts.
  • Increased data validator load and running efficiency by over 4x times.

  Achievements:

  • Launched a major ministry application.
  • Developed and deployed 14 feature releases and bug fixes for an internal-facing CRM application.
  • Implemented account data validator that accurately flagged over 500k accounts.
  • Increased data validator load and running efficiency by over 4x times.

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  • Web Development
  • Angular
  • Typescript
  • C#
  • UI Design
  • MySQL
  • Data Validation