Felicia Sephodi
Software Engineer
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Felicia is a Software Engineer passionate about making tech accessible and empowering developers. She drives innovation, fosters continuous learning, and challenges conventions to help others unlock their potential in tech and beyond.
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MCP is not a magic word: What it means for Software Architecture
Model Context Protocol (MCP) has quickly become one of the most talked-about ways to connect AI applications with external tools, services, and data. It promises a standard way for AI systems to discover and interact with capabilities outside the model, but introducing MCP does not make the underlying engineering problems disappear.
An MCP server still sits between systems, so It still needs authentication, authorization, validation, observability, failure handling, and sensible boundaries. The difference is that the consumer may now be an AI application deciding which tool to call and what information to provide. This session takes MCP beyond the "build your first MCP server" tutorial and looks at it from a software architecture perspective. We will explore where MCP fits in an application, how MCP servers relate to traditional APIs and services, what changes when AI becomes the consumer of a capability, and which existing engineering practices still apply.
Attendees will leave with a practical mental model for deciding where MCP belongs in their systems and how to introduce it without turning their architecture into a collection of loosely controlled AI tools.
Creating tech for everyone- a neurodivergent approach
The session will focus on creating technology that works for everyone, we will touch on practical tips and ideas on how to make user friendly tech as well as the challenges that arise in the process. To emphasize the importance of inclusivity, we will showcase examples of apps and websites created with everyone in mind.
Building accessible AI powered applications
Talking about accessibility is often easier than actually incorporating it into applications, often times the argument is "but I don't need it," which is not only inconsiderate towards your users but also quite tone deaf. However, AI promises to change how we interact with digital applications and this includes changing ways to ensure that everyone is included.
In this session we will explore the intersection of application development with AI and accessibility.
Automating Unit, Integration, and E2E Tests in JavaScript
As JavaScript applications grow more complex, ensuring their reliability requires a comprehensive approach to testing. In this session we will do a deep dive into automating unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end (E2E) tests, offering a full-stack strategy for building excellent, maintainable, and scalable applications. Attendees will learn how each type of test contributes to the overall stability of your project, how to choose the right tools for different testing layers, how to automate and integrate them into your CI/CD pipelines for continuous quality assurance.
Barbie's web adventure using React as the magical script
We are used to React being a UI library, almost all the time we talk about it being a library, I did too until a while back when I was learning about it and came across an article of it in-depth after that I never looked back. This session will cover how React works as a UI runtime, a session inspired by Dan Abramov, we will look at is as a clean canvas where you are able to create gorgeous interfaces.
By the end of this talk the audience will be able to compose reusable UI elements; gain a new perspective on the role of React in UI development, discover error handling and understand how React optimizes UI updates.
AI matures Zero Trust
In this day and age, Zero Trust isn't enough, AI makes it evolve. This session reveals how intelligent systems predict and neutralize threats across Kubernetes, PHP backends, and React frontends, turning compliance into competitive edge. Witness the shift from reactive defenses to autonomous resilience: chaos-hardened architectures, predictive analytics that slash risks by 70%, and a clear roadmap for every developer to lead AI-native security. Full-stack teams, from juniors to architects, walk away inspired, equipped, and ahead of curves.
Advanced strategies for micro-frontend architecture
Changing from a monolithic architecture to micro-frontends is more than breaking down code, it's more so rethinking how teams collaborate, deploy and scale. The session takes a look at the principles behind micro-frontend architecture and offers practical guidance on incrementally migrating monoliths. This session will explore strategies to manage legacy code, hybrid models and shared resources while maintaining a smooth user experience.
Addressing bias in frontend design
Artificial Intelligence can be an incredibly powerful ally in creating inclusive web experiences—if used thoughtfully. Beginning with automated alt-text generation ending with adaptive UI layouts, AI continues to push the boundaries of frontend design. However, these innovations come with risks, as algorithmic bias can inadvertently create "design discrimination." The session focuses on addressing how developers can overcome these challenges to build more inclusive, user-centric web environments.
How to optimize the performance of .NET applications
During this session,we will explore the capabilities that .NET 8 provides us with, how to leverage those capabilities to aid in optimizing the performance of .NET applications and my tips and tricks for application performance optimization in .NET.
How to optimize the performance of .NET applications
The sessions is going to focus on tips, tricks and techniques for optimization in .NET applications that I have grown to utilize in my career as a Software Developer and now Developer Advocate.
The power of TDD within Agile environments.
In this session we will be exploring the relationship between test-driven development and Agile methodologies. The session will highlight the importance of alignment between the two.
Creating effective API Documentation for AI services
AI services often cause frustration and confusion among user because they lack clarity, are always evolving and are very complicated.
In this session we will explore how to create API documentation for AI services and the importance of creating comprehensive API documentation for AI services. The session will cover complicated endpoints, strategies for creating clear and concise, user-friendly documentation.
The session should be interesting for developers, data scientists and product managers among other professionals.
Securing Full-Stack Applications by implementing Zero Trust Strategies for .NET and JavaScript
This session will focus on strategies for implementing Zero Trust in full-stack applications, with a particular emphasis on securing .NET backends and JavaScript frontends. We will explore key concepts like user authentication, secure API design, and continuous verification to create an end-to-end security framework that minimizes risks and vulnerabilities. By the end of this session attendees will be equipped with some of the best practices for implementing Zero Trust for full-stack applications.
DevConf 2025 Sessionize Event
Season of AI JHB Sessionize Event
Data & AI Community Day Durban: Season of AI Sessionize Event
.NET Conf MSDUG South Africa 2023 Sessionize Event
Felicia Sephodi
Software Engineer
Johannesburg, South Africa
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