Work
Pay it Forward LIVE
Client: Verizon
Roles: Engineering Manager, Lead Developer
Tags: Livestream, Small Business
Year: 2020
Overview
During the initial stages of the pandemic, my team undertook several projects with the objective of assisting and strengthening small businesses. Our most significant and successful endeavor was Pay it Forward LIVE. We developed a weekly livestream platform that raised financial aid for these enterprises, while also being backed by a generous $5m grant from Verizon. To create excitement around the initiative and give users a direct method to support local businesses, we devised a companion web experience. This website was constructed using React and incorporated integrations with Square Small Business and Gift Card APIs. As these APIs were in beta form back then, we had the opportunity to be the first public testers of their features. Users could find nearby small businesses and purchase gift cards as a way to help without having to visit the establishments in person. Our weekly talent showcased the website and discussed its impact during their livestream segments, further promoting the cause.