
photographer: julia powalacz© | make-up artist: violeta marinova from art of colors
praseeda achuthawarrier(she/her)
senior qa automation engineer at catawiki
about
hello, i’m praseeda, a qa automation engineering professional with a passion for technology, arts, and community engagement. originally from kerala, india, i moved to the netherlands in 2015 and have been shaping my career in qa and automation engineering since 2010.
currently, i work as a senior qa automation engineer in the platform quality team at catawiki. our focus is on building a centralized quality ecosystem that seamlessly integrates with development workflows. beyond my core role, i love exploring different areas of the organization—co-organizing tech talks and serving as a work council member to support and connect with colleagues.
outside of work, i am deeply passionate about volunteering for socio-cultural activities and expressing my creativity through painting and dancing. i live in the netherlands with my husband and our beautiful daughter, cherishing both my roots and the diverse experiences this journey has offered me.
for me, technology, arts, and community are not separate aspects of life but interconnected passions that drive me every day.
what qualities do you think are essential for success?
in today’s world, where information flows from every direction, i find it essential to take a step back and reflect on my life. this process of introspection helps me define both my personal and professional goals, breaking them down into small, actionable steps. the first and most crucial step is choosing what to learn each year and filtering out distractions. once the goals are set, the journey unfolds—filled with executions, successes, and failures. successes are easy to celebrate, but failures can be daunting. during difficult times, i have been fortunate to draw strength from past achievements and seek guidance from mentors and knowledgeable people, love from my family, helping me rise again with resilience and a smile. my advice? set at least three goals each year. even if one or two succeed, they will boost your confidence and inspire you to aim higher. beyond personal ambition, i believe in helping those around us and practicing gratitude for what we already have. these simple acts not only enrich our lives but also bring a sense of peace and fulfillment. after all, success isn’t just about achieving goals—it’s also about finding tranquility in the journey!