We were lucky to catch up with Amie Dansby recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amie, thanks for joining us today. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.
Throughout my career at Marvel and Microsoft, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had two amazing bosses and mentors who truly shaped the trajectory of my life. As someone who is neurodivergent (even my initials, ADD, feel like my parents were fortune tellers), expressing myself in words has often been a challenge. But amidst the chaos in my mind, there’s always been calculation—and programming has been my universal language.
What made these mentors extraordinary wasn’t just their ability to recognize my talents but also their willingness to accept me as my authentic, sometimes unconventional self. They saw the whirlwind of ideas and the “misfit” label and instead focused on what I brought to the table. They allowed me to fully lean into who I am—quirks and all—without feeling the need to mask or conform.
Take, for instance, my fidgety tendencies. I’ve never liked chairs with arms—I find them confining—and I often sit in strange, contorted positions when I work. Instead of dismissing this or expecting me to adapt, one of my bosses actually took the arms off my office chair to make it more comfortable for me. That small, thoughtful act meant the world to me because it showed that they valued my comfort and individuality over rigid norms.
These mentors fostered a mindset of growth and championed diversity in talent, actively seeking out and nurturing individuals with unique perspectives. They gave me the space to lead, the freedom to experiment, and the confidence to embrace my own brand of chaos. Through their support, I’ve learned to turn my differences into strengths and to see my quirks as assets rather than obstacles.
I owe so much of my professional growth and confidence to their belief in me, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Meet Amie, a true polymath whose life is a vibrant Venn diagram of engineering, creativity, and play. As a senior software engineer at Microsoft, she collaborates with game studios leveraging the Azure cloud to bring immersive experiences to life. But Amie’s story doesn’t stop at coding—she’s also an avid maker, builder, and lifelong problem-solver. Whether it’s crafting intricate cosplay costumes, building with LEGO, or diving into additive manufacturing projects like 3D printing and CNC machining, Amie’s passion for creation knows no bounds.
Amie’s career began with a historic milestone—becoming the first female intern in Marvel Studios’ video game department. During her time there, she contributed to iconic titles like Captain America, Thor, and X-Men Destiny. This pioneering spirit has been the hallmark of her career, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with technology. She even turned heads on LEGO Masters and famously hacked a chip implant, showcasing her knack for blending technology and imagination.
Her passion for making and creativity doesn’t just fuel her professional achievements—it also shapes her approach to programming. Building intricate cosplay costumes has taught her invaluable lessons about time management, continuous improvement, and finding joy in the process.
Beyond her work, Amie is a staunch advocate for empowering the next generation of innovators. In 2017, she launched and fully funds the Dansby Scholarship for Girls in STEM, supporting future trailblazers through the National Videogame Museum in Frisco, TX. And in true maker fashion, she partnered with Proto-Pasta to create “Blood of My Enemies,” a custom 3D printer filament that channels her personality and supports her scholarship fund.
From Marvel to Microsoft, cosplay to CNC, and coding to community, Amie’s journey is a testament to the magic that happens when passion and technology collide.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
For me, having a particular goal or mission is what keeps me motivated and focused. I’ve always been goal-driven, but reaching a major milestone earlier than I planned made me pause and reflect on what comes next. I had a career coach once ask me, “What does success look like to you?” My answer was simple: “Exactly where I am right now.” That moment shifted my perspective and helped me realize that success isn’t just about reaching the destination—it’s about embracing the journey.
After hitting a significant financial milestone—my first million—I began to view life and money differently. There are only four things you can do with money: give some, save some, invest some, and spend some. For me, the “give” aspect has taken on a deeply personal meaning through the Dansby Scholarship for Girls in STEM, which I started in 2017. Partnering with the National Videogame Museum, the scholarship is my way of empowering the next generation of innovators. A major goal of mine is to grow this fund and increase its impact so even more young women have the opportunity to pursue their dreams in STEM fields.
Professionally, I want to be known as a knowledgeable and trusted engineer and architect for my programming work, particularly in helping game studios tackle the challenges of the cloud. Beyond this, I have a personal goal of continuous learning and self-improvement. Every cosplay project I take on is an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s sewing, designing a PCB board, working with a lathe, or exploring other hands-on skills. This mindset of curiosity and growth extends to my love of reading—books allow me to absorb the lifetimes of experiences and expertise of others, enriching my perspective and fueling my creativity.
Ultimately, my mission is to grow, give back, and continue embracing the joy of creating. Whether it’s through my professional achievements, scholarship fund, or personal projects, I strive to make every step of the journey meaningful.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the opportunity to inspire and connect with others—especially kids. My time on LEGO Masters was a particularly special chapter in my life because it allowed me to represent a blend of fun, creativity, and engineering. I felt proud to show that you can be an engineer who still dresses in cosplay, builds with LEGO, and embraces playfulness. Representation matters, and I wanted kids to see that being creative and pursuing STEM can go hand in hand.
The response from fans, especially children, was overwhelming and heartwarming. I received so much fan mail and artwork from kids who shared how they saw me through their eyes and perspective. It was both humbling and joyful to see how my time on the show resonated with them. Their creativity and enthusiasm inspired me just as much as I may have inspired them.
It also reminded me of the things I loved as a kid—how the things we’re drawn to can shape who we become, even if we don’t realize their impact at the time. To know that I could be that kind of inspiration for someone else is incredibly rewarding and fuels my passion for being a creative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://AmieDD.com
- Instagram: @amiedoubled
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amiedd
- Twitter: https://x.com/amiedoubled
- Other: GitHub https://github.com/AmieDD
Image Credits
MDR Foto
3 Wing Productions
Phe photo
amiephotos.com