Danica Pascavage
Program Operations Manager
TechGirlz
Philadelphia, PA USA
“Just because something is hard and you're not perfect at it doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationDanica Pascavage
01:00
Danica Pascavage Highlight05:04
Interview01:23
Finding Fulfillment In Helping Girls Feel Comfortable In Tech01:20
How I Got Involved With TechGirlz00:59
We’re Focused On Keeping Young Girls Engaged In Technology01:21
Women Belong In Tech00:57
Changes Over Time With Women In Tech01:49
Don't Be Afraid To Switch Paths And Learn New Skills01:00
Why I Decided To Stay In Philadelphia01:52
Advice For Dealing With Difficult People In Tech02:12
I’m Motivated By Both Positive And Negative Experiences01:12
How I Stay Organized At Work02:40
Advice For Women In Tech And Other Male-Dominated Spaces02:32
Day In The Life Of A Program Operations Manager
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in mathematics and then started my career in technology.
I got a job with IBM as an education specialist, traveling around the country to teach adults how to use Linux and Unix operating systems—I ultimately spent 18 years doing this.
I first learned about TechGirlz from my neighbor and decided to take my daughters to their workshops.
I subscribed to the TechGirlz newsletter and then eventually started leading workshops as a volunteer.
After deciding I wanted a change of atmosphere in my career, I was hired on by TechGirlz as an outreach coordinator.
Since joining TechGirlz, I’ve moved up to outreach manager and now program operations manager.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Mathematics
University of Maryland
Mathematics
University of Maryland
Graduate
Education
Gwynedd Mercy University
Education
Gwynedd Mercy University
Career
Program Operations Manager
I manage program operations for a nonprofit that works with middle school girls to keep them engaged with technology.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Technology
Non-Profit Organizations
Working with Others
Day to Day
My main role is to work with our volunteers. I'm the point of contact for anyone who wants to run our workshops at their school or club. I answer emails and questions from potential and existing clients. My role also involves a lot of behind-the-scenes work with technology to make our workshops happen. I review forms from people who want our workshops and then input the data into Salesforce. I work on Wordpress to get the info onto our website and to post listings when we need volunteers.
Skills & Qualities Beyond School
Having experience (from hobby level to degree level) with a variety of technologies is important, as well as creativity to help grow the company.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
I think there are many paths to the career I have. Any degree or certificate that includes the ability to write professionally and communicate with people from all walks of life is critical.
Take Action: Ways to Keep Exploring This Career
Watch a TED Talk about women in technology.
Improve your written communication skills.
Volunteer to help teach young girls about tech.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I can't do some of these things, so I wouldn't be a good fit for the job."
