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Danica Pascavage
Danica Pascavage
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Danica Pascavage

TechGirlz

Philadelphia, PA USA

"Just because something is hard and you're not perfect at it doesn't mean you shouldn't do it."

Career Roadmap

Danica's work combines: Technology, Non-Profit Organizations, and Working with Others

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Day In The Life

Program Operations Manager

I manage program operations for a nonprofit that works with middle school girls to keep them engaged with technology.

02:32

Day In The Life Of A Program Operations Manager

My 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 & Education

Advice for getting started

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.

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Mathematics

    University of Maryland

  • Graduate Degree

    Education

    Gwynedd Mercy University

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in mathematics and then started my career in technology.

  • 2.

    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.

  • 3.

    I first learned about TechGirlz from my neighbor and decided to take my daughters to their workshops.

  • 4.

    I subscribed to the TechGirlz newsletter and then eventually started leading workshops as a volunteer.

  • 5.

    After deciding I wanted a change of atmosphere in my career, I was hired on by TechGirlz as an outreach coordinator.

  • 6.

    Since joining TechGirlz, I’ve moved up to outreach manager and now program operations manager.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Myself:

    I can't do some of these things, so I wouldn't be a good fit for the job.

  • How I responded:

    When I was switching jobs, I'd get caught up if I didn't know how to do everything listed. I'd show my husband and he'd say to apply anyway—they don't actually expect you to know it all. It was a whole different attitude. Many women and girls get caught up on the idea that if they're not perfect at something, they don't belong there. You don't have to be perfect—nobody is. Just because something is hard and you're not perfect at it doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. A challenge isn't a bad thing.

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