From Humanitarian Work to a Tech Career in the Non-Profit Industry

For more than a decade, I dedicated myself to serving disadvantaged communities through non-governmental organizations (NGOs). During one of my humanitarian roles, I supported refugees fleeing conflict in Ethiopia by working as a livelihood specialist. One of the projects I was involved in focused on promoting vertical gardening and chicken farming. This initiative was crucial as the allocated plots of land for refugees were too small to accommodate other methods of backyard gardening. We utilized local materials to ensure sustainability and feasibility in the refugee camp setting.

However, upon moving to the U.S., I decided to embark on a new journey in the field of technology. Through relevant certifications and hands-on training, I successfully transitioned into the tech industry.
During my transition, I had the fortune of discovering TechFluent, a non-profit organization that provides invaluable training and support. Thanks to TechFluent and its community, I completed courses on the Power Platform and Dynamics 365 suites, earning certifications that opened doors to opportunities in tech.

What followed was truly remarkable. My first job/internship in tech was with a non-profit organization, which felt like a perfect alignment with my background and aspirations. Currently, I am involved in a project where both my employer and our client are non-profits. This unique alignment of my background and current role has led me to believe that there may be more at play than mere coincidence.

Moreover, my academic foundation in agriculture and environmental studies has demonstrated its relevance in our ongoing project, which emphasizes community gardening promotion. Presently, equipped with newfound skills in business applications, I’m in charge of the development of solutions such as grant tracking, member sign-up, and email marketing for our client.

While my current role may not be directly connected to my educational and professional background, my background provides a deeper understanding of how this technology can enhance client efficiency and timeliness. This alignment of my background, training, and current role feels like a calling.

As I continue this journey, I am grateful for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped my path. I look forward to leveraging my skills and experiences to make a meaningful impact in the non-profit tech sector.