“Jawonio is the kind of place that reminds you why you wanted to work in the first place. It’s a mix of challenge and purpose, you’re constantly learning new things, but you’re also part of something that matters.”
Amanda Olachea, Junior Application Developer
A Conversation with Amanda Olachea:
Personal Background & Family
DH: Can you tell us a little about where you grew up and what your childhood was like?
AO: I grew up in Moreno Valley, California, and then moved in 2015 to Helendale, which is basically the middle of nowhere, right off Route 66. If you blink while driving past, you’ll miss it. It’s not far from Death Valley, so summers felt like living in an oven, It’s quiet and spread out, but it taught me how to stay grounded and creative. You learn to make your own fun when the closest thing to entertainment is a gas station and open desert. My childhood wasn’t simple, but it gave me grit and a sense of humor, and both have served me well.
DH: Who have been the biggest influences or role models in your life?
CK:Â I started at Jawonio in January 1990, and the sun must have been shining down on me from the moment I walked in the door. I felt that I had come home. Jawonio is not only a prestigious place to work but an organization that allows me to create meaningful connections while upholding the highest standards of care and performance.
DH: You’ve played a pivotal role in shaping services over the years. Can you walk us through how Day Habilitation programs first came to life at Jawonio?
AO: Definitely my family. I’m a third-generation woman in tech, which still blows my mind sometimes. My grandmother on my mom’s side helped program GPS systems that contributed to the technology behind airplane black boxes, she was doing that work back when women in tech were almost invisible. My mom followed in her footsteps as a computer forensic examiner for the federal government. She even wrote policies that helped shape national data standards. Big shoes to fill, huh?
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On my dad’s side, our Native American heritage has always grounded me. It reminds me to look for the good in the world even when it feels like there’s a lot of bad around us. Between both sides of my family, I’ve learned that technology can be powerful, but how you use it and who you help with it matters most.
DH: How did your family or upbringing shape your interests, values, or work ethic?
AO: One memory that stands out is when my mom got me into computers. She came home with a pile of old laptops one day all dead, total scrap and called it “demo day.” We spread them out on the table and started taking them apart just to see how everything fit together. There wasn’t any plan or lesson behind it, just curiosity and a screwdriver. I remember thinking how wild it was that something so small could hold so much information. That day made me realize I like figuring out how things work, especially when there’s no pressure to get it right. I think that’s where my work ethic comes from dive in, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to take things apart to understand them.
DH: Was there a particular person, teacher, or experience early on that made you curious about technology or problem-solving?
AO:Â After my mom got me hooked on taking computers apart, my fourth-grade teacher, Mr.
Coopersmith introduced me to the other side of technology, how software makes everything come alive. He showed me Scratch on scratch.mit.com, and suddenly I was building stories and games out of simple logic blocks. At first, it just felt like playtime on a computer, but then something clicked. I started realizing that every animation, sound, and movement had a reason behind it, a cause and effect that I controlled.
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That’s when computers stopped being magical boxes that just showed things and became puzzles I wanted to solve. I started asking why? Why does this command make that happen? Why does changing one number completely break everything? It was frustrating and fascinating at the same time. That curiosity pulled me deeper, and soon I was learning Python and experimenting with other programming languages. From then on, I wasn’t just using technology, I was learning how to speak its language.
DH: What were some of your favorite subjects or activities growing up?
 AO: If you couldn’t guess, I loved math and science, they were my comfort zone. I liked the
challenge of figuring out why something worked, not just accepting that it did. Outside of class, though, my favorite thing was starting a FIRST LEGO League team called the LegoNauts. There were just three of us me, Rebecca Chang, and Amy Martin and we were way younger than most of the other teams. The age range for FLL is 10–16, and we were right at the bottom of that bracket. It was pretty funny walking in and realizing we were the smallest team and the youngest ones there.
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We didn’t expect much, but somehow, out of 30 or 40 teams, we were one of only four that
moved on. It was chaotic and nerve-wracking, but also one of the first times I realized that being “too young” or “too new” doesn’t actually mean you can’t hold your own.
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And even earlier, when I was four, I started a nonprofit called People Need Blankets. It came
from something simple, I loved my baby blanket and couldn’t imagine someone not having one. That turned into collecting and donating blankets for people experiencing homelessness, which grew more than I ever expected. I think that’s where the pattern started for me: mixing problem-solving with empathy and turning small ideas into something that helps people.
DH: If your family or friends had to describe you in three words, what do you think they’d say?
AO: My mom would probably say genius, kind, and accomplished, she’s definitely my biggest fan and the first one to brag about anything I do, even the small stuff. My friends might swap “genius” for “stubborn,” which honestly fits better on most days. They’ve seen me stay up until 2 a.m. trying to fix one line of code or rewrite something until it finally feels right. I think those three words together, genius, kind, and accomplished, sum me up because I never really do things halfway. I care about what I do, I care about people, and I pour everything I have into the things that matter to me. Whether it’s a project, a person, or a cause, I want to leave things a little better than I found them.
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🎓 Education & Early Interests
DH: What led you to choose Dominican University New York for your studies?
AO: I was recruited to Dominican on a golf scholarship after hearing from over six hundred schools nationwide. Golf opened a lot of doors for me, but Dominican stood out because it felt personal, they didn’t just want me for athletics, they saw potential in me as a student and a leader. The scholarship offer was generous, but what really sealed it was the sense that I could grow in more than one direction here, academically and personally.
DH: What are you studying, and what do you enjoy most about your program?
AO: I’m earning my Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Infrastructure with a minor in English and Public Health Information Technology, graduating December 2025 with a 3.9 GPA. The best part of my program is that it connects the technical and human sides of technology. I get to design systems and secure data, but I also study how technology impacts people and communities, which ties perfectly into my work at Jawonio.
AO: Dr. Stauffer has been my rock. He’s the reason I didn’t just coast through college. He pushed me to ask harder questions, to take leadership roles, and to treat my writing like something that mattered. He’s also the reason I picked up my English minor, which I’m grateful for every day because it gave me a voice outside of technology. The directors of the honors college at Dominican Dr. DelliPizzi and Dr. Radford also helped me develop my research and confidence in academic publishing, but Dr. Stauffer taught me how to see meaning in what I do, and to never settle for “good enough.”
DH: You’ve presented research at an honors conference — can you share what that experience meant to you?
AO: Conferences are what keep me going in academia. They’re the few places where I actually feel seen for the work I do. At school, it’s easy to get lost in the routine of assignments and deadlines, but at conferences, people listen, they ask questions, challenge ideas, and take your research seriously. That kind of recognition hits differently when you’ve fought to build something from
scratch.
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My first presentation, The Last Unicorn: A Technological Retelling, was the moment everything clicked. It led me to meet professors who helped me grow as a scholar and eventually to represent all honors students across the Northeastern region. Each conference since then has been a reminder that I belong in academic spaces, and that my work (especially on AI ethics and accessibility) matters. It’s not just about presenting; it’s about finally feeling like I’ve earned a seat at the table.
DH: What personal qualities do you think have helped you succeed in both school and work?
AO: I think what’s helped me most is how driven I am to grow. I always want to prove to myself that I can do better, learn more, and push further than the last thing I did. That mindset keeps me showing up, even when things get overwhelming. I’ve also learned to adapt fast between juggling classes, research, and work at Jawonio, flexibility has become second nature. I’m never fully satisfied with “good enough,” which can be exhausting sometimes, but it’s also what keeps me improving.
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đź’» Career Journey & Jawonio Experience
DH: How did you first get connected with Jawonio?
AO: I actually got connected to Jawonio through my Public Health IT minor at Dominican. There was a summer internship program focused on giving students real-world experience, and I joined because I wanted more than just certifications. I wanted to see what the work actually looked like. I was placed at Jawonio, where I got to work with Community Employment Services (CES) on a data analysis project for outcome-based services. It was eye-opening to see how data could be used to improve lives, not just systems. Once I learned more about what Jawonio does, I knew I didn’t want to leave. We extended my internship into the winter, and even after a short break, I got a call from Neil about a potential position. I practically screamed when I saw the offer email. That’s how I officially came back as a Junior Application Developer.
AO: What really inspired me was realizing that my role helps by helping. If I can make the bottlenecks of paperwork smaller, that gives staff more time to focus on the individuals Jawonio serves. That’s what drives me! Using technology to remove barriers, not create them. I didn’t want to just work in tech; I wanted to make tech work for people. After my internship project with Community Employment Services, I saw firsthand how the right tools can change how an entire department operates. That’s when I knew I wanted to stay.
DH: What kinds of projects or tools have you worked on that you’re most proud of?
AO: I wouldn’t say there’s one single project I’m proud of, it’s more about how much I’ve been able to fix and keep moving. Whether it’s keeping our Power Apps online, working with PrecisionCare on new features, or finding ways to make our systems stronger in an ever-changing world, I’m proud that I get to help. There’s a lot of uncertainty in tech right now, and being able to use what I know to keep things steady for the agency means a lot.
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I’ve had chances to advocate for better tools and smoother processes, and that’s thanks in large part to Diana Hess, who’s given me opportunities to speak up and be involved. Knowing that my work helps people do their jobs more easily and keeps everything running behind the scenes, that’s the kind of impact that makes me want to keep learning and doing more.
DH: How does your work at Jawonio connect to your academic studies?
AO: Everything I do here ties back to my degree in IT . I apply what I learn in database management, security, and automation almost daily. But beyond the technical overlap, my time at Jawonio also deepens my understanding of how technology supports accessibility and inclusion, both major themes in my academic research. It’s the best kind of feedback loop: I bring classroom theory into my work, then bring real-world insight back into my papers and presentations.
DH: What’s one lesson you’ve learned from working in a professional tech environment so far?
AO: That technology is only as strong as the relationships behind it. You can build perfect systems, but if you don’t collaborate with the people who’ll use them, they won’t last. Working at Jawonio taught me that communication, empathy, and patience are technical skills too. Listening carefully, translating what someone needs, and building trust are just as important as writing clean code.
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🤝 Jawonio Culture, Collaboration & Teamwork
DH: What would you say about the culture at Jawonio?
AO: The culture at Jawonio is something I really value. It’s supportive, genuine, and built around people who actually care about the mission. Everyone works hard here, but it never feels cold or corporate. You see it in the little things, like the impromptu meetings that happen while we’re filling up our water bottles. Those quick check-ins turn into real problem-solving moments, or sometimes just a good laugh that gets you through the day. We all put a lot into what we do, but it pays off in the best ways. There’s a real sense that the work matters, that what you’re doing helps someone else do their job better, and ultimately makes life easier for the individuals we serve. It’s not the kind of environment you find everywhere. It’s personal, and it’s purposeful.
AO: I don’t really have a team in the traditional sense, so at first, I was a little nervous stepping into the role. I kept thinking I’d accidentally break something or completely mess up a project. Stacey and Neil both helped calm those nerves. They took the time to answer my questions, show me how things worked, and remind me that it’s okay not to know everything right away. That kind of support made the transition easier and gave me confidence to take ownership of my work without feeling like I was out there alone.
DH: What have you learned about working with others and being part of a mission-driven organization?
AO: I’ve learned that communication and empathy are just as important as technical skills. In a mission-driven organization, everything you do connects back to real people. It’s easy to get caught up in code or deadlines, but at Jawonio, you’re constantly reminded that your work has a human impact. The people we serve aren’t just data points in a system or statistics on a screen, they are individuals with stories, goals, and personalities. Working here reminds me that behind every line of code or workflow I build, there’s someone counting on it to make their day a little easier. That’s what makes the work feel different; it matters in a way that’s hard to put into words.
DH: What makes Jawonio unique compared to other places a young professional might work?
AO: Jawonio gives you real responsibility early on. You’re not just shadowing someone; you’re actually contributing to projects that matter. And because it’s a nonprofit, you see the direct effect of your work. There’s also a level of respect here that’s hard to find, people value your input, no matter your age or title. You get to grow fast in both skill and perspective.
DH: What would you share with other Gen Z job seekers about what it’s like to work at Jawonio— and why it might be a great place to start a career?
AO: I’d tell them that Jawonio is the kind of place that reminds you why you wanted to work in the first place. It’s a mix of challenge and purpose, you’re constantly learning new things, but you’re also part of something that matters. For Gen Z, who care about impact and inclusion, this is the kind of environment where you can use your skills to help people in real ways. It’s not just a line on a résumé; it’s work that teaches you how to be both good at what you do and good to the people you’re doing it for.
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🚀 Technology, Growth & Goals
DH: What excites you most about the world of technology right now?
AO: What excites me most is how technology is starting to feel deeply personal especially in the world of healthcare. Seeing how AI is being used in cancer research and treatment means a lot to me. As someone who’s lived through it, watching technology evolve to detect cancers earlier, tailor treatments, and help people survive longer feels like watching hope take shape in real time.
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Public health and disability tech in particular fascinate me because they show what technology should be doing: connecting people to resources faster, helping professionals make better decisions, and breaking down barriers that keep people from getting the support they need. It’s tech with heart! That’s the space I always want to be working in.
AO: I’m really drawn to the intersection of public health, disability tech, and data analytics. Those areas excite me because they use technology to actually improve lives, not just automate processes. I love the idea that a well-designed system can help someone get care faster, communicate more easily, or live more independently. I’ve also been diving deeper into AI ethics and fairness, especially in healthcare data, how we can train systems responsibly so they reflect people, not bias. For me, the most interesting tech is the kind that listens, learns, and makes the world more inclusive.
DH: How do you stay motivated to keep learning new skills while balancing work and school?
AO: Honestly, I just love learning. It sounds chaotic, but sometimes I’ll have school videos playing while I’m working, learning nuclear physics one minute and coding the next. It’s pretty cool that I get to better myself while doing what I love every day. I’ve never really been the type to sit still, so balancing work and school doesn’t feel like a burden; it feels like a rhythm. Every new thing I learn connects to something else I’m doing, and that overlap keeps me motivated. I get to see my progress in real time, both as a student and as a professional, and that’s a great feeling.
DH: Where do you see yourself in the next five years — professionally or personally?
AO: In five years, I see myself pursuing a doctorate in Human-Computer Interaction or Public Health Informatics, continuing to explore how technology can make healthcare and accessibility more equitable. I want to stay focused on projects that matter, using data and design to make systems work better for real people.
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Personally, I’ll probably have a different last name by then. I met the love of my life at Dominican, and he’s been by my side through everything, through the good, the bad, and even through sickness and health. We’ve already lived that promise in more ways than most people do so young, and it’s made us stronger. He supports me in every endeavor, and I hope the next five years bring just as much love, learning, and purpose as these past ones have.
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🌟 Inspiration & Advice
DH: What do you think has been your proudest accomplishment so far?
AO: Honestly, my proudest accomplishment is that I’m still here, that I’m still standing.(thanks Elton John) I’ve faced more in my life than most people realize, from the laundry list of medical issues. There were a lot of moments when it would’ve been easier to stop, to step back, to say “this is enough.” But I didn’t.Â
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Every project I finish, every presentation I give, every system I fix, they all mean something because I got to be here to do them. Surviving shaped the way I see success. It’s not just about grades, awards, or recognition (though I’m proud of those too); it’s about having the strength to keep showing up and keep trying, even when life doesn’t make it easy. The fact that I’m still learning, still growing, and still finding ways to help others through my work, that’s my biggest accomplishment.
DH: What advice would you give to other students or young professionals pursuing careers in technology or nonprofit work?
AO: Start messy. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you begin, just start. Learn by doing, even if you’re scared to get it wrong. Ask questions, take feedback, and don’t let imposter syndrome convince you that you don’t belong in the room. Everyone starts somewhere, and the people who grow the fastest are usually the ones willing to admit what they don’t know.
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In tech and nonprofit work, progress rarely comes in huge leaps. Most of the time, it’s small wins fixing one process, helping one person, improving one piece of code that add up to real change. Celebrate those moments. They matter more than you think. And always lead with empathy. That’s what separates technology that just works from technology that actually helps.
AO: If I’m being honest, I still lowkey measure success by publications and awards, not just because I’m chasing trophies, but because they’re proof that the work connected with someone. But beyond that, success to me is doing something I’ve never done before, even if it doesn’t go perfectly. If I try something new and it fails, that’s still growth. That means I took the chance and learned from it, and that’s a kind of success you can’t measure on paper.
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At this point in my life, just being here and continuing to learn, build, and make an impact already feels like a win. I’ve learned that success isn’t always about getting it right once again, it’s about showing up, trying anyway, and turning every experience, good or bad, into something that helps me or someone else move forward.
AO: You belong here! Even when it doesn’t feel like it. The first computer programmers were women, and they changed the world before they even realized they were making history. Technology has always needed women who think differently, lead with compassion, and aren’t afraid to see both logic and humanity in every system.
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It can be hard to push against expectations, especially in spaces that weren’t built with you in mind. But your perspective is your power. You bring something to the table that no one else can your way of thinking, your empathy, your resilience. Don’t wait to feel “ready,” because the truth is, no one ever really does. The people who make an impact are the ones who show up anyway.
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Don’t shrink to fit in. Speak up, ask questions, and know that quiet confidence can be just as powerful as bold leadership. Lead with empathy. Stay curious. Keep learning, even when it’s hard. Strength doesn’t always look loud, sometimes it’s just showing up, doing the work, and refusing to give up. And if you ever doubt yourself, remember that the future of technology depends on voices like yours, voices that make innovation more inclusive, more ethical, and more human.
With Gratitude,
Congratulations Amanda!
Jawonio proudly congratulates Amanda on her graduation from Dominican University New York on May 17, 2026. Dedicated and talented team members like Amanda are shaping the future and are one of the many reasons so much good happens here every day.
SO MUCH GOOD HAPPENS HERE.
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Thank you to our Jawonio Community for reading and sharing our Blogs! If you have ideas or suggestions for us, or personal stories you would like to share, please contact Diana Hess, CCO, at diana.hess@Jawonio.org
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