Month: November 2021

Maggie is an Account Manager with TechChange, where she works with partners to develop memorable eLearning experiences. Prior to joining TechChange, Maggie cultivated action-oriented workshops and conferences for social purpose organizations across North America using her skills as a visual notetaker and design thinking facilitator. Maggie has lived in France and Canada, obtaining her B.A. in International Relations from the University of British Columbia. 

Q: So, tell us more about yourself. How did you end up working in education?

From a young age, I saw education as a daily practice where our peers and neighbors are some of our best teachers. I particularly paid attention to opinions and experiences that were different from my own, which led me to live and study abroad and pursue a degree in International Relations at the University of British Columbia. I wanted to make sense of the world around me, knowing that change happens collectively. One of the vital components to sustainable change in our interconnected world is discussing with and listening to each other – learning from our neighbors. I found that my most helpful contribution to these conversations was to include a diversity of perspective and learning styles by visualizing key themes as they occur. As a graphic facilitator, I use these skills in virtual settings to create interactive visual summaries that show collective impact in accessible and digital formats. It is my goal to support the practice of life-long learning as a way to solve our world’s most pressing challenges.

Q: How did you first hear about TechChange?

It was pretty surreal. Back in 2019, I attended the Social Enterprise World Forum in Ethiopia and met the folks behind an Australian-based podcast called Impact Boom. I was listening to an episode one morning recently, and the guest was Nick Martin. He talked about TechChange, and I found myself thinking “this is the kind of social enterprise that I could only dream of working with.” After taking a deep dive into TechChange’s work, I saw that they were hiring for a position that spoke to my skills and interests, and I just had a gut feeling that it was something I had to go for.

Q: What are some of your favorite parts of working at TechChange so far?

The TechChange team is pretty incredible. I feel so supported and inspired by everyone! There’s also this balance of continuous learning between team members and autonomy. We trust each other to get things done, but there are opportunities for collaboration built into our work. I really appreciate that TechChange lives out this notion that people thrive as life-long learners, especially in this digital age. 

Q: What excites you about this role?

There is nothing more exciting than witnessing lightbulb moments. I love supporting the people behind complex and impactful social movements, bringing clarity to their visions. As an Account Manager with TechChange, I look forward to using my unique toolkit of visual thinking, facilitation, and connecting with diverse groups of people to empower our partners to make an even bigger impact in our communities.

Q: Anything you look forward to working on or learning at TechChange in the next year?

I’m fortunate to be able to learn from the best and brightest at TechChange. While the world was already in need of virtual platforms for education and convening, the past year has fast-forwarded that timeline. Working with the TechChange team at this point in time allows me to work with cutting-edge technology and education practices. I’m particularly excited to see how we might be able to bring engaging and equitable eLearning experiences to places that need lowtech solutions.

Q: Lastly, what’s something that not a lot of people know about you?

One of my favorite places to be is on a bike. While some people dread climbing hills, I love that moment of giving a steep climb everything I’ve got just as much as I look forward to gaining speed on the other side. I’d like to think that’s also a metaphor for how I live my life. My biking adventures also come with their fair share of stories, like that one time I was mountain biking in the foothills of the French Alps, got a flat, and had to be rescued, or when I got stung by a bee (I’m allergic) 14 miles into a 55 mile bike ride… 

Shannon is Director of Virtual & Hybrid Events at TechChange, where she leads the Events department in creating engaging virtual and hybrid conferences for partners and participants across the globe. Prior to joining TechChange, she worked in nonprofits in France, the US, and the UK, and holds an MSc in Globalisation and Development from SOAS University of London.

Q: So, tell us more about yourself. How did you end up working in events?

Previous to working at TechChange, I worked in a few different nonprofits with education and human rights at the core of their missions. In these organizations, I was involved in events — everything from external-facing networking events focused on hiring to internal-facing events revolving around employee wellbeing programs and trainings. While my events experience was primarily in person, I was very interested in pivoting to the digital space when the pandemic hit and organizations turned their focus to convening virtually.

Q: How did you first hear about TechChange?

I heard about TechChange via one of Nick’s LinkedIn posts! A mutual connection reshared something he had posted, which led me to look into the organization and reach out to connect.

Q: What are some of your favorite parts of working at TechChange so far?

My favorite part of working at TechChange is the opportunity to collaborate with a group of innovative, intelligent colleagues and partners. The curiosity and energy that the TechChange team brings to their work creates an inspiring environment to work in. The partners that we work with also bring such passion for the programs and initiatives connected to each of their events, and, having worked in organizations focused on social change throughout my career, I feel lucky to be able to contribute to our partners’ success in areas from human rights to peacekeeping to public health!

Q: What excites you about this role?

One of the most pleasant surprises about this role is the constant exposure to live virtual production approaches. There is nothing more thrilling than being in the virtual greenroom/studio as we go live with a keynote speaker or opening ceremony!

Q: Anything you look forward to working on or learning at TechChange in the next year?

I’m really looking forward to the ways in which hybrid events will evolve as more of our partners become able to further explore this space. Over the past year and a half, we’ve had so many opportunities to shift our approach to virtual events and further enhance the participant experience, so it will be really interesting to see the ways in which we carry new and existing elements into a hybrid world and continue to improve based on what we learn!

Q: Lastly, what’s something that not a lot of people know about you?

I’m a bit restless and am always looking for a craft or hobby to keep busy! Some of my favorite activities are jogging and hiking, trying out new recipes, and designing jewelry or clothing. I’ve worn a few of my own creations to friends’ weddings and am always seeking new creative activities!