I have always had a strong desire to give back, but as a busy parent with a very demanding schedule, it can be hard to find time for anything else. This year, I started taking advantage of one of Radical’s great benefits - the opportunity to do volunteer work for a non-profit organization that we care about during our working hours. I only wish I had found time to do this sooner!

Volunteering with the WCTBC (Women in Communications and Technology, BC Chapter) and SCWIST (Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology) has been such a rewarding experience.

I work as a digital product (UX/UI) designer, so I have been able to offer my skills to help design a landing page and site map for the new SCWIST website. I have been photographing WCTBC events, which has been fun because I love meeting new people and cultivating my artistic interests. I am also e-mentoring a young woman working toward a career in STEM, which has been so enjoyable. It feels so good to be able to give back, connect with other kind-hearted human beings, and learn a ton at the same time.

My co-worker and friend, Guillermo, has also been volunteering with SCWIST as a frontend developer for their website. It has been really fun to share this experience with him. Another bonus is that I’ve been able to bring my son Miguel along to the SCWIST events because they often have activities for kids.

I am proud to work for a company like Radical I/O that puts people first. I feel like we really are a different kind of technology company - one that values community, relationships, and social good. We are helping to make a positive impact in our local and global communities, not only with the technology we design and develop, but with specific, tangible actions.

Volunteering really is a win-win-win experience. Most non-profit organizations are supported, promoted, and sustained by their volunteers. On a personal level, it feels great to give back, connect with other people, and learn from their experiences. My workplace also benefits because I return to work refreshed, and with a renewed sense of purpose.

When I go to work every day, I feel like I can be my unique self, and that I am accepted and valued by my team. We support each other in a way that I have not experienced in other jobs. We are not just co-workers, we are friends. The fact that I get to volunteer with organizations that I feel passionately about and make a positive impact - while getting paid to do it - is another great perk of working at Radical I/O.

We are hiring! If you want to come work with me and my awesome team members at Radical, check out our job postings. Please also feel free to reach out to me (via email or LinkedIn) if you have any questions about the company or our culture.