Pivot to Mission-Driven Tech
On October 1, 2025 Alex Dehgan (CEO, Conservation X Labs), Victoria Stanski (Managing Director, Common Good AI), and Ashley van Waes (Program Manager, Remitly) revealed how they were able to pursue new, meaningful careers in the evolving tech landscape and offered recommendations for those looking for opportunities in this space. Jackie Rojas (Georgetown SFS and PwP) moderated this discussion, with Steve Radelet also providing additional commentary.
This session was the ninth in our Pivot to New Career Paths seminar series, designed to offer attendees the opportunity to hear from colleagues who have already made these important career transitions and glean how to best embark on these changes themselves.
There is no doubt that the formal closure of USAID has closed a chapter of international development as we know it. The cessation of USAID initiatives (as well as that of their implementing partners and other affiliated development organizations) has sent a chill across the industry and forces us all to reckon with our professional futures. Where we can continue this important work? And what sectors are best positioned to capitalize on our skills?
All featured speakers on this panel emphasized that, perhaps surprisingly, the tech industry has seen a boom in the development of new, mission-driven initiatives directed toward international development.
The tech industry is constantly evolving, and this persistent churn has sparked the development of new capabilities, revealed new frontiers to explore, and brought to light the importance of identifying new and innovative ways to tackle these nascent challenges. In other words, this evolution has triggered an increase in opportunity.
During this session, the panelists (all of whom are professionals advancing social equity and sustainability through mission-driven work in tech) shared their journeys and highlight how our development toolkit can translate into similarly, meaningful work.
Indeed, the rise of generative artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other emerging technological tools has expanded the tech industry rapidly. There are also numerous initiatives that strive to tackle these technologies’ use to ensure fairness and responsible stewardship.
Thus, new roles that advance social equity and sustainability are increasingly available. Moreover, many of these employment opportunities go beyond the traditional, code-intensive background of a tech professional, relieving the pressure of needing specific certification or licensure.
All panelists were uniform in their celebration of the skills they learned during their careers in international development. All of program management, monitoring and evaluation, governance, ethics, finance, or legal career tracks train professionals to undertake numerous responsibilities in the tech space. Our skills are in high demand!
Though the speakers acknowledged that there are still some highly technical positions that require a specific skillset (though one we can all acquire relatively easily!), most job opportunities are designed to attract individuals with broad (and not necessarily tech-focused) experiences.
International development has changed, likely permanently, but with every ending comes a new opportunity! The enormity of these shifts cannot be underestimated; however, they have not doused our sector’s commitment to continuing our efforts to to help alleviate poverty, empower vulnerable groups, and promote growth, equity and sustainability in communities worldwide. The tech space is the next frontier we all need to explore!
Other Previous Sessions
Please feel free to browse our other previous sessions to access summaries, video content, and more information about our other events!