Fairygodboss Of The Week Jessie DAmato Ford

Fairygodboss Of The Week Jessie DAmato Ford Jessie DAmato Ford helps programmers from around the world achieve their dreams at Topcoder...all while living hers. She balances the 24/7 schedule of her full-time job with her two children and still finds time to write in her spare time. zu sich advice Be open to new experiences They could change your life.Fairygodboss of the Week Jessie DAmato FordCommunity and Topcoder Open Manager - TopcoderHartford, CTFGB Tell us about your career. How did you get to where you are now?JDF I have been working for Topcoder and the Topcoder community for more than 11 years. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life after college but knew I was good with events and enjoyed doing them. I started working for Topcoder managing the annual event, the Topcoder Open (TCO) which is the ultimate programming and design tournament. Ive loved it so much Im still doing it to this day. Every year many talented coders and designers from all over the world earn a tr ip to compete in the TCO onsite finals in the United States and I manage every aspect of the tournament (the website, promotions, event management, budget, and the list goes on...).I can honestly say Im the only person in the world who does what I do because there is nothing exactly like the TCO anywhere else.FGB What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?JDF I am fruchtwein proud of helping Topcoder members live their dreams. They work so hard to earn dream trips to the United States from all over the world. I help them get their visa, book their travel, and treat them like VIP guests as they arrive to compete. I love how much the trip and tournament means to them, and Im proud to have played a part in their experience.FGB What is a challenge that youve faced and overcome?JDF Work/Life balance as a working mom is tough. Im not going to lie, working full time from home with two little ones at my side is not for the faint of heart. Balancing childcare with conference calls and e very day work is certainly a challenge. Ive learned that the key is being flexible and not to sweat the small stuff. As long as I get my job done, it doesnt matter if its at 5am or 10pm. Im very lucky I have that flexibility.Plus in my spare time Im a writer so being able to laugh at myself and write helps me stay saneLightning RoundFGB What do you do when youre not working?JDF Trying to keep up with my toddler and first grader We love to dance together and just hang out. I also love to write and have a website dedicated for my writing jessiedamatoford.com.Im avid reader when there is time but I just love being with my family.FGB If you could have dinner with one famous person - dead or alive - who would it be?JDF Paul Simon I love his music so very muchFGB What is your karaoke song?JDF Madonnas Like a Prayer.FGB What is your favorite movieJDF The Princess Bride.FGB What book would you bring with you on a desert island?JDF Really? That question is impossible I love way too many book s. FGB What is your shopping vice? What would you buy if you won the lottery?JDF Right now Im obsessed with buying my kids things especially adorable kids clothes and bathing suits. They are so cheap and so cuteIf I was a lottery winner, Id give most of it away to family and charity. Share the wealth is how I feelFGB Who is your Fairygodboss?JDF I worked under a special woman for a short time but she was the best boss I ever had. Not only did she care deeply for her gruppe but she pushed us to think more and be better. I think I learned more from her in the few months we were a team than I could have imagined.FGB What is the 1 career tip youd like to share with other women who want to have successful careers like you?JDF Be open. Try something new. I started working for a technology company and had no idea about technology. I have learned so much because I didnt let my lack of knowledge stop me. If you have a desire to learn and are open to trying something new, you may be surprised .FGB Why do you love where you work?JDF I love the flexibility and the people. I work from home full time with a flexible schedule. And, I work with some of the best people in the world. It makes working fun -- even when Im up late nights on calls with other time zones.Fairygodboss is all about women helping other women. So each week, we celebrate a woman who makes a difference in other womens careers. Is there a woman who has made a difference in your career? Celebrate and thank her by nominating her here.