Read about Julie Ladanan

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

It was serendipity. I was working as a Digital Manager in the private sector, but I was struggling to muster the motivation to persevere. By happenstance, I came across an opening at UNAOC in New York and realized this was an opportunity to reshape my career by combining my passion for technology with an innate need to contribute to positive change and make a meaningful impact. I was fortunate that I was selected for the job, and the rest was history.

What has been your favorite technology project or initiative at the United Nations and why? What was your contribution?

I spearheaded the design and development of the UNAOC website, elevating it from an outdated static model to a dynamic and scalable CMS-powered platform. I was, at that time, operating as a one-woman team with very limited resources, yet successfully brought the project to fruition. This involved integrating an innovative new interface, optimizing site performance, ensuring accessibility compliance, and enhancing the overall user experience. The project’s success holds particular significance because of the unwavering trust placed in me by our senior management. While I have since contributed to numerous other websites, microsites, and digital products for UNAOC, the main UNAOC website remains my most memorable project.

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

Keep learning and be adaptable to the ever-evolving landscape of technology. Cultivate self-confidence. This is an ongoing journey – despite grappling with persistent impostor syndrome, I am actively working on asserting myself. Build a robust support network and surround yourself with compassionate and supportive family, friends and colleagues. Lastly, practice kindness and pay it forward. Be generous in sharing your knowledge, dedicate time to mentor interns and junior colleagues, and invest in the growth of others. Remember, what goes around comes around.