Career Day EDUCATIONAL LEADER J.” develops curriculum and builds partnerships.

a nonprofit organization, a background in education is a must. I hold two M.A. degrees in education, one in teaching and another in educational leadership. I also earned my doctorate in education with an emphasis on STEM-based learning and educational technology. Since much of my work is done remotely, it is important to be tech-savvy.

Dr. Donna Jagielski “Dr. J.”

Profession: STEM Educational Leader - Education Programs Manager - Arizona Sustainability Alliance

Age: 55

What do you do for a living?

I oversee the educational programs related to this nonprofit organization. I am responsible for curriculum development, creating, and leading professional development workshops for teachers. I also build partnerships with industry leaders and educators. I am always seeking to develop longterm partnerships with industry leaders so they can provide educators and students with a real-world perspective and application of the content students are learning in the classroom. Industry leaders really enjoy serving as mentors for students!

What type of training do you need to do your job?

Since I have served in several roles in K-12 education including being a principal, and now developing educational programs in

What’s your favorite part of your job? Seeing students light up when they understand something, accomplish something, or learn that I am the person behind the scenes of their food tech units. I love seeing their excitement to explore something new. I love meeting people and gain a great deal of satisfaction when I introduce teachers to the right person in the industry who can serve as an excellent guest speaker in their class or as a mentor for their students.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I lot of things! One dream I had was to be an astronaut. Another dream I had was to be a documentary filmmaker, and lastly an automotive design engineer. I had an interest in designing cars to be both functional––safe, and well-engineered yet comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. I always knew I wanted to do something creative and people orientated, something that would make a significant impact and difference in the lives of people. What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career? Plan for the unexpected. Jobs and careers are changing rapidly, so be open to learning many different things and working in different roles. Gain a good understanding of your personality. Since I am a people person, I could never do any job that would require me to be solitary or reclusive. Allow your soft skills to lead the way and then fill in the gaps academically along the way for you to be able to perform your job. Develop your people skills. You will always have to work with diverse personalities. Learn to develop positive relationships with people who think differently than you do. Lastly, learn technology. A technology background will always help since it is becoming embedded more and more in all careers. Be willing to quickly pivot with your career. Be open-minded. Understand that you can always learn something from everyone you meet.

One fun fact NOT about your job?

I am very athletic. I have run several marathons and completed several triathlons. Additionally, I am a certified yoga teacher. I hold several certifications including yoga for children. I love being a volunteer yoga teacher. I have practiced yoga for over 20 years. It’s a real passion of mine.