Industry Volunteer of the Year 2024
Donna Hay Award for Impact 2024: Recognising the impact of outstanding industry volunteers
Volunteer of the Year Award 2024
This year our Volunteer of the Year award goes to Fabiana Guglielmi, Head of Creative and Production at Novakid.
Fabiana is a remarkable volunteer and role model for all students, with a particular passion for inspiring girls to pursue a career in technology. She is always patient, relatable and inspiring when working with students.
Over this past year, Fabiana has delivered Industry Engagement sessions covering ideation and pitching, as well as delivering inspiring career sessions that encourage students to consider the diversity of digital roles available to them. She also took part in our Lunch and Learn webinar to celebrate Girls in ICT Day as a panelist, being asked questions by a group of Apps for Good students.
Q&A with Fabiana Guglielmi
How did you get involved with Apps for Good and what volunteering have you done with us this year?
I started as a volunteer when I worked at OVO Energy as I saw someone from Apps for Good talking about volunteering and I wanted to give back my experience. This year I gave feedback to classes, workshops and an interview (or two).
Are there any particular highlights from this year’s volunteering?
I really love the class feedback sessions. Listening to what students imagine is always fun.
Tell us about some of the app ideas students have shared with you this year, were there any particular ideas that really stood out to you?
There was a group of girls who came up with an idea for an app to support mental health issues. It’s remarkable how sensitive they were to people’s issues, despite their young age.
From your perspective, how does industry engagement benefit young people?
I feel like it does benefit them a lot and we should do more of them, have follow up sessions, and, most importantly, really listen to what the students love and would like to know.
Has your experience with Apps for Good increased your job satisfaction? If so, why?
I would say it made me love what I do even more, because I realised how much I can give back by just sharing my knowledge and experience.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about volunteering with Apps for Good?
Do it. Volunteering is always a great experience. We don’t need to earn something to gain something. Volunteering made me very happy and made me feel fulfilled. And the Apps For Good team is a fab team!
Who can be an Industry Volunteer?
Almost anyone can be an Apps for Good Industry Volunteer. You don’t need to be a “techie” - we want young people to see the diversity of roles available to them. All you need is a positive and constructive approach to giving feedback.