Since graduating from the College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) just eight years ago, Jordan Jobs McCleary, BS information systems '16, has pursued a remarkable career in Big Tech.
After first launching her career in the Cybersecurity and Privacy team at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in New York, Jordan joined Google as Technical Program Manager where she established the standards, reporting and tooling enhancements for Google's audit issues. She also spearheaded initiatives to enhance audit standards, reporting and tooling, playing pivotal roles in cybersecurity, digital transformation and global regulatory compliance. She now serves within the Strategy and Operations team for Google's Global Affairs organization, where she helps Google to manage regulatory compliance at scale.
But like many Drexel alums before her, Jordan was driven to leverage her skills for good – to make a positive impact on society, well beyond the corporate realm. Jordan, a first-generation Trinidadian American, was also at the beginning of reconnecting with her roots; last fall, she planned a trip to Trinidad's sister island, Tobago.
While in Tobago, Jordan saw a Google colleague share information about a program that empowers women tech professionals and NGOs focused on environmental justice in the Caribbean. The program, known as the Tech2Empower Caribbean, is organized by the nonprofit Women's Alliance for Knowledge Exchange (WAKE) in partnership with the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance.
“I thought to myself: 'wow, this would be a great opportunity to finally see Trinidad on my own and use my skills as a tech professional,’” said Jordan. “I applied on my last day in Tobago, and by the time I landed back in New York, I had an interview with the WAKE's CEO, Trish Tierney. It was such an honor to be accepted.”
During the program, Jordan collaborated with 19 other female professionals to provide training, coaching and mentoring services to 6 women-led NGOs. More specifically, Jordan served with fellow Googlers Sushma Shirish and Khadine Singh with the Cashew Gardens Community Council (CGCC) NGO to help develop a pitch deck that encompassed 18 years of work into a comprehensible and succinct format highlighting their impact to key stakeholders. CGCC is spearheaded by Roslyn George and Yashoda Singh.
“What CGCC does for their community entails introducing so much that we take for granted such as recycling and composting, underscored with a community garden, education center and a green market on the way,” said Jordan. “As part of WAKE we helped them develop a pitch deck to take to government and commercial entities for grants, partnership opportunities and consulting services.”
The program also included lectures on women and gender studies and visits to local NGOs and local environmental attractions such as the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. Finally, the program culminated with an International Women’s Day celebration at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) where Jordan and colleagues led workshops for local high school students and shared their career paths in tech.
The program also offered Jordan a chance to get acquainted with her heritage, meet extended family members and make meaningful local connections.
Tech2Empower Caribbean epitomizes WAKE's mission to harness technology for social justice. By bridging the gap between tech professionals and grassroots organizations, the program facilitates mutual learning and empowerment. Later this year, WAKE is embarking on programs in Malaysia and Colombia.
Jordan's involvement underscores the importance of tech professionals contributing their skills to meaningful causes, fostering lasting connections and creating positive social impact. As Jordan reflects on her experience, she envisions continued involvement with WAKE, aiming to inspire others in the tech community to engage with social initiatives close to their hearts.
“I felt so passionate meeting and working alongside these women, and I feel I’ve made personal professional connections for life,” said Jordan.
Through her journey from Drexel to Google and beyond, Jordan exemplifies the transformative power of technology in driving positive change.