How Becca is taking a leap in career paths

“When I was a child, I was fascinated by how my grandma could ‘talk to the computer’ through coding.”

This is what inspired Becca Blair’s interest in pursuing a degree in computer science, but it wasn’t always the path she imagined for herself. Growing up in foster care until she was 16, she was determined to build the future she wanted.

“I wanted to provide a life for myself and my family that I didn’t receive growing up. I worked as hard as I could to do well at any job I performed, whether it was in retail, bartending, selling vacuums door-to-door, marketing, or in recruitment.”

Becca began her ICF career as a contractor with the Incentive Technology Group (ITG) before its merger with ICF in 2020. She shifted careers to become a recruitment coordinator but never lost her interest in technology as she pursued her degree.

“I was nervous at first to share my interest in other opportunities with my manager, Liz Witt, but she assured me that I needed to follow my career goals.”

Through regular Impact Conversations—our employee-to-manager discussion framework about contributions, performance, and career growth—Liz was able to connect Becca with resources to help her network and learn more about the technology opportunities ICF has to offer.

“We as leaders are given the opportunity to support our employees to excel in their careers even if their passion is outside of the work we do, we must help them pursue their dreams. Career passion matters,” says Liz, ICF’s Global HR Operations Manager.

But it wasn’t until she joined ICF’s Mentor Connect program that Becca was able to build a professional relationship with Ed Ramadan, Senior Director of Program Management, who could connect her to her next career opportunity working with his team as a Junior Business Analyst.

“I started my career with ITG, but my growth in ICF really took place with the help of my colleagues, supervisor, and mentor. Out of all the jobs I have held in my life, my career here has been the most rewarding.”

As a mother of two who homeschools, she’s grateful ICF gives her the environment she needs to sustain her personal and professional life.

“I am given the most flexibility in my schedule, which is amazing as a single mother of two wonderful kids that I homeschool while also attending school myself to see my dreams come to reality. I also get to learn more and advance my skills knowing firsthand there’s always an opportunity for growth.”

Becca’s story demonstrates the environment we strive to create where people feel they can belong, grow, and thrive. We are excited Becca was able to pursue her lifelong passion in computer science with us.

Her advice? Don’t give up too soon and find support in those around you.

“There are so many times when I doubted myself and my capabilities, but if I could give any advice, it would be that anything and everything is possible. Especially when you have a great group of people in your corner rooting for you like what I have here at ICF.”

If Becca's story resonates with you, join our team. Find open roles and apply today on icf.com/careers.

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