A Small Dream and a Big Chance: Danielle’s Path to Prosperity
Read how Danielle took control of her life and career path by taking a chance on ITWorks
Danielle Porterfield, a young mother with a natural gift for problem-solving, became known in her community as the go-to person for fixing phones and computers.
Though she always believed her passion could lead to a fulfilling career, she didn’t know where to begin. By the age of 30, juggling odd jobs to support her family, Danielle found herself facing a challenge she never expected.
Three years earlier, shortly after the birth of her second child, Danielle returned home to devastating news: her landlord had started the eviction process. Three months later, with no other options, she packed up her two young children and whatever belongings she could gather and moved into a hotel, unsure of what would come next. Within a week, they were living in a homeless shelter. Determined to give her family a better life, Danielle worked any job she could find until she finally secured a single room where they lived for the next seven years.
A turning point came when an acquaintance, a Tech Impact board member, introduced her to the ITWorks program. It was a leap of faith, but Danielle embraced it fully, determined to create a more stable future. “My strength came from knowing that was my rock bottom, and I never wanted to be there again,” she said. “I owed it to myself and my children to give them a stable life. How could I expect excellence from them if I wasn’t living it myself?”
Through determination and hard work, Danielle completed the 16-week ITWorks program and secured her first career job during its 2014 cohort. “It felt like I was breathing life into myself for the first time,” she reflected. “I knew this was the first step toward giving my kids a better future.”
Since graduating, Danielle has become a tireless advocate for ITWorks and a mentor for housing-insecure families in Philadelphia. Beyond the technical training, she valued the professional development the program offered. “I walked in with a mindset of, ‘What else can I learn?’ and the confidence that I belonged there. It opened up an entirely new world for me.”
Danielle’s drive extended beyond her personal achievements. She became a role model for her son and daughter, as well as for others facing similar struggles. “You can break free and build a better future, but it takes hard work and seizing the opportunities in front of you,” she emphasized.
Her journey came full circle when her daughter, inspired by Danielle’s experience, enrolled in ITWorks and graduated in the fall of 2023. “She’s such a smart, bright young woman,” Danielle said proudly. “I hoped she would apply, but seeing her take that leap and thrive makes me so proud.”
Danielle’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of opportunity. Even in the darkest times, a small dream and a big chance can light the way forward.