Meet the Team: Q&A with Software Engineer, Jenky Nolasco

Culture Jan 4, 2022

Welcome to our new series, Meet the Team, where we chat with different members of the DojoMojo team and learn about who they are, what inspires them, and their experience working at DojoMojo.

To kick things off, we sat down with one of our Software Engineers, Jenky Nolasco, who has been with the company for more than 2.5 years. From his approach to building skills in a technical field to his favorite emoji, Jenky shares what drives him, how he got to where he is, and the best piece of advice he's ever received.

Tell us about your career trajectory. Why did you choose Engineering?

J: I wanted to be a veterinarian, but in my country (Dominican Republic) our university had a few people from different professions come in to speak about each career. My friends and I noticed a guy with a small robot. We were intrigued by the possibility of creating one from scratch, which later on we realized was a complete lie because it was a store-bought robot.

J: I started studying Network Engineering and didn't love it. However, I developed a strong interest in programming and focused more on it. Eventually, I came to the U.S. looking for different opportunities. At first, the language barrier was a challenge, but I found a job working as an electrician while taking Software Development classes. Once I gained more confidence in my skill set, I sought out a career within it and found DojoMojo!

What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

J: When I was younger, I would draw portraits of my close friends. Eventually, I became so well-known that I was recognized for my artwork and would receive numerous requests. This skill helped me to develop great relationships with our Product Designers, which has helped boost my career.

What’s your favorite app?

J: Instagram...I get consumed with Reels. Before bed, I’ll find myself endlessly scrolling through my feed.

If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be?

J: Tom DeLonge from Blink182. I’d like to live his life—the way he finds excitement in things, he’s very driven and has a lot of passion and energy.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

J: When I was younger, I used to talk a lot to gain interest from other people. At one point, a close friend of mine informed me of a quote from the famed director and screenwriter, Charlie Kaufman: “Constantly talking isn’t necessarily communicating.” If it’s not meaningful, then why start the conversation? At this point in my life, I want to create meaningful connections with people, and not focus on popularity.

What qualities do you think make for a great Engineer?

J: Always be curious and willing to learn—the knowledge is always changing. You’re learning something new every week. Be adaptable.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to other people of color in tech?

J: It’s important to be more confident in your skillset. A lot of my friends have great skills, but those that lack self-confidence didn’t hustle to achieve their goals. Put yourself out there.

Why did you choose DojoMojo, and what do you like about working for the company?

J: Throughout the interview process, I felt very welcomed, which was weird. They really wanted to get to know me. The same energy has stayed since the interview. It’s a very warm culture, it doesn’t feel competitive or like you're mentally working a 9-5 job.