Hack4Impact is a student organization that build pro-bono software for nonprofits.

Driving Social Impact Through Student-Led Software Development

As a Product Manager for Hack4Impact, I had the rewarding opportunity to lead engineering and design teams in delivering pro-bono software to meet the needs of mission-driven non-profit clients. Over two semesters, I facilitated the development of impactful web solutions - from a community hub for the Sustainability Solutions Group to an invaluable tutor portal for Step Up Tutoring.

Building consensus between client desires and actual user needs is a common challenge in product development. To counter this, I employed a two-pronged approach:

1) Progress Visualization: demonstrating the alignment of proposed features with organizational objectives during updates.

2) Feedback Loop: converting client input into actionable engineering tasks, ensuring consistent direction.

Maintaining open channels of communication was key to fostering transparency and trust. I leveraged Notion as a real-time task manager to provide stakeholder visibility. Weekly syncs with internal teams and clients created opportunities for mutual understanding. Roadmapping also ensured timely delivery of high priority functionality.

Post-launch, I collected qualitative feedback via client surveys and six-month follow-up meetings to evaluate long-term impact. Capturing tangible results over time, such as increased community engagement or optimized tutoring operations, helped quantify the enduring value created by our hard-working student teams.

Looking back, I'm immensely proud of the products we shipped and the professional growth I experienced as a PM. Hack4Impact exemplifies using technology for social good. I'm honored to have been part of an organization giving students the platform to drive meaningful change.