Her Story
About Octavia
Octavia Powell serves as an IT Project Manager and Consultant in Madison, Wisconsin, where she manages between 150 and 190 client accounts for a SaaS company on a daily basis. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Political Science, which has aided her understanding of people and community needs, and completed IT certifications along with a bootcamp through UW Wisconsin, including an AWS Cloud Certification. These credentials helped her secure her first IT role as the sole female project manager and consultant on a team of 36 men. Powell also dedicates time to community service as a DJ for City of Madison Parks Alive events and free music programs in underserved areas, drawing on her 14 years of violin experience in a concert orchestra. She is actively involved with Sigma Gamma Rho, Women in Tech Wisconsin, the Urban League of Greater Madison, and SWARD Incorporated, including efforts like Project Big Book Bag to support low-income neighborhoods. Her drive stems from overcoming childhood homelessness, and she credits mentor Judge Trammell, the first African American female judge in Dane County, with guiding her toward nonprofit and music-based community service rather than law.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Octavia
01What do you attribute your success to?
My drive and determination come from my childhood experiences being homeless without my parents, which pushes me to succeed so I never return to that. I also want to be a good aunt for my nieces and nephews, be there for my siblings, and take care of my parents now that they're older.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mentor, Judge Trammell, the first African American female judge in Dane County, advised that I did not have to become an attorney to serve people. There are many other ways to serve the community using my passion, which led me to nonprofits and incorporating music into community service.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It is going to look scary in the beginning because you will likely be the only one that looks like you, but do not let that fear stop you. Stay true to yourself, remember why you got into the field, connect with other women even if it means traveling to conferences. You can get certifications instead of college, and for DJing which is also male-dominated, be fearless, self-teach via YouTube, shadow others, and ask for help.
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