Technology support specialist Laurel Difonzo at computer workstation.
From debugging code to shaping young minds, Laurel DiFonzo’s journey at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) embodies the power of hands-on learning and mentorship. What began as a college internship has blossomed into a flourishing career, with DiFonzo now guiding the next generation of tech talent.
DiFonzo, who pursued computer science in college, started her internship with the CCIU Innovative Educational Services (IES) team working on bug fixes and small feature requests. “My college courses exposed me to diverse types of programming, including web development, which was helpful for diving into the many different technologies I use professionally,” she stated.
Following her internship, DiFonzo was hired as a full-time technology support generalist and later promoted to specialist. In her current role, her responsibilities span web development, scripting, Salesforce management, and overseeing backup systems for customers across the state using Rubrik.
Recently, DiFonzo began mentoring Technical College High School (TCHS) interns. “I decided to mentor because it’s mutually beneficial. I get improvements to our website and a fresh perspective, while the intern gains valuable career experience,” she explained.
Her advice for aspiring tech professionals: “Learn as much as you can about different technologies. There’s a lot of diversity out there, and you’ll find your niche.”
DiFonzo’s progression from intern to specialist and mentor began in 2019 and occurred over several months, during which she was also recognized as an Employee of the Month. Her story demonstrates the lasting impact of IES’s internship program.
For those inspired by DiFonzo’s path and eager to explore similar opportunities in technology and education, CCIU offers programs designed to nurture the next wave of innovators. To learn more about starting your own transformative journey in tech, visit cciu.org/data.
