We’re thrilled to share that Becca Blazak has joined Pavilion’s growth team! Becca got her start with Code for America, where she saw the impact of improving technology with local governments. Since then, she’s partnered with state-level government in Australia to improve legal aid technology and helped build a non-profit organization that activates tech workers and companies on important civic issues. When she’s not working, you can find Becca running around Lake Merritt, doing yoga, and trying new recipes in the kitchen.
We asked Becca a few questions about herself and the experiences that led her to Pavilion:
Why Pavilion?
Government technology is one of the most overlooked and exciting places to drive impact and innovation. Working with government presents a set of unique challenges that keep you on your toes and motivated to succeed. I’m excited to focus my energy on building a tool that will create ease and efficiency for public servants, increase economic opportunity for small businesses, and improve outcomes for our communities. Beyond the product, the team at Pavilion is passionate and mighty. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish!
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, you can find me attempting a new recipe or trying to convince my partner that we need to join another wine club. Lately, I’ve been cooking a lot of different types of middle eastern and mediterranean food. Yotam Ottolenghi has authored some of the best recipes I’ve ever tried, and his hummus kawarma is a staple in our house. During my first week at Pavilion, I even taught the team how to make hummus via GIFs!
What’s something someone who didn’t know you wouldn’t expect about you?
In college I worked as the oyster shucker at a local bar and restaurant. The only happy hour deals at the restaurant were for oysters, clams, and shrimp, so it was always a busy few hours behind the bar. The most oysters I’ve ever shucked in one night is ~300.
Who’s one person you admire, and why?
Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand. As one of the youngest (the youngest?) leaders to assume the office, she’s led the country through various crises with transparency, strength, and humility. Over the last year, governments across the globe deployed various strategies for dealing with COVID-19. Not only was New Zealand quick to get a handle on reducing the rate of transmission and re-opening their country, residents reported trust in their government’s decision-making at an astonishingly high rate. At the end of the day, Jacinda Ardern is the type of leader I’d like to learn from…plus, she just seems like she’d be cool to hang out with.
