ProWoc Celebrates Jacqui Schandorf

ProWoc Celebrates | 27th Edition, April 2025

Jacqui Schandorf

IT Project Manager at the Greenlandic Agency for Digital Government

In this special Apriledition, ProWoc celebrates Jacqui Schandorf.

Who is Jacqui?

Hi, I’m Jacqui! I work as an IT Project Manager at the Greenlandic Agency for Digital Government. Before moving to Greenland, I spent six years as a Business Intelligence consultant in Denmark after earning my master’s degree in economics from the University of Copenhagen. My work has primarily consisted of supporting organizations on their digital transformation journey and enabling them to become more data driven.

Coming to Denmark and First Impressions

Denmark Journey

I was born in the Netherlands to a Ghanaian father and a Danish/Ghanian mother, and we moved to Denmark when I was five. Growing up in a multicultural household shaped me in so many ways—it deepened my appreciation for different cultures and sparked my curiosity about the world.

At the end of 2024, I received a job offer from the Government of Greenland, and in January 2025, my partner and I made the move. It was a huge change — especially climate-wise, since it snows majority of the year —but the people and the breathtaking nature make it all worth it. Despite the initial uncertainty, moving to Greenland has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. With a population of only 57,000, the government doesn’t have the same resources as in other countries, but that also means I have a real opportunity to make an impact. I’ve been given significant responsibility from the start, and while the workload is high, the relaxed pace and positive work environment make my role incredibly rewarding.

Jacqui in Greenland

Achievements

What is your greatest achievement and/or career highlight? Why?

Prioritizing mental health has always been a key priority for me, especially after spending several years working as a consultant in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. There were periods when I would eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the office, or face challenges on demanding projects. During these times, it became essential to prioritize mental wellbeing, ensure I was getting enough sleep, and learn to recognize when to push through and when to step back.

Finding that balance has been crucial. In slower periods, I make a conscious effort to prioritize my hobbies and take time for myself. During busier times, I aim to exercise at least once or twice a week to relax and reset my body. I also avoid scheduling social commitments on weekdays and make sure to dedicate at least one day a week to simply resting at home.

This intentional approach has helped me manage high-intensity periods without becoming overwhelmed or burnt out. I’ve learned that knowing your own limits—and acknowledging when your workload is at capacity—is just as important as staying productive. And while I’m still working on it, I’ve come to understand how vital it is to say “no” when necessary. Setting boundaries is a skill, and one that becomes indispensable when juggling multiple responsibilities.

As a woman of color in the male-dominated field of IT, I’ve faced unique challenges—overcoming workplace biases, proving my expertise, and seeking opportunities for growth. While growing up in Denmark has helped me understand the culture and navigate certain spaces, I’ve still encountered moments where my skills and knowledge were underestimated, and opportunities for advancement weren’t always as accessible.

Jacqui - Open data day
Despite these challenges, I’ve been fortunate to have amazing colleagues who support each other’s growth. Open conversations about challenges have helped us find solutions together. Outside of work, having a strong network of friends, a supportive partner, and engaging in hobbies like running and traveling has also helped me maintain perspective.

In my spare time, I love running and practicing yoga. A year ago, I completed my first marathon — something I never thought I’d do! Three years ago, my partner and I decided we wanted a shared hobby, so we signed up for a half marathon in May 2023. After finishing that, we caught the running bug, and we decided to sign up for a full marathon the following year. Training for a full marathon was incredibly tough—my legs were sore all the time, and I dreaded walking up the stairs! The closer we got to race day, the more exhausted I felt.

When I crossed the finish line, my time was 5 hours and 2 minutes—just two minutes shy of my goal to finish under 5 hours. I was very frustrated, but I had to remind myself that I had just completed a marathon! Looking back, I’m so proud of myself. The mental challenge was even harder than the physical one and pushing through those long weekend runs of 20+ kilometers gave me an inner strength that carries over into other areas of life.

Aspirations

Making a positive impact has always been important to me—whether that’s by supporting my friends, family, or colleagues in their personal or professional growth. I’ve always been someone who believes in maintaining a positive mindset to accomplish goals.

Moving to Greenland was a dream come true since I always wanted to work abroad, but now I find myself wondering—what’s next? One thing I do know is that I want to continue sharing what I’ve learned and developing my skill set.

One day, I aspire to be a leader who people look up to, someone who supports and develops their team. I want to mentor junior colleagues, help them grow in their careers, and contribute to building a stronger, more dynamic workforce. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I hope to empower others to reach their full potential.

If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to be patient. I’ve always preferred things to move quickly, often stressing over possibilities that haven’t even unfolded. Over time, I’ve learned to trust that everything happens at its own pace. I’d also remind myself to have more confidence. While self-improvement is important, I tend to focus on what I could do better, rather than recognizing that I’m doing enough.

Rapid Fire Question for Jacqui.

1. Who is one of your role models and why?

I don’t have one specific role model, but I really admire the leaders I’ve worked with, who have supported my growth and taking the time to teach me the necessary skills to succeed in my role.

2. If you could live and work in any country, which one would it be?

I’d love to live in Ghana again one day. Most of my family are there, the weather is amazing, and I absolutely love the culture.

3. What is one book you think everyone should read?

‘A Life of Curiosity, Positivity and Leaps of Faith’

4. What would be the title of your autobiography?

I love reading about the law of attraction and how we can influence the outcomes we want in life. One book I really like is The Power Is Within You by Louise Hay.

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