From Secret Service Agent to Technology and Youth Empowerment Advocate: Chiko Scozzafava

ICANHELP is proud to welcome our newest board member, Chiko Scozzafava!

Using technology for good is one of Chiko Scozzafava’s biggest passions. Prior to becoming an advocate for positivity on social media platforms, Chiko spent twenty years of her career in law enforcement, mainly as a Secret Service agent managing Southeast Asian visits and operations. Following her years in the Secret Service, she spent some time working for Twitter in San Francisco and New York City, and has worked on a few boards prior to #ICANHELP. 

Chiko has also helped support several tech startups, and although she is currently based in Hawaii, she often travels around the country to work, speak, and volunteer with nonprofits like the Make-A-Wish foundation, the Special Olympics, and the Boys and Girls Club of America. Chiko says that those organizations’ passions merged with her own, which sparked her interest in working with #ICANHELP. 

“When I sat down with Kim [Karr], it was like I had known her for years. We started talking about her vision for the organization and what she was doing to empower our youth and give them a means to shape the way people can use technology for good in a way that I found to be really unique. I feel like it will be rewarding to participate in something like this,” Chiko shared. 

Chiko is passionate about encouraging and empowering others, especially in the digital world. Giving back to the community she has served is what makes her happy. “I’m very passionate about technology and empowering the youth, and that’s why #ICANHELP is really great, because it encompasses both,” she says. “It’s important to find somewhere you feel like a good fit, where you can serve, give back, help share your own experiences, and encourage others along the way. That’s why I’m excited to work with #ICANHELP. I’m also very excited for Digital for good!” 

Chiko is ready to dive into brand awareness campaigns and partnerships to increase #ICANHELP’s visibility in the tech and business world. “I want to look into having sponsorships and fundraising opportunities to have additional support so we can carry out this work to a broader audience,” she says. 

As more people learn about #ICANHELP, Chiko hopes that we’ll gain more interns to work for the organization, as well as increase our student-led events and overall youth participation. “I’m excited to see how the younger generation is taking ownership and really driving transformation and growth in #ICANHELP.” 

In her free time, Chiko likes to spend time going to the gym, hiking, and surfing, which is really easy to do when you’re living in Hawaii! Chiko holds a bachelor’s degree in business with a focus in accounting, as well as a master’s degree in Criminal Justice. She can’t wait to work with everyone in the #ICANHELP team and is excited to bring her experience and new ideas to the organization! 

Please give your warmest welcome to Chiko Scozzafava! She’s a fantastic addition to our team and will help us in the fight to keep the world of digital technology and social media a positive place!