STUDENT STORY
From Sociology to Sites: How Sara Found Her Digital Voice at 50
She didn’t change career—she expanded her future.
Meet Sara Aguiar
Sociologist. Nature-lover. Always chasing knowledge.
Sara Aguiar is a 50-year-old technical director at an IPSS (a Portuguese social institution), with decades of experience supporting education and elderly care. She's deeply rooted in social impact—and passionate about learning, even while balancing motherhood and a full-time leadership role. Her happy place? A mountain trail, a good book over breakfast, or a new challenge that makes her grow.
“This wasn’t just about learning tools—it was about learning to believe I could do this. Even on the tired days. Even when I was the only one holding it all together. I didn’t give up.”
Sara Aguiar
Student from Descodifica-te #3, 2025
Behind the scenes
Favourite tool
Wix—loved the creative flow of building sites
Favourite mission
Designing her portfolio—“start to finish, it was mine”
Biggest challenge
Glide app—“did the basics, but wish I’d done more”
Most valuable learning
“Not everything will be perfect—but do it anyway”
What’s next for Sara?
Project Highlight
In the final stage of the Cohorts, students have the opportunity to work in a real project to develop not only technical skills, but also soft skills like client management, problem-solving, prioritization, and negotiation. Always with the support of our Mentors.
Project Name: Rede Apoio Solidária
Mission: Connect volunteers with elderly people in need of companionship and help
Tools: Wix, Airtable, Zapier
Features:
• Volunteer and recipient forms synced with Airtable
• Automated workflows for efficient follow-up
• Clean, accessible website design
The Results
A powerful prototype of a scalable community support network—Sara handled all the tech, comms, and content.
“They said, ‘We like it. You got everything we asked for.’ That was all I needed to hear.”
