Employee Spotlight: Nine Months, Countless Milestones – Swaroop Sivalenka’s Journey at Protech

When you join a new company, nine months can fly by—or feel like a lifetime. For Swaroop Sivalenka, it’s been both: a whirlwind of learning, growth, and achievement, all while helping shape the future of child support systems in New Jersey.

From Day One to Today

“I joined Protech in December 2024,” Swaroop reflects. “That’s nine months—or about 180 business days. Not that I’m counting, but time really does fly when you’re modernizing statewide systems.”

Stepping into Protech was a leap of faith. With no background in child support technology, the role began with a mix of curiosity and caution. What started as a straightforward project management position—schedules, deliverables, timelines—quickly evolved into something bigger: connecting the dots between technology, policy, and innovation.

“Professionally, I’ve worked on everything from shaping roadmaps for NJKiDS 3.0 to mapping out modernization plans and driving grant proposals. Personally, I’ve found a team that challenges me, trusts me, and even laughs at my jokes. I’ve grown more in nine months here than I could have anywhere else.”

Why This Project?

The decision to join Protech wasn’t just about career growth—it was about impact. “I’ve always craved opportunities where the work truly matters. This project is essentially a Rubik’s Cube wrapped in intelligent code and policy. Every decision we make affects families across New Jersey. That’s what keeps me engaged.”

Early Days & Evolution

The beginning wasn’t without its hurdles: learning decades of history, untangling a web of stakeholders, and building trust quickly while keeping momentum alive.

Since then, the project has matured and expanded. Products that once ran smoothly on their own are now being propelled forward with cloud strategies, analytics, and modernization efforts. “It’s not about reinventing the wheel. It’s about ensuring that wheel is ready for the high-speed highway—and helping design the new modernized highway itself.”

Proud Moments & Real Impact

One of the most meaningful experiences came outside of the office. Earlier this year, a close friend of Swaroop’s went through a difficult divorce, suddenly raising five children alone. The support she received from New Jersey’s child support systems helped her regain stability.

“That moment hit home. It reminded me of the invisible infrastructure—systems like NJKiDS and ONETrac—that quietly support families every day. It made me proud to know the work we’re doing is directly improving lives.”

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Working on this project has been a masterclass in leadership, persistence, and teamwork.

• Trust is everything—with your team and your stakeholders.
• Change takes time—but with persistence, big systems do evolve.
• Communication matters—half the battle is making sure everyone understands the vision.

Swaroop’s advice for newcomers? “Ask questions, even the obvious ones. This system is like an onion—lots of layers, and yes, sometimes it makes you cry. But stick with it. The work is worth it.”

Looking Ahead

The future of this project is ambitious and bright. Protech is building systems that are AI-driven, cloud-native, data-powered, and scalable for decades to come. The goal isn’t just to serve New Jersey, but to create a model that other states can follow.

“What excites me most is knowing we’re creating something that will outlast us all—in the best possible way. This isn’t just about technology. It’s about making public services work better for families.”

Final Reflection

“This isn’t just a project. It’s a reminder that good technology and good strategy can change lives. Being part of this work is meaningful, challenging, and deeply rewarding.” – Swaroop Sivalenka

We’re proud of the people behind the innovation—their dedication, creativity, and passion for making a difference. Swaroop’s journey is a testament to what happens when technology meets purpose, and we appreciate his commitment, energy, and contributions to our mission.