Priyanka S.

Manager, Software Development

Priyanka S. is a Senior Engineering Manager on the PayPal Credit team. She took a bold leap during the 2008 recession, moving alone to the USA from India for a job with Best Western International. "Moving in the middle of a global financial crisis was a huge risk, but I viewed it as a career-defining opportunity," she said. Eventually she advanced within the company, transitioning from an individual contributor role as an engineer to management. 

In 2018, her journey continued when she interviewed with PayPal just six weeks after an emergency C-section and joined the company when her daughter was only 6 months old. “Balancing being a first-time mom with a brand-new job at PayPal was one of the toughest periods of my life,” she says, but with support from her family and managers, she navigated this challenge. "On my first day, my manager personally helped me find the mother’s room and I will never forget that thoughtful gesture."

Reflecting on her team, Priyanka shared, “My time at PayPal has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m really grateful for my leaders who have played a major role in providing opportunities that have helped me to grow in my career. I also lead an exceptional team of software engineers, overseeing the delivery of top-tier credit products and capabilities to our customers.”

"Confronting challenges head-on had reinforced my belief that self-confidence is key to overcoming obstacles."

During her time at PayPal, Priyanka has been successful in overseeing multiple projects that have contributed to her impact within the company. “The most challenging and gratifying opportunity of my career came with leading Project Danube, which involved selling $44 billion in Pay Later loans to KKR, a leading global investment firm. This achievement contributed to an adjusted free cash flow of €20.3 billion and enabled us to return $1.5 billion to stockholders by repurchasing approximately 24 million shares of common stock.” 

PayPal’s core values of inclusion, collaboration, and wellness are core deeply resonate with Priyanka. “We have incredible ERGs that foster a sense of belonging,” she said. As an active member of PayPal’s Employee Resource Group, Unity, as well as the Women in Payments Committee and Grace Hopper, a yearly conference that brings together women and non-binary technologists from around the world to learn, network, and celebrate their achievements, she plays a significant role in supporting and uplifting women in the tech industry. “Mentoring female engineers, both inside and outside of PayPal, is something I’m deeply passionate about,” she says.

Priyanka has also participated in Fireside chats for women engineers in India and oversees the hiring of full-time employees, college grads, and interns, striving to encourage everyone. “Confronting challenges head-on has reinforced my belief that self-confidence is key to overcoming obstacles,” she says. Priyanka believes this mindset is particularly important for women, who often face unique challenges in their careers. "Without the right support and understanding, careers can stall but self-confidence will always remain key to your success."