At XWP, we’re proud to work with some of the most talented and driven individuals in the WordPress ecosystem. One such individual is Milana Cap, a WordPress Engineer whose journey into tech is as inspiring as it is unconventional.
From her beginnings as a musician and theater professional to becoming a seasoned WordPress developer, Milana’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and staying true to oneself.
How a Hobby Became a Career
Milana’s journey into WordPress began not in a classroom or a corporate office, but in her free time. As a musician working in theater, she found herself with hours to spare while her daughter was at school. What started as a hobby, tinkering with PHP scripts and building websites for friends, soon turned into a passion.
“I was just playing with it,” Milana recalls. “I never thought I’d become an engineer or get paid for this. It was just something I enjoyed doing.”
Her first projects were for fellow musicians, creating websites that featured videos, audio, and galleries. What’s remarkable is that even in those early days, Milana never undervalued her work. “I never did a project for free,” she says. “I always charged for my work, even though I couldn’t believe people were paying me for something I loved doing.”
This mindset, charging for her skills despite feeling like an imposter,speaks volumes about Milana’s confidence and determination. It’s a lesson for anyone, especially women in tech: your work has value, even if you’re still learning.
“I Didn’t Dare Call Myself a Developer”
Milana’s transition from theater to tech wasn’t just a career change, it was a necessity. As a single mother in Serbia, she faced financial pressures that demanded a more stable income. With no formal education in computer science, she applied for every tech job she could find, from junior to senior roles. Within three weeks, she landed a position as a developer.
“I didn’t dare call myself a developer at first,” she admits. “I was a musician. I didn’t know why they were paying me for this. But I realized that many people in WordPress learn by doing. It’s not about having a degree; it’s about solving problems and creating value.”
Milana’s ability to embrace the unknown and learn on the fly has become one of her greatest strengths. “People with computer science education often follow learned paths,” she explains. “But those of us who are self-taught come up with unexpected solutions because we don’t know the ‘right’ way.”
“Do What You’d Do for Free”
One of the most striking aspects of Milana’s story is her emphasis on doing what you love. Raised to pursue her passions, she believes that true success comes from finding work that feels like play.
“You can’t be successful or good at something you don’t enjoy,” she says. “The only way to thrive is to do something you’d do for free, and then get paid for it.”
For Milana, this philosophy has guided her career and her contributions to the WordPress community. Whether she’s building custom solutions for enterprise clients or contributing to WordPress core translations, her work is driven by a genuine love for problem-solving and creating meaningful experiences.
Advice for Women in Tech
When asked about the challenges she’s faced as a woman in tech, Milana’s response is refreshingly candid. “I haven’t experienced challenges because I’m a woman,” she says. “Maybe it’s because I don’t care what others think, or maybe it’s the culture in Serbia, where men and women are seen as equals in the workplace.”
Her advice for young women and girls considering a career in tech is simple: Stay true to yourself. “Explore what you enjoy. Try different things. Don’t stop at the first thing that seems interesting. The tech industry offers so many opportunities, find the one that excites you.”
Milana’s thoughts on the Future of WordPress
As for the future of WordPress, Milana is excited about the potential of AI, not for generating content, but for creating unique, interactive experiences for users. “AI can help us build websites that adapt to each visitor,” she says. “That’s where the real innovation lies.”
Breaking Barriers, Building Confidence
Milana’s journey is a reminder that success in tech isn’t about following a traditional path or having all the answers. It’s about curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Her story challenges the narrative that women in tech must constantly prove their worth. Instead, she shows us that the key to success is staying true to yourself and doing what you love.
We’re honored to have Milana as part of our team. Her expertise, creativity, and passion for WordPress not only elevate the projects she works on but also inspire her colleagues and the broader WordPress community. Milana’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and staying true to oneself, qualities that make her an invaluable member of our team and a role model for aspiring developers everywhere.
