Paola Ayala

Our first ever Youth Conference!

October 9, 2023 By Paola Ayala

Last weekend on September 30th, on a beautiful Saturday we hosted our very first Youth Conference completely free for all youth! Youth middle through high school joined us for a lovely day full of fun and learning by the bridge at the Crissy Field youth center. Youth had the opportunity to play with slime, sumo bots and even got to break apart a computer and put it back together! We even got to enjoy some tasty treats, tacos, quesadillas and even passed around swag bags! We couldn’t have been more excited about our very first Youth Conference at a beautiful site surrounded by nature, having fun and exposing youth to new things.

Throughout the day participants got the chance to participate in engaging workshops facilitated by our amazing volunteers, some of which was their first time ever experiencing an event like this. One participant shared, “I’ve never done anything like this, I’m interested in seeing how I can be more creative with it”. Our amazing volunteers and staff led our exciting workshops centered around STEAM and getting youth inspired to begin to think about a future in STEAM. In a city known for its thriving tech scene, opportunities like these usually come with a nice price tag, averaging around $500 a month or $200 per day. We understand there is a need in San Francisco for free youth events like this to ensure all youth get equal access to early exposure to STEAM.

Dev Mission is on a path to ensure all youth regardless of their backgrounds have the opportunity to explore different careers. As Aaron Chantavong, a volunteer and alumni put it, “if I could change a kid’s perspective to guide them into a better life at the end of the day I feel fulfilled, knowing I am teaching the next generation”. We understand there are communities that have been overlooked for centuries, we want to ensure through events like this, that we narrow the tech gap in the bay area. One participant shared how this was his first time experimenting with anything tech related, he’s interested in looking more into it after the break and build session. Parents were also pleasantly surprised to join in on the fun and get to explore, one parent shared, “I had no idea we were going to be doing this today!” Events like this inspire youth to think about different career paths they might have not been exposed to at all. Together we were able to inspire youth that day and possibly create the next generation of tech talent.

We’d like to thank the Crissy Field Center and Gilder Ramirez for their support and believing in our mission. The center believes in uplifting youth and inspiring the next generation, their space provided the perfect atmosphere for participants to feel safe and comfortable. There was truly no better space than The Crissy Field Center to have this amazing event. As Gilder put it, “This is something special when you have young people learning and gaining skills that could be useful for the future”. It’s because of partnerships and relationships like these that we are able to provide such amazing resources to young people.

The Techathon serves as a wake up call to and an invitation to all tech companies to begin to invest in San Francisco’s overlooked communities. Together we can invest in diversifying the tech industry and beyond. Whether it’s your knowledge, time or resources your help is invaluable and events like this show us the impact it has on families.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage month: Introducing Juan Benitez!

September 27, 2023 By Paola Ayala

Meet Juan Benitez, a dedicated Computer Science major at San Francisco State University who is passionate about technology’s potential to improve lives.

His journey into the tech world began with an early fascination for video games as a child, which evolved into a determination to make a difference.

Juan’s search for opportunities to kickstart his tech career led him to TechSF, an organization offering programs in San Francisco. During an online orientation, he discovered Dev/Mission and completed our 20th Pre Apprenticeship cohort. He is currently our new CTA intern!

Juan finds satisfaction in witnessing how technology can simplify people’s daily lives. He particularly enjoys the problem-solving aspect of his role, resolving technical issues for those in need. Born and raised in San Francisco, Juan deeply appreciates the city’s cultural diversity and educational opportunities. As he says, “I love the city because it has provided me with a diverse cultural and educational experience, as well as a sense of belonging and identity.” Juan is currently coming full circle and takes pride in being able to impact our busy city as a CTA intern. Through his role as a CTA intern, he’s able to give back to his community, especially those affected by the digital divide.

Juan grew up with a love for gaming at the age of 6, he refers to his child self as an “IPad kid”. Juan developed a passion for gaming at a very young age and has continued into his adult life. He found a curiosity for how these games were developed, but specifically how to fix them if something were to stop working one day. During his sophomore year at CCSF he discovered he can take his passions and turn them into a highly rewarding career one day. He decided to pursue Computer Science in hopes of helping narrow the digital divide and a better future.

His ultimate goal is a highly rewarding tech career that offers continuous learning opportunities. He’s currently exploring various tech fields, from game development to IT and front-end/back-end development. “One of my goals is to one day work for a tech giant like Google or Blizzard.” Juan understands that this journey will require significant time and effort, but he’s committed and determined to fight for his dreams.

Juan strongly believes in increasing Latinx representation in tech, envisioning a more diversified and inclusive industry. Programs like Dev/Mission play a pivotal role in achieving this goal, offering Latinx communities a better chance to enter the tech world. Growing up Latino, Juan recognizes both the value and challenges of diversity in the tech industry. He believes that increasing Latinx representation in tech is crucial to breaking stereotypes. “Being Latino in the tech industry is great because I can bring a different perspective and a diverse background into my work”.

Juan’s story is a testament to the power of ambition and the pursuit of one’s passions. He stands as an inspiring example of how technology can bridge gaps and provide opportunities for underserved communities, ultimately making the tech industry more inclusive and aiding the digital divide.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage month: Introducing Alvino Silva!

September 22, 2023 By Paola Ayala

“There is a vast majority of Latino representation in the tech industry but little by little we are breaking down barriers”

This month for Hispanic Heritage Month we’d love to share with y’all some amazing stories from the Dev Mission family! Introducing to you the inspiring story of Alvino Silvia!

Alvino, a Bay Area native and a fourth year at San Francisco State University studying Mechanical Engineering, comes to us from Richmond in pursuit of a better future! He was a part of our 20th Fall Pre-Apprenticeship program this Fall and is now a CTA Intern!

Alvino’s story is a tale of hardship, perseverance, and hopefulness. “A huge challenge was growing up in a low-income family where there wasn’t money to have computers or laptops. The first laptop at the house was given from my mom’s job.” Alvino’s family coming from Mexico and El Salvador faced their fair share of struggle and continued to seek out opportunities when presented. Additionally, Alvino wasn’t exposed to tech opportunities or STEM-related programs in middle and High School. Despite wanting to join a robotics club or something else tech-related, growing up in the public school system, the lack of resources made it hard to access those opportunities. Despite the obstacles Alvino faces, he has not let them get in the way of fighting for a better future. “It took a lot of time and hard work but I know the journey isn’t over.”

Alvino is passionate about engineering and technology, despite knowing it was going to be a challenge, Alvino decided to pursue Mechanical Engineering. Throughout his courses, he continues to be curious about the functionality of our devices. He likes to analyze pieces of tech and asks himself, “Why does it behave the way it does?” Alvino’s interest first sparked while he was breaking and rebuilding a computer and a radio to see for himself what each part’s function was. He enjoyed the break and build during the pre-apprenticeship program because he was able to analyze each component on a larger scale and apply the skills he had picked up from the classes.

In his own words; “Being a part of the Latinx Community is a huge accomplishment. Seeing someone that speaks or looks alike, inspired me. I told myself that if they can do it then I can do it as well. Many obstacles are faced growing up as a Latinx but if your passion and mindset are in the right space then there is no limit as to what you can achieve. There is a vast majority of Latinx representation in the tech industry but little by little we are breaking down barriers.” Alvino has faced his fair share of obstacles and challenges throughout his journey such as a lack of resources, tech classes available to him, and even his high school being shut down. Against the odds, Alvino has persevered and continues to challenge himself, pursuing a future in the tech industry and fighting to break down barriers.

Stories like Alvino’s are essential to bring to the spotlight. We can share our unique experiences that bring our communities together. Together we learn about the obstacles our communities face, and how we continue to persevere. In Alvino’s words, “ It is important to have Latinx representation in the tech industry because you can relate more to someone that looks or speaks like you. The young adults and future generations can raise their heads higher and tell themselves they are worthy to become something great. Your attitude determines your altitude!”

Alvino plans on working in the tech industry after graduation. He is interested in automotive, robotic, and aeronautical fields and hopes to land a career in these fields. He believes it would be a good experience and hopes to meet different people with different backgrounds and experiences. Alvino continues to believe in his support system and in uplifting his community. He plans on working on improving his hard skills, working on giving back to his family and his community. He has big plans of buying his mom a house and being able to tell his dad he doesn’t have to work anymore. Alvinos’ passion for learning is unmatched and his story is a reminder to us all. Despite our struggles, your mindset, values, beliefs, and community are above all else, that is our determination for success! Thank you to Alvino Silvia for this inspiring reminder and don’t forget to stay tuned for the rest of this month’s highlights!

Expanding horizons: Empowering a new community through Digital Literacy

September 8, 2023 By Paola Ayala

In today’s technology-driven world, digital literacy has become an essential skill that empowers individuals to navigate important day-to-day tasks. However, many older adults find themselves at a disadvantage, struggling to keep up with the digital world. The generation gap and lack of exposure to technology in their earlier years make it challenging for them to adapt to the digital era. Recognizing this need, we created a digital literacy program aimed at educating and empowering our older community members.

The digital literacy program was born out of a desire to bridge the digital divide and ensure that older adults are not left behind in the modern age. As the internet increasingly shapes our daily lives, it is crucial to empower individuals of all ages to confidently navigate. We understand that older adults face challenges in adopting new technologies, from understanding the internet to navigating complex devices. Our instructors, Isaac and Martin, ensure participants feel confident and supported in learning the fundamentals of digital literacy. Students over the course of 8 weeks learn how to create and maintain email accounts, how to browse the internet safely, mastering typing skills, etc. The heart of our digital literacy program lies in empowering older adults with the necessary skills to engage confidently in the digital world.

It’s key we ensure our participants learn essential skills necessary to navigate the internet. Participants can effortlessly communicate with loved ones, safely operate personal or business finances, and stay updated on community events. Understanding safe online practices ensures they can protect themselves from cyber threats and make informed decisions while using online. Participants have shared how the sessions have not only personally stayed more organized but have helped their businesses. “Learning how to use Google Sheets and Google Docs has been very helpful with my journey, I feel much more confident in using these tools for my new business’ “. Our classes have also encouraged participants to stay more connected with the world around them. One participant shared, “I appreciate the patience from the instructors, I had not practiced these skills in a long time, but now I feel more confident navigating, especially my meetings on Zoom”. We must invest in our older community members and ensure they do not stay behind in this ever-changing digital landscape.
The digital literacy program represents a step closer to closing the digital divide and empowering our older community members in this digital world we live in. By investing in their digital education, we pave the way for a more inclusive community where everyone can thrive in the digital age. As our CEO, Leo Sosa mentioned, “There is a huge need in SF as low income families continue to be disconnected from the Internet, Access to Computers and Training. That’s why we are thankful to AT&T and CPUC for their support to roll out these Digital Literacy Workshops”. If you or someone you know is interested in empowering older adults through digital literacy, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. Together, let’s bridge the digital divide and connect our communities.

New Beginnings: How a new partnership empowers transitional aged youth

August 11, 2023 By Paola Ayala

Our story with Goodwill of the SF Bay starts in 1995 when our Executive Director, Leo Sosa, was an instructor for their tech programs. During his time there, he founded tech programs and saw a need for accessible and reliable tech training for young adults, something still present today. Fast forward to the present, Leo has now founded our wonderful organization Dev/Mission, with the same goal in mind. Our story comes full circle with our new collaboration with Goodwill of the San Francisco Bay! We have now expanded our pre-apprenticeship program to young adults ages 18-29, and one step closer to closing the digital divide.

Back in 2019, Goodwill generously received a grant from Salesforce to offer a program for transitional-aged youth to learn technology. After reaching out to several networks, Goodwill heard about Dev Mission and our thriving Pre-apprenticeship program and began reaching out to Leo. On our end, Leo, encouraged by the Office of Economic Workforce and Development was catching word about this opportunity Goodwill wanted to offer. Unfortunately, this collaboration was delayed by the Covid-19 lockdowns back in 2020. Until recently! Back in January, the entire Dev MIssion crew headed over to Goodwill to meet with CEO William Rogers. We introduced our pre-apprenticeship program as well as our free tech support, and suddenly, we began to build a bridge between our two organizations.

Rachel Herrmann, the Director of Learning and Development at Goodwill began to hear about Dev/Mission through various networks such as TechSF and the Office of Economic Workforce and Development. She saw a vision and, later in March, reached out to Leo to propose an opportunity. To continue to explore their collaboration and work on ways Dev/Mission could support their goals. Rachel saw a glimpse of what our programs offer young adults and was inspired to expand to a larger group. Just as she put it, “Partnering with Dev/Mission this summer has been an exciting journey. Not only have they generously shared their best practices, time, and expertise, they have shared in our mission to work together to maximize our collective impact on the communities we serve.” The reality is, that there is a large population of young adults in San Francisco eager to dive into the tech industry and need reliable, free education. Our goal as a collaborative was to target older young adults ages 18-29 and introduce them to the essentials of IT and computer programming, and that is exactly what we did. In April, we began to meet about how we could provide a larger population in San Francisco with our services. This summer, on June 5th the energy was radiating at the Google Community Space with 30 young adults ready to learn and begin their journey with us.

Students kicked off our break and build on July 11th, they took apart computers piece by piece and put them back together at the Goodwill site this past Tuesday! Our students, guided by our lead instructors, Ivan Hurtado, and Patrick James Porcuna, watched short videos to review the components and steps they’ve been learning. Our CTA interns also joined us during the jam-packed session to assist and help our students through this intense process. Thank you to the Goodwill staff for providing the space to join us at our first break and build collaboration!

The need for reliable and accessible education is still present today, and we are grateful to our partners to be able to provide just that. This summer, we affected the lives of 30 young adults in San Francisco with the effort of this wonderful collaboration that has finally come full circle. Thank you to Goodwill of the San Francisco Bay for seeing this opportunity, we look forward to continuing this beautiful collaboration. If you are inspired by this collaboration, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Who knows what could be next for Dev Mission… Stay tuned to learn more about our programs and how we create the next generation of tech talent.