Volunteer Highlight

What were you doing before joining Dev/Mission as a volunteer? Just my regular full-time job as a Software Engineer at Google. 

How long have you been a Dev/Mission volunteer? I’ve been a volunteer for 2 cohorts (~ 6 months)

Describe your typical volunteer routine at Dev/Mission and why it’s important in your life? I volunteer for the Monday IOT class. I try to get in 15 minutes early to help if there’s any setup needed. Then, I’m either teaching the class or a TA that day. If I’m teaching, I spend most of the time presenting about the topic for the day and directing the tasks everyone should be working on. If I’m just TA-ing, then I’ll help organize, pass out circuit materials and then help students with any questions they have as they’re working.

How has the Dev/Mission staff supported you? They’ve made me feel really included in the Dev/Mission family! On top of that, they ensure that we have all the materials we need for our lessons and that the classroom is set up for us to present. They set the volunteers up to succeed as teachers to the students.

What three words would you use to describe Dev/Mission if you were trying to convince a friend/peer to get involved as a volunteer?

1- Rewarding

2- Interesting (I keep learning new things!)

3- A community

Has Dev/Mission positively impacted?  If so, how? Yes! I’ve really enjoyed meeting all the students and seeing each one of their own passions and reasons for wanting to lean into the tech industry. Specifically in the IOT class, seeing every student’s project ideas has opened up my creativity to the things that can be done with just arduino computers. Lastly, It makes me really excited and motivated to see the students get excited about tech and consider moving into the space. 

What do you think makes Dev/Mission different from other organizations? Dev/Mission creates an opportunity for students to branch into the tech space by not only teaching tech skills, but by also teaching other vital workplace “soft skills” like leadership or communication. These can often be neglected when thinking about how to prepare students for the tech industry (or workplace in general).

What would you say to other volunteers that are planning to join our volunteer program? Having more volunteer voices in the room helps introduce students to new people and hear about different paths into tech (everyone has their own path!). Teaching/TAing can be so rewarding because you’re able to share your skills and experience to help others reach their own goals.

What were you doing before joining Dev/Mission as a volunteer?

Before joining the Dev/Mission volunteer team, I was working as the Head of Sales and Operations for a very small startup. After leaving that position, I began upskilling and taking classes for my PSM and Salesforce Admin certification. I am also working as Product Owner/Scrum team member on a project for The Job Hackers, a nonprofit that teaches Agile methodologies to students for free.

How long have you been a Dev/Mission volunteer?

I have been volunteering for about 2 months.

Describe your typical volunteer routine at Dev/Mission and why it’s important in your life?

A typical volunteer day is reviewing or preparing upcoming class curriculum, assisting with or teaching classes in critical career skills and helping students with their assignments. Sometimes that’s coursework for the day and other times it’s support on take home assignments. Outside of the class I check on assignments or provide students with 1o1 help when needed. There are also things that go on behind the scenes like assisting with big picture organizational projects.

While days that I am volunteering with Dev/Mission can be fast paced, it brings me so much joy and a sense of purpose knowing that what I am doing is making a difference. I look forward to the time I dedicate to the organization and spend with all of the incredible students. 

Share any personal anecdotes involved with Dev/Mission? 

Since this is the first 100% virtual cohort, we are teaching all classes over Zoom. If you’re in a class with me, you can always count on me forgetting to unmute myself or turn on the audio. Luckily someone eventually says something.

How has Dev/Mission staff supported you?

The Dev/Mission staff wants to see everyone succeed, including their volunteers. Leo and Ivan have been supportive in making sure I have the tools and resources needed to be successful within this community. They have also given me the autonomy to make decisions that will positively impact the students and organization. Everyone is a Slack message away`12 It feels good to know your efforts are making a difference.

What three words would you use to describe Dev/Mission if you were trying to convince a friend/peer to get involved as a volunteer?

Inclusive, 

Revolutionary,

and Fulfilling.

Has Dev/Mission positively impacted you?  If so, how?

Absolutely! Volunteering with Dev/Mission has given me a deep sense of purpose within my community. As a Latina from San Francisco, I have seen and experienced firsthand the displacement of minorities and feeling of not belonging within the tech space, and therefore not belonging in my city. Through programs like Dev/Mission, we can change the opportunities available to our minority communities and prepare the next generation to find their place within the tech industry. Knowing I am helping people feel a sense of belonging is the most rewarding part of working with Dev/Mission.

What do you think makes Dev/Mission different from other organizations you have volunteered with before?

Lately I have been fortunate enough to volunteer with organizations that promote inclusivity, however, Dev/Mission also values diversity like no other. The organization is doing their part to close the digital divide. Leo is a selfless, passionate leader and that culture has carried off throughout the organization. Dev/Mission provides everyone with the resources they need to not only succeed in the tech space, but also belong there.

What would you like to do for Dev/Mission after this volunteer term?

I won’t be going anywhere and plan to continue supporting the organization both on the front line and behind the scenes. I hope to mentor Dev/Mission graduates and teach workshops. Connecting students and the organization with other resources within my network is also on my agenda.