Alumni Spotlights

We’d like to introduce you to two TECH CORPS alumni who, not so long ago, were students in TECH CORPS programs. Stephanie and Elisha Muhammad went to Africentric High School in Columbus, Ohio and participated in our TECH CORPS NSBE Junior program during their high school years. Their TECH CORPS experience helped to inspire their college direction, which led them to find a new take on social media through their app called — OURONN. Let’s listen to their story …

When Abuukar Abuukar was young, he remembers using computer technology through gaming consoles. This sparked his passion for technology, but it was through TECH CORPS where he developed the ability to envision different career paths in the field. Through TECH CORPS’ Student TECH CORPS program he earned his first technical certification. After graduating from high school and acquiring additional technical certifications, Abuukar launched his own consulting firm, EnterprisePID, which provides help desk services. Abuukar credits TECH CORPS for creating the space to learn not only about technology, but about his future through a new lens.

For Kadijatou Bah, TECH CORPS was the first place she was exposed to the idea of diversity within the technology field. When starting with TECH CORPS as a high school student in 2016, it was difficult for her to imagine herself pursuing a career in technology because she saw the industry as mostly white and male dominated. Her openness and curiosity allowed her to shift her perspective towards a future career in technology. Kadijatou’s passion was unlocked by being able to see TECH CORPS instructors and educators who looked like her and actively working and growing in the field. Because of her experience with TECH CORPS, she is currently studying management information systems and is a member of the Wright State University Class of 2023. Through Kadijahtou’s work as a TECH CORPS instructor, she hopes to give students the same confidence to pursue a technology education and career pathway.

Jonah Medina’s interest in computer science goes back to his early childhood. Growing up as a digital native in the information age showed him just how important technology access and exposure was. His early passion led him to John Marshall School of Information Technology in Cleveland, Ohio and it was there that his relationship with TECH CORPS began. In 2018, during his sophomore year, Jonah’s Principal recommended him for a special TECH CORPS web development program where students built a website for a local law firm. After having such a positive experience with TECH CORPS, Jonah spent the next two summers in our Student WEB CORPS program. Upon graduating in 2020 Jonah was accepted into Case Western Reserve University’s College of Engineering. In 2021, Jonah came back to TECH CORPS, this time as an instructor for the Student WEB CORPS program. With Jonah’s experience and training, he has numerous career opportunities available to him including software or web development. He shared, “Because of TECH CORPS, the sky is the limit.”

Maheder Melakie was introduced to computer science in 2017 through TECH CORPS’ Computer Career Corps program. In 2019, Maheder participated in her first hackathon with TECH CORPS. Maheder attends The Ohio State University with a double major in computer science and statistics with a minor in business. During the summer of 2022, Mahedar worked as a TECH CORPS instructor. Her dream job is to become a software developer with Google. For Maheder, TECH CORPS was a life-changing experience. Without the resources and relationships built within the TECH CORPS family, Maheder says she would not be where she is today and doing what she loves.

Freddie Sellers’ early access to technology education started in grade school through one of TECH CORPS’ signature programs, Techie Club. For Freddie, there was always a lingering inspiration to build and make something out of ‘nothing’. During high school, Freddie participated in TECH CORPS’ Computing Career Corps, Student TECH CORPS and Student WEB CORPS programs where he completed 650 hours of technology learning. In 2021, Freddie worked as a TECH CORPS instructor. As a 2022 graduate from The Ohio State University, Freddie credits TECH CORPS for the growth of his leadership and social skills which allowed his confidence in the field, and in life, to soar. Freddie’s dream as a future engineer is to give back to programs like TECH CORPS through access and inclusion.

To Marjorie Mendez, TECH CORPS is the place to nurture a young mind. Marjorie began exploring computer science through TECH CORPS in 2015. Over the next three years, she participated in Computing Career Corps, Student WEB CORPS and our TECH CORPS Hackathon. Today, she continues to build her technology knowledge through an apprenticeship at Nationwide Insurance. She credits TECH CORPS for the ability to not let challenges defeat her, and instead allow them to guide her to new perspectives when tackling an issue.