Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your professional background?
I’m thrilled to be a mentor! My journey in tech began after graduating from in 2019, when I moved to the Bay Area for my first software engineering role at a small startup in San Francisco. Over the past six years, I’ve worked primarily as a backend engineer, developing platform features such as calendar personalization for Amazon Alexa and optimizing internal tooling at data integration companies.
My passion lies in building systems that not only enhance user experiences but also improve developer productivity by reducing inefficiencies, automating processes, and optimizing performance.
What motivated you to become a mentor at Hack the Hood?
Mentorship has played a crucial role in my career. As a first-generation corporate employee, I’ve benefited immensely from the guidance of mentors who helped me navigate the complexities of the tech industry. Their insights and encouragement shaped my growth.
Hack the Hood provides a fantastic opportunity to support aspiring technologists from underrepresented backgrounds. I enjoy helping mentees bridge the gap between learning and real-world application—whether that’s refining technical skills, understanding industry dynamics, or strategizing career growth.
Empowering others to succeed in tech is incredibly fulfilling, and I’m excited to be part of that journey.
How has mentoring impacted you, either professionally or personally?
Mentoring has been a two-way learning experience.
Professionally, it has strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas, offer constructive feedback, and foster collaboration—skills that are just as critical as technical expertise. Personally, mentoring has deepened my appreciation for diverse perspectives and reminded me of the excitement of learning something new.
Seeing mentees grow in confidence and skill reinforces my own passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement. It has also motivated me to refine my own approach to learning, ensuring that I stay adaptable in an ever-evolving field like technology.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career?
Take your time to understand where you want to go before rushing in.
Your first job or bootcamp graduation is a huge milestone, but real career growth comes from strategic learning and networking. Beyond completing tasks, pay attention to how your company operates—how leadership makes decisions, what gives the company a competitive edge, and how your work contributes to long-term goals.
Technical skills will get you through the door, but building relationships, understanding business impact, and positioning yourself for opportunities will sustain your career.
Be curious, ask questions, and seek mentorship—it will make all the difference.
What’s one interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?
I have a deep appreciation for exploring how the world is connected across different disciplines. While I love programming, I also enjoy studying topics like neural networks, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architecture, and even broader subjects like infrastructure and security. Beyond tech, I’m passionate about cultural exploration, playing guitar, and spending time by the water—whether that’s at the beach or simply appreciating nature’s beauty.
Learning is a lifelong journey for me, and I find inspiration in seeing patterns and connections between seemingly unrelated fields. That curiosity keeps me engaged both in my career and personal life.
Final Words
Mentorship is key to success. Part of where I am comes from those that came before me. As a result, I became a mentor to pay it forward.
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