“I grew up in West Contra Costa and benefited from a program called INROADS, which is a specialized program working with lower-income Black, Brown, Latino students across the US. They kicked off my professional journey. I got my first internship at Genentech, which got me a job, which led to my experience in technology and who I get to be today.
With my company, Lucidworks, I was presented with the opportunity to sponsor a similar program called Meritus and hire their scholars as full-time interns. It felt great to be able to give back to an org similar to one that had been so important to me.
When Meritus merged with 10,000 Degrees, I quickly felt that 10,000 Degrees was the best place to help give kids like me access to more opportunities. The 10,000 Degrees model of how they engage the student community is incredibly organic to creating success. When you have that level of connection, you’re inspiring that person to go back into their community and demonstrate a level of success. Contra Costa is ready for this type of engagement. Behind the challenges, there is a very culturally rich community in Contra Costa; there is motivation and ingenuity. It’s a perfect recipe for the impact 10,000 Degrees can make. With 10,000 Degrees, you’re not just going to affect one student, it goes back to the whole community.”
Co-Chair, 10,000 Degrees Contra Costa Advisory Board
COO, Bestomer