Former Street Hawker Devon Jackson Transforms Destiny, Emerges as Software Engineer and Coding Instructor

Devon Jackson, once a street hawker selling tickets for survival in Times Square, New York, has achieved a monumental transformation, emerging as a successful software engineer and founder of an organization that teaches coding to millions.

Growing up without the privilege of attending high school or university, Devon started his entrepreneurial journey selling T-shirts and tickets to tourists. His life took a remarkable turn when he began attending coding workshops, securing scholarships for Python and data-analysis boot camps. Realizing his passion for technology, Devon immersed himself in studying multiple professional IT skill certifications.

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In 2013, he officially embarked on his tech career as an IT help-desk intern at Accenture, followed by a role as a full-stack developer at a boutique software firm in Brooklyn in 2014.

Motivated by the underrepresentation of Black engineers in the American tech space, Devon co-founded the non-profit organization "We Build Black" in 2017. The organization's mission is to empower the Black community through technical education and professional opportunities. "We Build Black" hosts meet-ups, training courses, and workshops for aspiring Black engineers, fostering a supportive network.

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Devon expressed disappointment with the lack of diversity in the tech industry, inspiring him to take action. "I became a software engineer and realized that I need to share the blessings with everybody around me, and you know, show my community essentially those freedoms," he stated.

Since its inception, "We Build Black" has raised millions of dollars, conducted numerous events, and assisted over 3,000 members in advancing their tech careers. The organization aims to eliminate financial obstacles for individuals pursuing careers in technology.

Devon, currently a senior software engineer at LeafLink, a cannabis-tech firm, emphasized the importance of controlling one's destiny and encouraged others facing limited opportunities to pursue their dreams relentlessly. "You got to control what you can control at the end of the day, and what you control is yourself. So get to the grind," he advised.

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Devon's inspirational journey from street hawker to tech leader underscores the transformative power of education and determination in shaping destinies.