Sara Sandhu On Why She Believes in Hack the Hood

As we enter the final week of our crowdfunding campaign, The Great Tech Community Challenge, we had a chance to speak with Sara Sandhu, Development Project Manager at East Bay College Fund, about why she chose to support our effort to expand programming for youth of color. 

Her words are a powerful reminder of just how important community building work is, and why we must continue to push to create opportunities for young people. 

What's your name and where do you work?
My name is Sara Sandhu, and I'm currently working for East Bay College Fund in Oakland. Hack the Hood is one of our partners!

How does the mission of Hack the Hood - and this campaign - relate to your own career journey?
I, like so many people I know, really struggled to start my career, even after graduating from a university. When I enrolled in a Bioscience program at a local community college, I was part of an awesome cohort of students and introduced to the most incredible faculty I have ever known. I truly credit everyone there for helping me realize my place is in education, and for opening up doors to some incredible professional opportunities. 

Why do you think it's important to support this campaign?
Knowing you have a sideline of supporters is such a powerful feeling, and it really does make you feel that you can be anywhere you'd like to be, doing anything you want to do. When I was introduced to Hack the Hood, I was so impressed with the technical skills they help students build, but more importantly, they create a sense of community for our youth. Finding a job in tech can be really difficult, but finding yourself and realizing your passions is even more challenging when the odds are positioned against you. Hack the Hood helps youth overcome these barriers in such meaningful ways. I think the more obvious question is really why wouldn't you support this campaign? 

Any advice for young people who are just starting out in their careers?
A mentor is key! I really would not be where I am today with the ambitions I now have set, if I did not have these special people in my life cheering me on and offering great advice along the way. 

Give to Sara's team fundraiser for The Great Tech Community Challenge and create more opportunities for youth of color interested in tech today.