As a nonprofit tech organization, Code the Dream relies on software development volunteers to make our program a success. We are grateful for every single volunteer that works to support our students and apprentices in the many ways they show up: mentoring, leading workshops, reviewing assignments, pair programming, project coaching and more!
But some go above and beyond. We are excited to recognize that service and celebrate their contributions by honoring CTD’s Volunteer of the Month.
February’s volunteer of the month is Kon Ham! Thanks for all your work, Kon!
When asked why he values his work s a CTD volunteer, Kon responded with this message:
My name is Kon. I’m a software engineer at a growing tech startup in Boston, Massachusetts that builds products for engineering management.
I was born in Korea. My parents immigrated to the US when I was 1 or 2 years old.
I love coding because coding gives me an opportunity to be part of a team that solves problems creatively, elegantly, and effectively. I love coding because there is sufficient depth of material that I know I can spend the rest of my life improving my coding skills. Finally, I love coding because it gives me a fulfilling job that meets my lifestyle needs.
I love to volunteer at Code the Dream because it is an encouragement to see new faces every day that are desiring to learn a valuable skill to contribute to the growing field of tech. Those new faces are a representation of the many different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences that can one day be leveraged to make the world a better place.
I love volunteering at Code the Dream because it is a mission that is close to my heart. For approximately 20 years I was undocumented in a country that I loved.
I love the people, I love the land, and I love the values. Because of that, six months after I was naturalized, I joined the armed services as an enlisted member of the United States military. But for better or worse, that experience of being undocumented made a deep and lasting impression on me.
With my background in mind, I continue my tradition of being in service to others by volunteering my time at Code the Dream. I volunteer here because I believe people are not wrong or criminals for existing. I believe those same people from traditionally underrepresented or historically excluded groups can demonstrate and contribute value in a growing and incredibly important industry.
I volunteer at Code the Dream because I believe that I can make an impact on this field by volunteering my time be a mentor.
Do you want to make a lasting impact on the lives of others?
Mentor with Code the Dream. It is hard work but oftentimes great things can follow from hard work.
Sign up with Code the Dream today!”
Kon Ham
Learn more about volunteering at Code the Dream HERE!