Tech Exchange's First Serve2STEM Intern Celebration Event 2025
- akinahuey
- 14 hours ago
- 4 min read
At Tech Exchange, we are driven by a simple but powerful mission: to advance digital equity by providing technology access and career opportunities to those who need it most. On June 4th, 2025 , we came together to celebrate one of the most inspiring parts of that mission: our incredible interns.
Our Intern Appreciation Event was more than just a moment of recognition; it was a vibrant reflection of the community we are building together. Interns, staff, partners, and supporters came together to share stories, celebrate accomplishments, and recommit to the work we do every day - bridging the digital divide and building pathways to careers in tech.
An Unforgettable Gathering of Community Leaders
We were honored to welcome partners from across the Bay Area, including representatives from Hack the Hood, Oakland Unified School District, and other amazing supporters.
Their presence made the celebration even more meaningful, reinforcing the power of collaboration in advancing digital equity.
We were especially proud to be joined by Bruce Buckelew, the founder of Tech Exchange, whose vision decades ago planted the seeds for what this organization has become. His presence served as a reminder of the lasting impact that dedication and purpose can create.
Words That Inspire: Our Keynote Speakers
A special thank you to our keynote speakers, whose stories, insights, and encouragement lit up the room and inspired our interns to dream bigger. Your words reminded us all of why we do this work and what’s possible when we remove barriers and build bridges to opportunity.
A Standing Ovation for Our Interns
To our interns: you are the heartbeat of Tech Exchange. Whether you were behind the scenes refurbishing devices, supporting logistics and outreach, supporting e-waste recycling, running digital literacy workshops, or contributing your creative talents in new ways, you made a difference.
You brought passion, persistence, and purpose to your work, and we are so proud of how you’ve grown. You didn’t just show up, you showed us what the future of tech leadership looks like.
Congratulations to our first Serve2Stem Cohort: Zhao Zishen, Tony Qiu, Fio Dio, Kaung (John) Thant Lynn, Anastasiia Gogolev, Mateo Tarango-Sho, Daniel Vallejo, Ernesto Guerrero, Esteban Cantu, Samir Walvekar, Reynaldo Gonzalez, Alexis Munoz, Carlos Ramirez, Emanuel Muratalla Espinoza, Zoe Dewalque, Joshua Webster Escobar, Erick Ramirez-Vazquez, Juan Ramos, Abdullah Aldaeene, Chyu Yawai Phyo, Jules Kemgang, Zacharia Nasser, Myles Douglas, Alfeu Clements, Kaleb Strong, Ashley Pablo, Jose Vigil, Violeta Chavez, Eisa Eisa, Gabriel Mendoza, Memo Martinez, and Muluk Ollin Leon Perley.
Gratitude to the Tech Exchange Team
This celebration would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our Tech Exchange staff, who guided, mentored, and uplifted our interns every step of the way. You created space for learning, nurtured potential, and modeled the values of service and impact. Your leadership is at the core of everything we do. Thank you for creating a space where learning and leadership flourish.
Thank You to Our Partners and Donors
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our partners and donors, whose unwavering support fuels this vital work.
Your contributions empower young people to access technology, gain real-world experience, and build futures they may have once thought out of reach.
You are investing in equity, in opportunity, and in transformation.
Moments of Joy: Celebrating Surprise Wins
As the event came to a close, we shared in one final highlight that brought even more energy and joy to the room, a surprise raffle. We were thrilled to announce two (2) very special winners:
One of our interns: Chyu Yawai Phyo, took home a brand-new tablet, a tool that will support their continued learning and creativity in tech.
And in a truly heartwarming moment, the mother of one of our interns won a 55-inch smart TV!
Moving Forward, Together
This event marked something special, and it's just the beginning. We’re thrilled to announce that our Intern Appreciation Event will become an annual tradition at Tech Exchange. Each year, we’ll continue to celebrate the brilliant young minds who drive our mission forward and bring our community together to reflect, connect, and envision the future.
This celebration was a reminder of what’s possible when we come together with a shared purpose. Our workforce development program is not just about jobs - it’s about empowering individuals, and to imagine new futures for themselves and their communities.
Our interns are more than learners, they are change makers, community leaders, and emerging professionals who will carry forward the mission of digital equity in new and powerful ways. As they take the next steps on their journey, we remain committed to creating pathways that uplift, include, and empower.
To everyone who made this event and this program possible: Thank you for believing in the power of access, the importance of mentorship, and the boundless potential of our youth.
With gratitude,
The Tech Exchange Team
Be Part of Our Story
Couldn’t make it this year? Don’t worry, you can still be part of the journey. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on future events, digital equity efforts, internship opportunities, and community stories.
If you would like to learn more about our Serve2STEM program click here.
If you would like to know more, or get involved please contact Ulises@techexchange.org
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