Jessica Santana
Co-Founder
New York On Tech
New York, NY USA
“Own your greatness and own your difference, then create a space where other people can flourish in your greatness as well.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationJessica Santana
01:43
Jessica Santana Highlight06:16
Interview01:28
Own Your Greatness00:58
High School01:34
There's a Place for Everyone01:12
Being a Role Model00:51
Passerby vs. Ally
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Co-founded New York on Tech along with her college classmate and fellow leader Evin Robinson.
New York on Tech is a nonprofit organization that provides low-opportunity youth with mentorship and experience in technology.
Growing up in New York City, Jessica learned how to code so that she could personalize her Myspace profile.
Met Evin Robinson while at school at Syracuse University; the two pursued master’s degrees in technology studies together, then decided to go into business together.
Believes that the diversity problems in the world of technology aren’t based on malice, but rather on ignorance.
As a result, she’s made it her mission to educate people on the importance of diversity and inclusion in technology, especially in her hometown of New York City.
Rather than searching out role models, she decided she’d become the face of young Puerto Rican women in technology herself.
Says that being a trailblazer can feel like a burden, but then she sees things—like her niece completing a degree—that make her feel completely affirmed in her hard work.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Accounting
Syracuse University
Accounting
Syracuse University
Graduate
Information Technology
Syracuse University
Information Technology
Syracuse University
Career
Co-Founder
I provide low-opportunity youth with the development, mentoring, network and access needed to be successful in tech.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Technology
Helping People
Day to Day
Our organization creates pathways for students into degrees and careers in tech. I am mainly responsible for guiding our vision and strategy. I lead New York On Tech (NYOT) on its mission to prepare the next generation of technology leaders emerging from New York City. I am committed to developing, mentoring and providing support to students interested in the field of technology.
Skills & Qualities Beyond School
Diversity problems in the world of technology aren’t based only on malice, but rather on ignorance. Find ways to motivate people and transition them from being a passerby into an ally. There's a place for everyone in tech. Use what skills you have to get your foot in the door and add a new perspective.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
If you don't have anyone to look up to, become that person for yourself and for others.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Accounting
Accounting
Graduate
Information Technology
Information Technology
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I don't think I can succeed at this. "
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation Immigrant
Lack Of Opportunity
Interviewed By
Code Trip
Increasing representation in the world of coding
