Mary Zhu is building Develop for Good to solve two pressing problems: the digital divide of the nonprofit sector, and representation in the tech industry.
Exactly - Develop for Good solves the digital transformation challenge on the nonprofit side, and the need for hands-on experience on the student side. We do this through a volunteer engagement platform that pairs underrepresented computer science and design students with nonprofits to build custom technical product solutions.
Farley: You mentioned that Develop for Good focuses on underrepresented college students. Can you say more about what this looks like?Totally. A key part of our mission is driving DEI in the tech industry. In practice, this means prioritizing students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in tech. We recruit students from over 260 colleges and counting, ranging from Ivy Leagues to community colleges.
Farley: That’s really exciting. Can you share a standout project that’s been particularly successful?, a small nonprofit. Develop for Good’s team of student volunteers worked with C2K to develop a mobile app for low-income families to access low-cost computers and free tech support. This service was essential during the pandemic as families navigated school closures and financial strain. Thanks to the app, C2K can serve more families and scale its work closing the digital divide.
Farley: You founded Develop for Good while you were a college student. What advice do you have for college students hoping to start their own nonprofit?My biggest piece of advice: it’s never too early to start making an impact. I’ve noticed a cultural stigma around starting or working at a nonprofit straight out of college. We’re told that there are few incentives for brilliant young people to go straight into nonprofit work because of the perceived sacrifices.
Farley: I agree - don’t wait. To wrap us up, Mary, what’s been your proudest moment in your Develop for Good journey?It’s hard to choose just one! I’m incredibly proud when volunteers tell us their Develop for Good experience helped them land their dream internship or job. On the flipside, I’m thrilled when we receive raving testimonials from our nonprofit clients.
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