Alumni Spotlight: Tahya M.
Each conversation with a First Tech Fund alum is an opportunity to reflect on what’s been most beneficial for our students and how they’ve been impacted through their participation in our programming and in partnership with our staff. These conversations also remind us that there is much more support that we can offer students across New York City and that we can grow our impact with the support of additional generous funders.
Tahya joined First Tech Fund during the 2022-2023 year as part of cohort 3, as a Senior at The Bronx High School of Science. Over the course of the year, First Tech Fund helped Tahya navigate the college application process and learn about college, especially as a first-generation student who was still learning about the challenges that come with higher education. These challenges included understanding complex topics like financial aid and scholarships, exploring potential career paths, and learning how to start building a foundation for her future goals.
Now as a Junior at Hunter College, Tahya is studying Computer Science and is also involved in several organizations, including her college’s Girls Who Code Club, where she serves as a Tech Coordinator, and the Hunter College Computer Science Club, where she is an Event Coordinator. She is also a lead organizer of Hunter College’s hackathon, CUNY Hunter Hacks, where she focuses on building community, fostering collaboration among her peers, and creating opportunities for students to hone and develop their skills.
We recently connected with Tahya to talk about her favorite FTF memories, her current studies at Hunter College, and more.
When you started at First Tech Fund as a Fellow, what were some of the things you were looking for support with?
When I first started at First Tech Fund, I was a high school senior who was facing the challenges of preparing for college and adjusting to life after quarantine. Everything around me was moving so rapidly that time seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye. When I joined, I was seeking stability and support, but most importantly, I was searching for a sense of community. Frankly, I was a passionate student with many ambitions but little sense of clear direction. Through First Tech Fund, I hoped to find guidance from those who had been in my shoes and support in understanding the opportunities available to me. I wanted a space where I could ask questions and gain clarity on my academic and professional journey.
What was the favorite part of the program you were a part of?
My favorite part of being a fellow at First Tech Fund was the people I met along the way. As I mentioned earlier, I was looking for a space where I would feel supported and comfortable being curious. First Tech Fund created that space for me. Although college applications had become a major source of stress during the same year I was in FTF, the reassurance from the First Tech Fund team throughout and after the application season was what kept me going. I never once felt like I was falling behind, and despite most program meetings being virtual, I always felt engaged and active in the FTF community. This was all possible thanks to the support of people like Hana and Josue, as well as my mentor at the time, Ollie. Everyone I met and got to know through FTF, including other fellows, was incredibly welcoming and kind. I truly felt like I found a community that cared about my success and well-being.
What is something you learned at FTF that you continue to value today?
My time as a First Tech Fund fellow taught me the importance of clearly communicating your unique story when you’re pitching yourself. I realized that sharing your aspirations, experiences, and strengths helps others understand who you are and how they can support you. Without grasping who you are, those whom you build relationships and connections with will not always know how to best assist you. While networking and building relationships don’t have to be complicated, genuine conversations where you openly express yourself can go a long way. I’ve always kept this lesson in mind and continue to build relationships where I’m able to express both my truth and purpose.
Can you tell us about an interesting person that you met via First Tech Fund? What did they teach you that helps you today in your work or in your studies?
One interesting person that I met through First Tech Fund was my mentor throughout the FTF program. Ollie was the first professional I connected with who worked in the technology industry. Although I was initially nervous to meet with her, I quickly realized she was the one there to help me and not hurt me. Over time, as we continued to meet regularly, we discussed everything from academic milestones and career paths to personal accomplishments.
My mentor taught me the importance of reflection and understanding my priorities. This helped me recognize and identify what I was truly passionate about. She showed me that career paths aren’t always straightforward, and that was okay. Through her guidance and support, I was able to establish what mattered to me, which ultimately led me to pursue computer science in college with a mission to continue building community. Now, throughout my academic and professional journey, I continue to reflect regularly to ensure my goals align with my values and interests, allowing me to stay motivated and excited for what the future holds.
What are you doing now and what are some of your goals for the next couple of years?
Currently, I work as a Program Assistant at the Hunter College Career Center, where I’m able to support the creation of programs that foster the professional development of over 22,000 Hunter students. This position has given me valuable insight into the challenges college students face in navigating the current professional landscape and helped me hone my communication, organization, and collaboration skills. Beyond this part-time role, I’m actively involved in college clubs and focused on building more meaningful relationships with my peers as I expect to step into leadership positions.
In the upcoming semester, I’ll be planning the second iteration of Hunter College’s hackathon with my team, hoping to build on the success of our first event. I especially look forward to the chaos that comes with connecting and speaking with different employers, professors, alumni, and professionals during the planning process.
Additionally, I plan to begin the application process for the summer 2026 internship cycle, and while I’m nervous for what’s to come, I’m equally excited for the opportunities ahead.
Moving forward, I aim to balance academics with work experiences that will closely align with my future aspirations. I hope to come across more opportunities that will allow me to combine my passion for technology with work in the nonprofit sector. As for my personal goals, I am excited to potentially study abroad in college, learn some new recipes, and read all the books on my shelf!
If there’s one thing you’d want to share about the First Tech Fund’s resources and community of support, what would it be?
If someone had told me when I first applied to First Tech Fund that I’d be signing up for lifetime support, I might not have believed them. However, three years later, I am both surprised and elated to share that I am still closely connected to the First Tech Fund community and would not trade it for the world. When I initially applied, I remember being excited to finally receive my very own laptop, but within weeks, the program became much more than that. At the time, my only goal was to get into college and establish what I wanted to major in. I was known to be more indecisive than the average person, which left me in a constant state of worry about what college would look like for me. I liked to make plans and follow them, but back then, I struggled to find the right resources and people to support me in making those plans.
From the moment I joined First Tech Fund, I remember the flood of calendar invites I received. The team had a new topic ready for each week, whether it was a career panel, digital and financial literacy, or lessons in resume and cover letter writing. They had thought of every possible topic and more. In the midst of it all, the team also included in-person opportunities for the cohort to get to know each other through baseball games, game nights, and other networking events. There was so much I gained access to as a First Tech Fund fellow, and it made me realize how lucky I was to be a part of the community. Additionally, while I was unfamiliar with what to expect from a mentor-mentee relationship, I’m glad I stayed committed to it, as my mentor was the one who had helped me through many of the obstacles I faced throughout high school and into my freshman year of college.
Everyone on the First Tech Fund team has one thing in common: their dedication and passion for what they do. Josue and Hana have been a constant presence since my first interaction with First Tech Fund, and one thing they always manage to do without fail is show up for their students and alumni. Despite being co-founders with a lot on their plates, they have never hesitated to be there for their students. They’ve always been easy to reach out to and connect with, and I know that if I ever needed any kind of help, the team would be there. Even after I graduated from the First Tech Fund program, I have continued to receive support through their alumni programming, and if anything, I’ve been more involved since.
Not only did First Tech Fund provide me with my first personal laptop, but they also gave me endless support even after I finished the year-long program. Through First Tech Fund, I secured one of my first summer internships at Givepact, and I strongly believe the opportunities that FTF has provided will continue to contribute to my future achievements. I look forward to seeing where else First Tech Fund will take me, and I’m excited to see how far First Tech Fund will go!