We had the good fortune of connecting with George Hofstetter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi George, what do you attribute your success to?
I would say there’s a few.

Cultivating a strong support system
I think one of the most important factors is cultivating a strong support system. Creating a strong foundation of people you can rely on to support you when you need it is so critical. Surrounding yourself with individuals that are better than you at everything you’re not good at, I think that creates a super strong and well-balanced dynamic.

Trusting in your innate genius
I believe everyone has genius within them and as we get older and move through socialization we get further and further away from our true selves/our inner child. When you practice trusting your instincts, your moral compass, you begin to move with incredible intention and are now walking in your purpose and it becomes so evident you feel it. That’s your genius and you need to trust it.

Increasing your curiosity
Similar to what I said earlier, as we move through socialization we start to normalize conformity. We no longer ask uncomfortable questions, some choose not to question anything at all, and this becomes very dangerous. I believe in questioning everything. From technology developments to traditional forms of education and the structure of financial institutions. If we know something isn’t working or intentionally designed for the destruction of a specific demographic, why wait? Question now, research, problem solve, and then innovate to disrupt the countless multi-faceted systems of oppression we face everyday.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At GHTech we believe in uplifting marginalized communities of color through leveraging technology. We provide schools across the United States with our comprehensive computer science and entrepreneurship curriculums designed for students of color. We also build software for non-profit organizations that focus on providing more resources and opportunities for communities of color across the country. Through our 9-month highschool internship program, we connect our students with veteran engineers in the industry to support them through mentorship as they all work together on professional software development projects. Industry level mentorship for engineers of color is critical in disrupting the traditional hierarchies seen from the tech giant conglomerates. We are creating the next generation of BIPOC designers and developers that are building equitable and sustainable programs and systems for our future.

George in London, UK. Two days prior to his move onto The University of Oxford’s campus for summer studies

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I try to maintain a plant-based lifestyle as often as I can and some of the best plant-based food I’ve ever had have been in LA. Some must visits would be: Monty’s Burgers, Double-Zero pizza, Cafe Gratitude, and Munchies Vegan Diner. The energy in south LA is undeniable, visiting family around Leimert park, and if you haven’t been there yet y’all have to visit the Godfather of Leimert park, Baba Sika! Sika’s shop is true love, everyone that’s been there will say the same.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Gerri Saint Germain. Her mentorship has been beyond instrumental in my professional and personal success. From navigating business, to interviews, keynote presentations, and quite frankly critical thinking. I grew up in a very revolutionary household. For example, when I failed classes in school my F’s were reframed for me being a ‘Free thinker’. I was absolutely not allowed to go to detention whenever I was assigned it, she would explain how psychologically destructive it was and how it was preparing me for prison. She’s instilled in me the values of curiosity, education, and love. She holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology and early childhood development. From as early as I can remember she’s encouraged me to never stop learning, not to get a piece of paper to feel socially accepted or accomplished. I also have the privilege to call her my mom.

Website: www.georgehofstettertechnologies.com

Instagram: @hyphy_g // @ghtechinc

Linkedin: @George Hofstetter

Twitter: @ghtechinc

Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/georgehofstetter

Image Credits
(Photo one, Feature Photo: *George standing in alley way in a purple cardigan* George in London, UK. Two days prior to his move onto The University of Oxford’s campus for summer studies)

(Photo three: *George actively standing* George leading the (in)Visible Designers series a long side Akintunde Ahmad at Stanford University)

(Photo four: *George sitting with Akintunde Ahmad* George leading the (in)Visible Designers series a long side Akintunde Ahmad at Stanford University)

(Photo five: George giving a Tedx Talk at the Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2019)

(Photo six: *George in bright blue hoodie* George congratulating one of GHTech’s Highschool Interns at their Certificate Ceremony)

(Photo seven: *George in dark blue hoodie* George a long side Creative Design Engineer Ndene Diallo, congratulating the GHTech Highschool Interns at their Certificate Ceremony at their schools)

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