Cohort Stories: Meet Victoria

Boston: vol. 8, no. 79— guest post by Victoria Mulugeta

Hack.Diversity
The Hack.Diversity Movement
2 min readFeb 2, 2024

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Victoria Mulugeta smiles at the camera.
Victoria Mulugeta, 2024 Hack.Diversity Fellow

Growing up in the city of Boston within the close-knit Ethiopian community has shaped my identity in profound ways.

Being the daughter of two courageous immigrants who dared to dream of a better future for their children fills me with immense pride.

Their determination and relentless work ethic have become the foundation upon which I’ve built my aspirations. As a first-generation student, I am privileged to embody the resilience that my parents exhibited when they embarked on the challenging journey to America. The sacrifices they made are not forgotten; they serve as a beacon of inspiration in my pursuit of higher education. Now, I stand as a testament to their hopes and dreams, determined to show them that the hard work they planted in a new land has flourished in their daughter.

At the young age of 10, I received my first computer, igniting a passion for technology that has guided my journey ever since. Whenever glitches or crashes occurred, my determination to unravel the issue sparked my fascination with the inner workings of technology. Growing up in an era witnessing the transformative shift from box TVs to sleek flat screens and flip phones to iPhones, I felt privileged to witness the rapid evolution of technology firsthand. This dynamic progression became a revelation, solidifying my desire to actively participate in the ever-changing landscape of innovation. Grateful to belong to a generation where technological advancements are not just observed but actively embraced, I am driven by the desire to contribute to and shape the future of technology.

Motivated by a deep desire to overcome dual challenges, I am propelled by the aspiration to showcase success not only in navigating a predominantly white institution but also in excelling within a male-dominated field.

As a black woman in tech, my motivation transcends personal achievement, encompassing a commitment to breaking barriers and paving the way for others.

The drive to make my parents proud becomes a powerful force, intertwining with a broader dedication to success, innovation, and progression for women of color in the dynamic landscape of technology.

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Hack.Diversity
The Hack.Diversity Movement

Hack.Diversity is on a mission to transform the economy by breaking down barriers for Black and Latine/x professionals in tech.