Aired Mar 19, 2025
As part of this global podcasting charity movement, PODCASTHON, we’re dedicating this episode to Dev Mission, a nonprofit committed to closing the opportunity gap in tech by training and mentoring underserved young adults. Based in San Francisco, Dev Mission equips young people with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to launch successful careers in the technology industry. With the demand for tech talent growing, Dev Mission is ensuring that the next generation isn’t left behind.
In this episode, we sit down with Leonardo Sosa, founder and executive director of Dev Mission, to explore how they are transforming lives through hands-on training, career mentorship, and real-world tech experience. Leo shares powerful success stories of young people who have gone from having no access to technology to landing roles in some of the biggest tech companies. We also discuss the broader issue of diversity in tech, the digital divide, and how industry professionals can step up to be part of the solution.
If you’ve ever wanted to make a tangible impact in the world of tech education and opportunity, this episode is for you. Listen in to learn how you can support Dev Mission, whether through volunteering, mentorship, or donations. Together, we can help create a more inclusive and equitable future in the tech industry. Tune in now and join the movement!
Leonardo Sosa’s journey from Guatemala to the U.S. is one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to empowering the next generation. At just 15 years old, he fled his home country in the midst of civil war, reuniting with his family in San Francisco. Though he arrived legally, Sosa faced immense cultural and language barriers, attending ESL classes and immersing himself in the new world around him. The challenges of adapting led to a period of struggle, but his strong foundation of discipline—instilled by his parents and his early training in martial arts—helped him push forward.
Determined to build a better future, Sosa worked tirelessly, taking on demanding jobs while fostering a passion for technology. His career path eventually led him to the Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA), where he dedicated himself to closing the digital divide for underserved communities. Seeing firsthand the lack of opportunities for young people in tech, he founded Dev Mission, a nonprofit organization that trains and mentors low-income youth for careers in the technology industry. His work has since helped hundreds of young adults gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed in an evolving digital world.
Today, Sosa is a recognized leader in tech workforce development, known for his deep empathy and commitment to uplifting underrepresented communities. Through Dev Mission, he continues to inspire and equip the next generation of diverse tech talent, proving that with the right support and opportunities, anyone can achieve success.
Links
Dev Mission (devmission.org)
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Podcast Index
Amazon Music
Podcast Addict
CastBox
PocketCasts
Listen Notes
Goodpods
Overcast
iHeartRadio
Castro
Podchaser
Deezer
Player.fm
Podfriend
One response to “Outrage 60 – PODCASTHON: Bridging the Tech Divide with Dev Mission – Leonardo Sosa”
Very Honored to be a part of my first podcast interview with Outrage Overload and
David Beckemeyer as I shared Dev/Mission, impact, and the stories that drive us forward with our Registered Pre Apprenticeship Program.
Thanks for the opportunity and I appreciate the support!