Devin Dixon: Giving Underrepresented Youth Opportunities in Tech

Ladderworks is a publishing platform of diverse picture books and online curriculum with the mission to empower over a million kids to become social entrepreneurs. Our current series features interviews by our interplanetary journalist Spiffy with inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builders, and Changemakers who are advancing the UN SDGs. 

Hey, gang! Spiffy here, back with the scoop on the changemaking leaders of Planet Earth. As the only interplanetary journalist stationed on this blue planet, I’m thrilled to present this galactic exclusive with Devin Dixon, CEO of Glitch. Let’s see what he is doing to make a positive impact in the world.

Spiffy: Thanks for joining me, Devin! Tell me, what challenge are you addressing through your organization?

Devin: Glad to be with you, Spiffy! We are creating more opportunities for underrepresented youth to get into technology through esports and gaming.

Spiffy: Very cool! What motivates you to tackle this challenge?

Devin: A lot of major tech innovators started coding when they were very young—in middle school or high school. Being in tech is what's going to change the world in the future. I myself am one of those young coders that taught myself C++ while still in middle school. I want to give other underrepresented youth the same opportunity.

Spiffy: That’s inspiring motivation. How would you describe the impact of your work?

Devin: Our target audience is high schoolers looking to get into technology and that love to play games competitively. We want to get them into technology and ideally become developers through gaming, to set them up to one day become industry leaders.

Spiffy: I love that you are helping youth become tomorrow’s future leaders. Tell me about a recent milestone or initiative by you or your organization. What impact does that make?

Devin: In April, we are going to be hosting an esports tournament with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second largest school district in the United States.

Spiffy: Exciting! Is there anything else you would love to tell our audience?

Devin: We would love to work with your school in setting up an esports division.

Spiffy: Thanks for speaking with me today, Devin—it’s been an honor!

Devin Dixon is the CEO of Glitch. He is a serial entrepreneur, teacher, developer, and avid runner. Nominated by Kerry Ingram of Visible Hands. First published on the Ladderworks website on April 6, 2023.

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Ladderworks LLC.

© 2023 Ladderworks LLC. Edited by Lindsey Brannon. Spiffy’s illustration by Shreyas Navare. For the Ladderworks digital curriculum to help K-3 kids advance the UN SDGs, visit Spiffy's Launchpad: Creative Entrepreneurship Workshops for K-3 Kids and their caregivers here.