Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayo Duyile. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Ayodele ‘Ayo’ Duyile, a native of the DMV area, hailing specifically from Hyattsville, embarked on his tech career in 2015 by joining Lockheed Martin as a Software Engineer. Simultaneously pursuing a Master’s in Engineering Product Management, he successfully completed the program in 2017. In 2018, Ayo made a significant transition to Product Development at Facebook, where his Oculus team earned the prestigious first Emmy for Outstanding Innovation In Interactive Media. In 2020, Ayo received an enticing offer to become a Product Manager for the Azure team at Microsoft, leading its growth efforts in Atlanta. Presently, Ayo holds the position of Google Senior Technical Product Manager and also serves as an adjunct professor at Temple University, teaching an introductory course on Product Management for master’s students.
Boasting more than seven years of experience in product and engineering roles, Ayo’s career serves as a model for successfully navigating into the product domain. Through his DC-based organization, Techsgiving.org, which boasts a global community of over 15,000 professionals, Ayo has played a pivotal role in assisting individuals from diverse backgrounds in entering the tech industry, securing roles at esteemed companies like Google, Twitter, Microsoft, and Facebook. Recognizing his contributions, Ayo was honored with the 30 under 30 award by his alma mater, Temple University, in Fall 2021, acknowledging his efforts in promoting tech diversity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The primary challenges, in my view, revolve around navigating the unknown and learning while progressing. Launching a venture initially as a passion project and evolving it into a more substantial endeavor is akin to constructing an aircraft mid-flight. This dynamic process adds an extra layer of difficulty compared to having a well-defined roadmap from day one. However, this unpredictability is also what makes the journey enjoyable.
The second hurdle, which we are steadily overcoming, involves establishing alignments with corporate partners. Our focus is on nurturing our community without charging fees, and our sustainability hinges on partnerships and funding from these entities. Therefore, we must be exceptionally data-driven and precise to genuinely appeal to the best possible partners.
Lastly, balancing a full-time job and managing this, in conjunction with being a college professor, poses its own set of challenges. Particularly as Techsgiving expands, having the right infrastructure and a capable team in place is crucial to avoid spreading ourselves thin or succumbing to burnout. It underscores the importance of scalability and organizational efficiency as we grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about techsgiving?
Techsgiving is a community dedicated to advancing the careers of underrepresented professionals and entrepreneurs. Our fundamental principles revolve around continuous skill development, global connectivity, and a commitment to social good.
In collaboration with industry leaders such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, TikTok, and more, Techsgiving aims to narrow the digital gap by providing resources for professionals to enhance their career and entrepreneurial journeys. What sets Techsgiving apart is our “lift as we climb” mindset, emphasizing that everyone in our community possesses the ability to contribute and grow. This philosophy is evident in our ongoing skill-building programs in partnership with the city of ATL, our Tech Talk Tuesday series discussing emerging tech trends, and our annual summit in Washington, DC.
The Annual Techsgiving Summit, expected to draw over 1,000 in-person and 2,000 virtual attendees, will be hosted at Audi Field Stadium from December 6-9. It stands as the largest gathering of our 15,000-strong community, providing a comprehensive experience of our initiatives, including:
Technical workshops
Career guidance and interview preparation
Networking and community-building
A showcase for local DC Small & Medium Business Owners with TikTok
Demo/Pitch Competition for AI Startups
Summit Tracks include:
Career Mobility, Leadership, Technical Skill Building
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Government Consulting & Contracting
To register, visit Techsgiving.org/summit.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
What has proven effective for me in discovering a mentor involves a deliberate effort to engage with others. This entails actively participating in networking events and emphasizing the value I bring and how I can contribute to others rather than immediately expressing my own needs or desires. Many individuals seek mentorship without recognizing that being a mentee can be equally advantageous as being a mentor. By articulating the value I bring, such as skills, connections, and influence, it transforms mentorship into a mutually beneficial relationship rather than a one-sided exchange. To sum up, proactively connect with people, identify someone whose position you aspire to or who can guide you to your desired position, and importantly, initiate conversations by highlighting the value you offer and how you can assist them. This approach lays a solid foundation for a fruitful mentorship.
Contact Info:
- Website: Techsgiving.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techsgiving/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Techsgiving/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsgiving/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/techsgiving?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXdsPLhRgx12Cx9SRirr5og
