Today we’d like to introduce you to Walt Carter.
Hi Walt, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my journey in 1979 when I joined the United States Air Force and took a chance on telecommunications — a field I knew little about at the time but one that would end up shaping my entire career. That decision set the tone for how I approach life: take risks, stay curious, and keep learning.
After eight years of service, I transitioned into the private sector and eventually worked with British Telecom, where I volunteered to learn new technologies like frame relay long before they were mainstream. That move placed me in leadership roles that allowed me to guide major network operations, and it reinforced my belief that opportunity often comes disguised as uncertainty.
Over the years, I’ve spent more than four decades in network engineering and technology leadership — most recently with AT&T — helping design and manage critical infrastructure for communications and public safety. But while technology has always been my career, people have always been my purpose.
That’s why I founded The TechBridge Foundation Inc. — to give at-risk and under-served youth the same kind of opportunity that changed my life. Through mentorship, STEM programs, and hands-on learning, we’re showing young people that tech isn’t just something they use — it’s something they can build.
Today, my story has come full circle: I’m still learning, still leading, and now helping the next generation find their path in technology — just like I once found mine.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road — and honestly, that’s what made the journey meaningful.
There were plenty of challenges along the way — from growing up with limited resources to navigating a military-to-civilian transition when opportunities for veterans in tech weren’t as visible as they are today. Early in my career, I faced moments where I was the only one in the room who looked like me or came from my background, and that meant I had to work twice as hard to be seen and heard.
Technologically, the industry itself never stops changing. I’ve had to reinvent myself multiple times — from learning new network systems to adapting to cloud, cybersecurity, and automation. Each shift came with uncertainty, but it also came with growth.
On a personal level, balancing family, service, and leadership wasn’t always easy. There were seasons where I poured everything into my work, and later realized the importance of mentorship, mental health, and giving back — lessons that inspired me to create The TechBridge Foundation Inc.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But every obstacle — from lost opportunities to hard lessons — became part of the foundation that fuels my mission today: to make sure young people don’t have to walk their path alone the way I once did.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve spent more than 45 years in the world of technology — specializing in network engineering, cybersecurity, and large-scale telecom infrastructure. My work has taken me from the U.S. Air Force to senior leadership roles with AT&T, where I’ve helped design and manage networks that connect millions of people and power critical systems like FirstNet, the nation’s public safety communications network.
But beyond the technology, I’ve always seen my true calling as building bridges — between people, opportunity, and purpose. That’s what led me to create The TechBridge Foundation Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering at-risk and under-served youth through STEM education, mentorship, esports, and content creation labs. Our mission is simple: to spark curiosity and open doors so the next generation can discover their potential in technology.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the titles or the technology — it’s the transformation. Watching a young person go from self-doubt to confidence, from “I can’t” to “I did” — that’s what drives me.
What sets me apart is my blend of real-world experience and heart-driven leadership. I’ve lived through the evolution of technology from analog to AI, but I’ve never lost sight of the human side. I believe in teaching from experience, leading with empathy, and showing by example that success isn’t just about how far you go — it’s about how many people you bring with you.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that often surprises people is that I’m actually an introvert at heart. Most people see the public speaker, the leader, or the DJ — the person running programs, mentoring youth, or hosting events — but deep down, I’m someone who finds peace in quiet reflection and creativity.
Another thing many don’t know is that I once played basketball for the U.S. Air Force in England for four years. That experience taught me teamwork, discipline, and resilience — lessons that I still apply today in leadership and mentoring.
And maybe the most surprising thing? Despite spending decades in high-tech environments, my biggest joy now comes from helping young people discover their worth — not just teaching them tech skills, but helping them believe they belong in those spaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bridge2tech.org
- Instagram: techbridge_foundation
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566389151238
- LinkedIn: The TechBridge Foundation Inc
Image Credits
Images owned by The TechBridge Foundation Inc
