By Rachel Spurlock, Sales Leader at Microsoft & Board Advisor at We Create Tech
Volunteering with We Create Tech has been an incredibly rewarding experience—one that has deepened my passion for advocating digital equity and empowering students in underserved communities. As a Sales Leader at Microsoft, I’ve always been focused and driven towards the success of my customers. Furthermore, my nonprofit work with We Create Tech and the Microsoft GIVE program has allowed me the opportunity to extend those same talents and passions towards empowering young minds to achieve more. When I joined We Create Tech as a Board Advisor, I was drawn to the organization’s mission to close the race gap in the tech industry by providing opportunities for Black and Brown students to thrive in STEAM fields. I knew this was a space where I could make a real difference—not just in the boardroom, but on the ground, working with students to help them realize their potential.
“Coding with Music” Summer Camp: An Unforgettable Experience
One of the recent highlights was virtually volunteering at the “Coding with Music” Summer Camp at an Arts charter school in Atlanta. Imagine a room full of young students who love music, art, and technology, eager to learn how to turn their passions into reality. It was amazing to see the excitement on their faces as they dove into Python & JavaScript coding designing their instrumental beats in GitHub while creating their own digital marketing ads with Microsoft Copilot. Collaborating with the Instructional Designers and Facilitators at We Create Tech on marketing concepts and building personal brand was a fun and engaging learning experience for myself and the students.
This summer camp experience was followed by a field trip to Georgia Institute of Technology (CEISMC), where they explored the possibilities for “careers in tech”. The energy and creativity these students brought to the table was inspiring—they were learning how to code, but more importantly, they were learning how to tell their own stories and share their unique talents with the world in a new fashion. Watching these students build through teamwork and present their ideas was incredibly inspiring. It reminded me of why I am so passionate about this work: it’s not just about teaching tech skills, but about equipping young people with the tools, guidance and confidence they need to create a future where they can thrive.
Finding Purpose in Collaboration
Beyond the time I spend with the students, I’ve found great value and inspiration in giving back and working with the dedicated team at We Create Tech. Having meaningful conversations with individuals who are equally passionate about bridging the digital divide has been a powerful experience. One of the things I love most about We Create Tech is the cadence we’ve developed as a team. Learning from the diverse expertise of each team member has enriched not only my volunteering efforts but also my professional growth. Whether we’re discussing potential partnerships, grant applications, or strategizing how to create meaningful experiences for students, every meeting is filled with purpose and passion. Each member brings something unique to the table, and together, we’re working to ensure that our students have every opportunity to succeed in the tech world. For me, this journey is about more than just volunteering, it’s about advocating for our future leaders and being part of a mission to level the playing field. The connections I’ve made, both with the students and my fellow team members, have been deeply impactful, and I look forward to continuing this work as we grow and bridge the tech equity gap.
Why We Create Tech Matters
My time with We Create Tech has shown me that the digital divide is more than just a lack of access to technology—it’s about the untapped potential in our communities, waiting to be unlocked with the right support. Through We Create Tech, I have the chance to be part of driving that change, and it’s an experience I will always cherish.
We are building something meaningful here, not just in the lives of students, but for the future of the tech industry as a whole. I am deeply grateful to be part of such an impactful organization, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for our students as we continue to empower and uplift the next generation of technologists.
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