The Robin Hood of Silicon Valley
Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ JOHNSON.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Originally from South Central LA to working in Silicon Valley, I technically shouldn’t be here. Being from where I’m from, you’re more likely to be shot and killed or put in prison by the age of 18, and most people don’t make it to see 21. I’ve always been intrigued by technology. My father worked for intel, and my mother was a schoolteacher, so STEM and football have always been passions for me. Before my life as a technical consultant, I owned my own sports agency representing 40 athletes from every sport.
I currently work on the Data & AI business development team at one of the biggest technology companies in Silicon Valley and run a nonprofit organization that helps people like me obtain jobs in technology. To date, I’ve helped place over 200 people of color with jobs in Silicon Valley, with salaries totaling over 2.5 million. I’ve also found time to lunch my very own Cloud computing consulting firm specializing in Ai/ML and SQL migration and digital transformation.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Attending two junior colleges before finding a home at McPherson College in 2009, some call me a unicorn. But I just didn’t quit! My journey here wasn’t regular; I learned to read and write at nine years old. I’m a firm believer life is what you make it. We are all dealt different cards; how we choose to play those cards is up to us.
2019 I hit rock bottom after my sports agency flopped. I was homeless for a year, lost everything, house, car, and even friends. I spent a whole year sleeping on my mother’s couch before getting my big break, and even then, it wasn’t that big. After applying for numerous tech jobs and being told I was overqualified. I had to put my ego aside and take an internship at Apple as a Technical Specialist for minimum wage while earning my MBA from Georgetown University before landing my dream role in Silicon Valley. My companies slogan is “This Is Why We Tech.” before I heard one, yes, I had every technology company in the Valley tell me no, even my current employer. ITech because every company in Silicon Valley told me no.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in, and why should someone work with you over the competition?
Itech and DJ Consulting Firm are my passion. I’m able to reach back to the younger generation via STEM. We have opportunities for every phase of life STEM for ages 8-17, job placement age 20-25, career pivot all ages, and jobs placement with my consulting firm. I graduated from Georgetown University with my MBA and obtained a minor in Computer Science and Cybersecurity. Coming from a business background, I understand the value And the Integrity of data and how to leverage it for Your business’s benefit. We all use technology, but I look and speak to technology differently. I help companies turn the data into trillions of dollars & I can help you do the same with your SMB or enterprise business. Competitors can’t compare.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Four core principles:
1. Faith
2. Family
3. Health
4. Wealth
Live by These four principles, and you can’t lose.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success is something that you can’t measure. We live in a day when school is devalued, and everyone wants to become an entrepreneur. The success term success means something I learned in the first grade, which keeps your eyes on your own paper. Stay in your lane and do what makes you happy. Keep your eyes on your own paper.
What’s next for you?
My goal is to bring over two million jobs for people of color by 2025, along with putting an Itech center in every inner city in America. We are also launching an E-Sports team as well.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
IG: Deejack24x8
Email: info@itech0.com
LinkedIn: Darrick ”DJ” Johnson