09/01/2026
“My journey with technology started when I was a kid, tinkering with my father’s old desktop — a 486 machine with a blue Turbo Pascal screen and yellow fonts. That curiosity stayed with me throughout my career, but it was only recently that I found a way to use it for something deeply meaningful.
Over the years, I volunteered here and there, but it was never long term. I always wanted to find a mission that truly aligned with my values — something that combined technology and helping others. When I came across Engineering Good, I read their mission and thought, this is perfect. I submitted a volunteer form, got invited for an interview, and even dressed up for it like a job interview. Thankfully, they still took me in!
I started as a mentor for the Inclusive Bakeries project, which helps people with learning disabilities gain baking skills through accessible technology. We created a smart weighing scale and app that gives audio and visual feedback as users weigh ingredients, helping them become more independent. During one testing session, we were invited to taste what they baked — egg tarts — but they turned out extremely salty. They had used salt instead of sugar. It made us laugh, but it also taught us something important: we were solving for one problem but overlooking another. That experience helped us rethink how to make our solution more complete.
Volunteering here has been life-changing. After twenty years in tech, it reminded me why I fell in love with it in the first place — to create things that make life better for others. It has given me a stronger sense of purpose and even inspired me as a parent. I want to show my kids that we can always give back, that service to others is something worth striving for.
To anyone wondering if they can make a difference, I’d say yes. Whatever your skills are, there’s a place for you here. You’ll learn, grow, and see the real impact your work can have — something you don’t often find in the corporate world.”
– Kenny, EG Mentor
