Finding Community in Tech: How Systems Engineer Maya Davis Strengthens the Tech Ecosystem with BOT!

Event Photo of Maya

When you think of a nonprofit tech organization, what typically comes to mind is career transitions, startup support, or workforce development. For Maya Davis, her motivation was different. Working as a systems engineer specializing in digital environments at Lockheed Martin Advance Development Program, Maya wasn’t looking for start-up support or a new job. What Maya was looking for, the problem she yearned to solve, was finding an engaging tech community. Maya graciously took time out of her schedule to share how BOT is more than a problem-solver. BOT is a tech ecosystem community-builder. 

About Maya

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and what you do now.

“I am a systems engineer specializing in digital engineering, specifically integrating emerging technologies such as model-based engineering and data analytics to improve decision-making, system performance, and lifecycle efficiency. I work at Lockheed Martin Advance Development Programs.”

Q: What challenges were you facing at the time?

“I wanted to get engaged with the tech community in the greater Orlando area. I wanted be exposed to more people who had a passion for technology. ”

Searching for Community

Maya originally discovered BOT through social media. Finding common alignment through BOT’s mission and values, Maya was searching for an enriching tech community to become a part of. 

Q: Was there a specific moment, resource, or person that made a difference?

“There were many impactful moments, but one that stands out was representing BOT at a weekend-long hackathon with the Orlando Magic, where our team placed second. That experience highlighted the power of collaboration and community. Additionally, the BOT board and volunteers—who generously give their time and energy; made a lasting impact on my experience.”

Q: What stood out the most about your experience?

“ For me, it was the community. I loved having a group of people outside of my corporate role that I could connect with, nerd out with, and share ideas, while also helping others who are interested in breaking into the industry.”

Q: How did your experience with BOT affect you?

“ These experiences significantly grew my confidence and deepened my passion for technology. BOT had a profound impact on me, it provided a platform where I could show up as my authentic self while still contributing meaningful ideas and technical input. There were no rigid rules that limited creativity; instead, we were encouraged to think freely and integrate technology into everything we did.

The opportunities I gained through BOT supported my professional growth in tangible ways. I participated in a weekend-long hackathon with the Orlando Magic, where we collaborated, learned, and built alongside one another. Through these experiences, I formed lasting connections, expanded my skills, and grew not only as a technologist, but as a leader and community member.”

Q: What outcomes can you directly relate to the support, access, and resources received from BOT?

“The support, access, and resources provided by BOT directly contributed to my professional growth and confidence in the technology space. Through BOT, I was able to take on leadership opportunities. The organization encouraged creative freedom, allowing me to integrate technology into community initiatives in practical and meaningful ways. BOT also provided meaningful speaking opportunities that allowed me to share my expertise and contribute to the broader tech community. Through workshops and events, I was able to present technical concepts in an accessible way, build confidence as a speaker, and establish myself as a thought leader within the organization.”

Building with BOT 

Now that Maya was involved with BOT, she utilized her expertise to create a greater impact in the BOT community.  

Q: What programs, services, or interactions did you have with BOT?

““For BOT, I served as the Mentorship Chair, where I led a machine learning–based workshop focused on leveraging data science to analyze mentor–mentee compatibility and optimize best-fit matching.””

Q: Where are you now compared to where you started?

“When I first joined BOT, I was looking for community outside of my corporate role. Today, I am working in Atlanta, Georgia and have since received a promotion at work. My involvement with BOT helped build my confidence, expand my leadership skills, and reinforced my identity as both a technologist and mentor.”

Q: What's next for you?

“I’m excited to become more engaged in the Atlanta tech community. There has been ongoing discussion around expanding BOT into Atlanta, and I’m eager to support that growth and help build a strong local presence.”

Q: What would you say to someone considering getting involved with BOT?

“Do it, and be all in! BOT is more than an organization; it’s a community that will challenge you, support you, and create opportunities for growth if you’re willing to show up and contribute.”

The BOT Difference

Q: Was the BOT experience different from others you have experienced in tech? If so, how was the experience different?

“Having spent years in the tech industry and being exposed to numerous technology organizations, BOT felt different. The community was organic and genuine—there was no gatekeeping. People were water carriers, openly sharing knowledge and lifting others as they advanced.”

Q: In your own words, what does BOT's mission mean to you?

“BOT’s mission represents intentional access, creating pathways for people to engage with technology in a space where culture, identity, and shared experience are valued. It affirms that representation matters and that people deserve to see themselves reflected in the tech spaces they aspire to join.”

Q: Why do you think organizations like BOT are important for the future of tech? 

“Emerging technology can often feel inaccessible or out of reach. Organizations like BOT play a critical role in bridging that gap by fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are welcomed, ideas are openly shared, and innovation is strengthened through community.”

Why Community Matters in Tech

Tech professionals like Maya remind us that tech ecosystems aren’t just pipelines, they’re people. When experienced technologists participate in hackathons, mentor emerging talent, and lead meaningful conversations, the entire community grows stronger. Skills sharpen. Confidence builds. Ideas accelerate. BOT exists to empower tech professionals to learn, build, and scale. Even more importantly, we exist to help the tech community connect. The most powerful form of growth isn’t always a new career; it can also come from finding your community. 

“BOT gave me a space to be myself while still making meaningful technical and leadership contributions. There were no limits on creativity, only encouragement to integrate technology into everything we did. The experience strengthened my confidence, expanded my network, and reaffirmed my passion for using technology to uplift others.”

Through hackathons, mentorship, and leadership opportunities with BOT, Maya found and continues to build the community she’s looking for.