For ten years, Building Our Tech (BOT) has worked to make Orlando a place where anyone can break into tech, build a career, and create something meaningful. As part of our 10-year anniversary impact stories, we’re highlighting the people who have shaped our work and been shaped by it.
This week we’re featuring Sarah Elbadri, Deputy District Director for Congressman Maxwell Frost. Sarah has watched BOT grow from its founding into a lasting part of the Central Florida tech ecosystem.
More Than Theme Parks
Orlando is known worldwide for hospitality and tourism. Sarah believes the city’s potential goes far beyond that.
“A lot of people know Orlando as a hospitality and tourism focused community, and I feel like there’s just so much more to Orlando.”
Sarah views BOT’s growth as a necessity of a real need for organizations that help people understand tech and find their way into the industry. By opening doors to higher-wage jobs and dynamic industries, it showed people “this future that you can live in Orlando and do really well and be super creative and build really great things.”
Built on Friendship and Persistence
Sarah remembers BOT’s founders as “incredibly smart, strategic, forward-thinking community builders.” Camaraderie brought them together, and she says a passion for helping others has kept them together for over ten years.
When asked what sets BOT apart from other Orlando tech nonprofits, she answered in one word:
“Persistence. They’re an organization that is constantly looking to meet the moment, and regularly do.”
The Software to the Hardware
Sarah’s work in city planning gives her a systems-level view of why community matters.
“City planning isn’t just the roads, the infrastructure, the transportation, the buildings. It’s about the people.”
BOT connects people who care about Orlando and want to uplift others. At the same time, it helps them earn good wages and build what they dream of. Sarah describes the role this way:
“They are the software to the hardware of the city.”
Watch Sarah’s Full Story
Hear Sarah describe why BOT matters to Orlando and what she hopes the next ten years will bring.
“Our city is richer because BOT exists.”
As we celebrate a decade of growing the Orlando tech community, we’re grateful to leaders like Sarah who believe in what we’re building. Follow along each week for more impact stories, and join us in shaping the next ten years.