Through mentoring, workforce development, and startup support, the nonprofit has helped shape Central Florida’s tech community and helped local founders secure more than $20 million in capital.
Orlando, Fla. — Oct. 13, 2026 — Building Our Tech (BOT), an Orlando nonprofit that has engaged 10,000 local tech professionals, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a series of impact stories from program participants, culminating in Brilliance in Orbit: The Diamond Decade Gala on Nov. 14 at the Winter Park Events Center. Over the past decade, BOT has helped Central Florida’s tech community learn, build, and scale through workforce development, startup founder mentorship, and hands-on programming.
BOT-supported founders have secured more than $20 million in documented grants, investments, and other capital after participating in a BOT program. Since 2016, BOT has trained more than 90 founders through entrepreneurship workshops, events, and startup programming, and supported 57 companies through its incubator and accelerator programs.
“Having been part of BOT’s community since the beginning and serving as executive director for the past three years, I’ve witnessed people land their first job in tech, purchase their first home, and grow their businesses. I’ve seen founders receive that first check that made a real difference in their business and their lives,” said Safia Porter, executive director of BOT. “Just as meaningful are the friendships, the sense of community, and the ways people come together to build businesses and help each other grow their careers.”
“We’ve always focused on how many people we can help rather than accolades and numbers,” said Joshua Walker, co-founder of BOT. “Now it’s about figuring out how we keep growing for another 10 years so we can make a bigger and bigger impact.”
BOT’s workforce programming has helped participants enter and advance in tech careers. Businesses and participants connected to BOT programs have created, added, or retained 82 jobs, and at least 16 participants have secured employment placements with documented retention beyond 90 days. BOT has also provided AWS certification and exam-preparation support to nearly 40 learners.
Since 2016, BOT has delivered more than 140 events and programs, including 84 workshops, across technology, entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, and business development.
The organization’s impact reaches past the numbers. “Beyond the skill-building, the programs, and the opportunities, what I hear most often is that people feel like they’re coming home when they’re around the BOT community,” said Mike Felix, co-founder of BOT.
For participants, that support has translated into real career outcomes. “By deciding to take the PMP exam, regaining control of the narrative of my career and leveraging the support from Building Our Tech, I secured a contract and an offer within three weeks,” said Naziah Riaz, a BOT program participant and certified project management professional.
“When technology becomes accessible, people’s opportunities can increase dramatically,” said Emmanuel Anderson, former BOT intern and director of creator partnerships and viral marketing at Stem. “For me, it has given me a voice in rooms that I never imagined I would be in.”
Looking ahead, Porter sees BOT’s role growing. “Over the next decade, we want to deepen partnerships with employers across Orlando and beyond so our workforce training aligns with what the industry needs. We’ll help founders understand where investment and consumer demand are heading and help our community adapt to a changing technology landscape,” Porter said. “We also want to show the nation and the world that Central Florida is a thriving tech community where people can build careers, grow businesses, and shape what comes next.”
Diamond Decade Gala
BOT will celebrate its milestone at Brilliance in Orbit: The Diamond Decade Gala on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Winter Park Events Center, 1050 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, Florida. Tickets are available now (opens in a new tab).
Organizations interested in helping expand access to tech for the next decade can learn about gala sponsorship opportunities or contact Safia Porter at safia@buildingourtech.org.
About Building Our Tech
Building Our Tech is a nonprofit organization accelerating economic mobility through tech workforce training, entrepreneurship support, and career readiness. Founded in Orlando, Florida, in 2016, the organization creates clear, practical pathways for individuals to learn skills, build businesses, and grow sustainable careers in today’s digital economy.
Media contact
Safia Porter
Executive Director, Building Our Tech
safia@buildingourtech.org