Dear Friends,

The only thing in life we can count on remaining constant is change. It’s been over a year since I joined as CEO, and change has been our constant credo. New leadership always brings about change, but few of us expected the rapid and significant changes brought on by the macro environment.

In the last 15 months, we have seen a direct attack on DEI programs, along with the tech industry restructuring and downsizing, and AI optimizing the capacity of seasoned engineers. 

So, what have we done? Where are we going? We hold on tight to what we believe and what the data keeps showing: Hack has access to an untapped, overlooked talent pool that we are proud to connect to corporations. Our Fellows are gritty, hard-working, and innovative. 2024 was hard for all of us, but this alone keeps us coming back and reinventing ourselves to thrive in this new ecosystem.

In 2024, we proudly served over 100 Fellows and over 25 Host Companies between Boston and NYC. We revamped our application and interview process to recruit the most competitive candidates to date. Further, we are refining what learning about inclusive, intercultural leadership means and expanding access to our resources to ensure more individuals at our Host Companies benefit.  

At our NY Tech Week debut, we convened a cross-section of the Hack.Community for Hiring for the AI Generation of Tech. Panelists delved into the longstanding debate: does AI eliminate or amplify bias in hiring? This is just one example of how we collaborate with industry leaders to navigate this ever-advancing field.

We know who we have the privilege of serving, and we are thrilled that 2025 will be a year of reinvention in service to our Fellows and adding value to our Host Companies. With over 1,000 applications for the 2025 Cohort, we know the demand and the need are there.

Now more than ever, our Fellows need us and we are rising to that challenge. Like Sam Cooke said, “A change is gonna come.” Let’s do this!

Michelle De La Isla
Chief Executive Officer