Chef Marcus Samuelsson and Vista Equity Partners CEO Robert F. Smith were honored for their philanthropic efforts on Saturday, July 25 during a virtual benefit for All Star Code, a nonprofit that helps young Black and Brown men succeed in the tech world. The fundraiser, which featured a surprise performance from DJ Questlove, raised more than $660,000 for All Star Code’s educational programs. Founded and led by Christina Lewis, All Star Code not only teaches computer science and coding but helps its scholars acquire the professional skills necessary for a career in tech and connects them to networking opportunities.
“This program does so much to create a positive change pushing us to a country where the opportunity to thrive belongs to everyone,” Smith says. “This is exactly the progress we need at exactly the right time. The 618 graduates of All Star Code’s Summer Intensive Program and current enrollees are well on their way to becoming the kind of leaders who will not only rise to the top of their profession but who will succeed once they get there.”
Photography by: Courtesy of All Star Code
