As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we take a moment to reflect on the contributions of Hispanic leaders shaping the future of technology and education. One such leader is Carlos Vazquez, the founder and CEO of Miami EdTech and GoSprout. Carlos has dedicated his career to bridging the gap in tech education while empowering teachers and students in the vibrant South Florida community and beyond.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Carlos Vazquez grew up in New York City and was the first in his family to receive a college degree. Although his mother never attended college, she encouraged him from a young age to pursue his degree. His education and experience, as well as an open perspective on one fateful night, led him down the path to his role as founder and CEO of Miami EdTech and GoSprout.
Growing up he had a lot of respect for teachers and always wanted to get into teaching, but was concerned about the financial challenges associated with teaching. He chose a different career path and got his degree in Computer Science, believing it would provide a more stable life. However, working his way through college prevented him from networking and interviewing in his field, and he had to settle for a job as a sales coordinator for a sheet metal company. He worked closely with the General Manager who saw his potential and capitalized on his education in tech. Carlos upgraded the network, designed a new website, and implemented a CRM process to the sales workflow. This experience taught him about the environments he appreciated working in: unpredictable, fast-moving, and challenging.
Transition to Teaching and Entrepreneurship
After five years working at the sheet metal company, Carlos was riding the train home one night and saw an ad for the New York City Teaching Fellows. The opportunity returned him to his interest in teaching and he decided to make the change. This highly selective program had an acceptance rate of less than 8%, but Carlos was optimistic about his chances. He signed up, was accepted and started working towards his Masters Degree while immersed in a room of thirty 10-year olds. “Teaching fifth grade was amazing. I loved working with young people who were still wildly imaginative and hopeful about their future ,” he recalls fondly.
Following his work in the classroom Carlos felt the pull to be part of the tech startup boom in San Francisco. When he had an opportunity to get into the tech community, he knew he wanted to go. He put his teaching skills to work as an IT instructor for Year Up, a national workforce nonprofit with multiple locations across the US. He excelled with the organization and soon was asked to open a new site in Miami. He again took the leap and established himself with Year Up and continued getting into the tech community of Miami. He notes that “the core of my life and career has been developing people”. He coupled his career experiences with his connection to the community in Miami to discover an underserved population, and after a few short-stints with local workforce initiatives, he decided to launch Miami EdTech in 2017. The mission of Miami EdTech, originally, was about entrepreneurship and helping create scalable solutions to our biggest challenges in education. This work led to teacher training. “The whole model of Miami EdTech was tied to supporting teachers. I remember what it was to be a teacher and how technology could enhance that experience.” Miami EdTech offered a feasible way to extend tech education to more schools and programs.
Building a Bridge to Opportunity
Miami EdTech has evolved since its initial inception. The focus has expanded to four key pillars: community training, workforce development, K-12 education, and entrepreneurship. Each of these areas is designed to address pressing issues such as jobs and economic mobility. “Our goal is to create more skilled talent and connect job seekers,” Carlos explains.
He emphasizes the importance of cutting-edge training and resources to prepare students and teachers alike. “We act as a bridge between various facets of emerging industries, ensuring that education aligns with real-world needs.”
The Importance of Career and Technical Education
Carlos is a strong advocate for Career and Technical education (CTE). “Every industry is impacted by tech, whether it’s welding, HVAC, or cybersecurity,” he asserts. Miami EdTech focuses on providing students with a diverse toolkit of skills, emphasizing that tech education is not limited to coding but encompasses a variety of disciplines.
To address the skills gap, Miami EdTech also created a Registered Apprenticeship Program in UX/UI an AI that was approved by the Florida Department of Education. This multi-employer program has grown to add additional employers and the organization currently has two apprentices on the team. Collaborating with GoSprout brings a tech-enabled solution to a model that has historically been managed with spreadsheets and pen and paper.
Engaging with the Community
Many organizations are searching for ways to get involved in their communities, but do not know where to begin. Carlos encourages businesses to get involved with local schools. “Find a local school or reach out to us to connect. There are different ways you can help out with schools and their education goals,” he urges. By fostering relationships early on, businesses can play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce. One initiative that was recently launched, in partnership with Miami-Dade County, is Workforce.Miami. This local campaign aims to connect employers with job seekers and serve as a dynamic repository for identifying pathways for upskilling and training.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to start their own ventures, Carlos shares simple yet profound advice: “Pick something you’re passionate about or find systems that you can fix. Collaborating with others is essential.” He believes that engaging with the community through volunteerism or board memberships can lead to meaningful connections and growth.
Investing in the Future
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, his story is a testament to the impact of education, community, and innovation. Miami EdTech not only empowers educators and students but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of tech equity in Miami. Carlos’ dedication to closing the skills gap and creating economic opportunities for all is an inspiring reminder of the importance of investing in education and community.
Let’s honor the contributions of Hispanic leaders like Carlos by continuing to advocate for tech education, community involvement, and supporting initiatives that empower our youth. Together, we can build a brighter future for our communities.
For more information or to connect with Carlos please email info@miamiedtech.com
