Meet Alexander Varnado | Computer Instructor Instructor, Entrepreneur, Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexander Varnado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexander, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I know that the South is one of the least technologically advanced regions in the United States, and I wanted to help start a movement in minorities pursuing STEM. Tennessee is one of the least innovative states in America. I am on a mission to turn Memphis into STEMphis by educating youth, adults, and small businesses to learn a coding language. Block coding is a great way to learn if anybody does not have any experience. I want to eliminate the stigma and misconceptions of computer science and encourage everyone to take ownership of their data.
 
I have hosted free workshops at churches, schools, and parks just to boost STEM in the city. When realizing the power of coding, you will start to analyze things differently. Any time you pick up a phone or computer, somebody has to write code. Any time you are in the kitchen, those appliances have codes in them. Code is all around us! I am helping individuals shift their mindset from only consuming technology to producing technology as well. It is a great way to bring people and ideas together to create a sense of unity. To create something from nothing, share it with the world, and see a smile or amazement is priceless.
 
Risk played a huge role in where I am today. I believe in taking high risks to receive high rewards. To get something I never had, I believe in doing something I never done before. Albert Einstein once said, “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is insanity.” I stopped complaining about what my community was doing for me and started asking “What am I doing for my community?” I was comfortable not giving back. I decided to take a risk and try to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. That’s when I decided to become a Computer Science instructor in one of the most dangerous cities in the United States: Memphis, Tennessee.
 

I am not a parent, but becoming an instructor helps me understand what is like. I spend more time with kids than some of their parents and guardians. A lot of kids do not have a positive role model at home. The most important thing to me is to set that example for them. Being present in a child’s life is important. I want them to know I care for their well-being. I could be anywhere in the world right now, but I chose to risk my life and be with children for eight hours. I want them to understand that someone believes in you and you can create anything and share it with the world. No one can stop you except yourself. It hurts me when I hear children say they are not going to show their parents, aunts, or uncles because they don’t care!

One of the key factors in M.A.D.E. being successful is its accessibility and affordability. What I love about technology is that connects and brings individuals together who would likely never meet in the real world. Users can create websites, apps, and games using only a mobile phone! Knowing that people in countries such as Malaysia, Greece, Germany, and Switzerland have used the platform to create something gives me motivation to keep going and think much larger than Tennessee.

I had thoughts of giving up multiple times. When people in your community don’t see the vision and support you, doubts can creep in and possibly cause you to lose motivation. I even questioned myself am I doing the right thing? I had to shift my mindset and understand someone far away may come across M.A.D.E. I know that my mission was much bigger than the city. A lot of kids never met someone who created their own mobile app, websites, or games. When kids see someone who looks like them do something ground-breaking, they may become inspired to be innovative in their community! Technology is changing each day and people are spending more time online than off! We have to ensure that the next generation has the skills and tools needed to be a part of change.
 

I can notice my work/life balance change every year. Life is not living, but work is working. Each year, I have been presented with an opportunity to educate more people than I did in the previous year! I am looking at the growth with a positive mindset. The more people I get to educate, the more work I realize needs to be done. Only 1 in 7 adults in Memphis can read above a 6th-grade level. I don’t mind working hard in my 20s and 30s so I can enjoy my later years. I will work harder now so I can play later.
 
Kids and pets make me happy. Pets love unconditionally. They dedicate their entire life being a companion to their owners. Kids are brutally honest with adults. They will let you know what they think about an idea, game, design, etc. Kids don’t have hidden motives or agendas for doing or saying something. Seeing kids have ideas in their heads and turn them into reality is what puts a smile on my face. Boosting their confidence, teaching them life skills, and seeing their reactions is what makes me happy.
 

I believe in expressing myself. Typical jobs don’t allow you to share your ideas and be creative. Uniforms, routines, and schedules tend to be the norm and limit those who truly want to express themselves. Art has no rules. There is no right or wrong way to be an artist. When you create something, you are the owner of that masterpiece! You can do whatever you choose with it. You can choose to share it, sell it, lease it, or keepsake it!
 
Success to me is when you set a goal and you achieve it. That gives me the confidence that I can do anything I put my mind to. Thank you for reading.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is I am a self-taught coder. I was a curious kid in high school who wanted to learn about computer science. STEM classes were not being offered at my school. Our computer class was teaching us how to type and how to use Microsoft Word applications. I took it upon myself to watch YouTube videos, read online forums, and take self-paced courses. I dedicated myself to learning something I knew nothing about once before.

You do not have to go to school to become a web developer. You do not have to pay thousands of dollars to learn this skill. There are several free programs that you can enroll in right now and learn. A person just needs motivation and the drive to want to create!

I am proud that I got into computer science my way and not the way they desired me to! I created my own pathway to get into the classroom, and now I can share with others how they can get dive into tech without any money. You can create an application about anything and you own it!

I want people to know that with my brand, you can create a full-functioning app, release it to the world, and possibly make residual income in less than a week. When people see you have a product and you can show them how you created it and share it with them in less than 10 minutes, it assures them that mobile apps are designed easily!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
At this time, my favorite spot in the city is at home. Memphis is a warzone right now and I advise anybody coming to visit to reconsider until some things change. It is not safe to hang out as it increases the chances of being a target or being hit by a stray. I would recommend taking a trip to the Nashville Gaylord Opryland Hotel. I would spend the entire week at Opryland. There are over nine acres to explore and multiple places to eat!

I would check out the Old Hickory Steakhouse for a nice dinner. In the morning, I would check out the Cascades American Cafe for a great breakfast with views of a waterfall. I would hang out inside the hotel and explore the rainforest. If you like to swim, you must check out the Soundwaves waterpark! It is indoor/outdoor with over 10 slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool! If you like to watch sports, I would hang out at Fuse Sports Bar which has over 100 TVs to choose from! If you ever have a taste for Mexican, the Solario Cantina has delicious quesadillas! To relax after a long day, hop on a boat ride and enjoy the scenery of 4.5 acres of gardens, water, and fish! Also, be sure to check the water shows in the Atrium. The best part is that all of these places are right inside the hotel!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out my family for supporting me.
I want to shout out Code Crew for giving me the opportunity share my vision with youth in Memphis.
I want to shout out STEM4FEM for giving me my first internship! This allowed me to create chapters at local schools.
I want to shout out my amazing students in Frayser, Orange Mound, and across Memphis for allowing me to mentor and teach them.

Website: https://made.myapparea.com/cms/

Instagram: made.movement

Linkedin: Alexander Varnado

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/paww_app

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Mobile-Apps-Designed-Easy/100076136320084/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mademovement6011

Other: www.pawwunity.org
https://linktr.ee/madeapps

Image Credits
Alexander Varnado