Today we’d like to introduce you to Darien Maples
Hi Darien, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been on my tech journey for nearly 12 years, although my path started in a completely different direction. I originally went to school to study media and broadcasting, but after graduating Prairie View A&M University, I unexpectedly found myself entering the tech space in 2012. I began my career in cybersecurity sales, where I worked with both large corporations and smaller companies, building my expertise in technical integrations and partnerships. As I dove deeper into the world of cyber, I became fascinated by its complexities and impact, which led me to continuously study and learn more. This passion for cyber has been pivotal to my growth and success in the roles I’ve held.
During this time, I was introduced to an incredible organization called Girls in Tech by one of my now close friends. The founder believed in me and saw the potential for me to help bridge the gender gap in tech. My good friend then added me as Co-Managing Director of the Girls in Tech Dallas chapter, a position I proudly held for seven years. Together, we helped countless women discover opportunities in tech, hosting events, workshops, and networking opportunities throughout the Dallas area. Unfortunately, Girls in Tech had to close its doors this year due to funding challenges, but I wasn’t ready to let the mission end there.
That’s when I teamed up with one of my best friends Victoria Moser our COO, whom I met through Girls in Tech, and together we created TechBesties. Our story is still being written, but it’s rooted in the work we started in 2018 when we first noticed the gender gap in tech and the lack of supportive communities for women. TechBesties was born out of a shared vision to build a space where women and allies could find mentorship, education, and genuine friendship on their tech journeys. We then brought in Lela Belayneh our CBO to help us structure the vision with her fascinating skills in strategy and learning & development.
At TechBesties, our mission is simple but powerful: to empower women and allies in tech by creating an inclusive, supportive community. We offer innovative programs, hands-on events, and mentorship opportunities designed to help people excel in areas like AI, cybersecurity, data science, UX/UI, and beyond. We believe that friendship and collaboration are essential to unlocking potential and shaping future leaders in the tech industry.
As Co-Founder & CEO of TechBesties, my goal is to ensure that we build a platform where people can discover their paths in tech. We’re excited about the partnerships we’re building with major companies to help foster that mission. This is just the beginning of our journey, and I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead. That’s why I brought some amazing women to join our Advisory Board to help structure the future of our organization. These women come from all backgrounds of tech and will be developing the most amazing programs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most success stories, my journey has had its fair share of challenges. It’s been far from smooth. I’m a full-time mom with a toddler, I work full-time, and I sit on several boards while also running a nonprofit. Balancing all of that can be incredibly demanding. One of the biggest challenges for me has been finding the time to slow down and take breaks. After my pregnancy, navigating both motherhood and my career , and other personal challenges was particularly tough. But being a mom has also made me stronger and wiser in all my decision-making, especially when it comes to shaping my future.
Building a space like TechBesties has come with its own set of hurdles as well. One of the biggest struggles has been gathering the funding and resources to build out our programs and workshops. We’re committed to helping a large number of people break into tech, and ensuring we have the right resources and support to scale is a continuous challenge. But despite these obstacles, the drive to create an inclusive community where women and allies can thrive keeps me motivated every day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about TechBesties ?
TechBesties is where tech meets friendship. We are launching fully this October, and I’m thrilled about the partnerships we’ve secured with some of the largest tech education companies. Our goal is to guide our members through the complexities of tech, whether it’s cybersecurity, AI, coding, project management, or other fields. At TechBesties, we focus on building a supportive, mentorship-driven network that helps women and allies navigate their tech journeys.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to not just answering the question, “How do I get into tech?” but providing the necessary resources and industry-standard guidance to help people thrive. We specialize in offering certifications through our partners, as well as workshops, bootcamps, and events that focus on various tech areas. Additionally, we’re proud to offer layoff support to help those facing career transitions find their next steps.
Our brand is built on friendship, mentorship, and community. We are membership-based, and I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve assembled. Many of the women I’ve chosen to work with have become my friends throughout my career, and each of them has a unique story of resilience and dedication to tech that inspires me daily. Their strength mirrors the strength of TechBesties as we grow.
Looking ahead, we’re offering an incredible opportunity for people to get to know us this year. But starting next year, we’ll be taking things up a notch with a paid membership model. This will allow us to fund our programs more effectively and give members full access to our TechBestie Programs, which include certifications, hands-on workshops, and more.
What we want readers to know is that TechBesties is more than just a tech community—it’s a space where friendships flourish, and careers are transformed. We’re here to help people find their place in the tech world and ensure they have the tools and support they need to succeed.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters to me most is family. Without it there would be no support factor. Friends can also become family and the amount of support I’ve gained through this journey, family matters. Definitely my mom who has helped me so much being a mom as I work on so much in my career. Without her I don’t think I would be here to create this path for others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Techbesties.io
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techbesties.io/
Image Credits
TechBesties Co-Founders
Darien Maples CEO
Victoria Moser COO
Lela Belayneh CBO
