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Izzy Hasaballa, an Ecuadorian and Egyptian American from Queens, is the community manager at Girls Who Code, where he leads alumni engagement for postsecondary students and early-career professionals. He builds programs that connect technologists to resources, opportunities, and each other—whether through nationwide networking events, professional development initiatives, or curated online forums. Grounded in a mission to make tech more accessible, Hasaballa ensures alumni feel supported, celebrated, and equipped to thrive.
What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
I’m the community manager at Girls Who Code, a nonprofit dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. I lead alumni engagement for our 18+ community of postsecondary students and early-career professionals, building programs that connect them to opportunities, resources, and one another. From hosting nationwide networking events and curating online forums to developing professional development initiatives, I create spaces where all technologists can feel supported, celebrated, and equipped to thrive in their industries.
At Girls Who Code we’re constantly asking: How can we keep our community connected, and how can we make tech feel more accessible? We all do our best to make sure our alumni are equipped with both the skills and networks needed to succeed.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment to date?
My greatest career accomplishment is returning to work at my NYC-based high school, the Academy for Careers in Television and Film, where throughout seven years I supported over 1,000 students in building their post-secondary plans.
As an alum and the son of immigrants, it wasn’t difficult to guide first-generation and low-income teens through milestones I once navigated myself. The empathy I experienced in these daily conversations felt profound.
Afterward, watching my former students earn degrees, launch their careers, and pay it forward became one of the most meaningful and full-circle moments of my life.
What do you do today to impact your community?
In addition to my work at Girls Who Code, I’ve served on youth councils for the NYC government, met with US Congressional members on education policy, and advised nonprofits on alumni engagement strategies. In my personal life I regularly volunteer for political causes and community events that are important to me.
I believe access is the defining factor that shapes a person’s trajectory, opening or closing the doors that determine upward mobility. I hold myself accountable to lead with resourcefulness and kindness, knowing that these qualities can make the difference in helping someone realize their potential.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’m very curious about expanding into other fi elds where I can scale impact globally. I see myself pursuing opportunities that allow me to design programs and strategies with reach far beyond a single community, while still keeping people at the heart of the work.
I also envision a future filled with travel, living in and experiencing new places through both professional and personal endeavors. I believe pursuing those experiences will broaden my perspective and help me lead with empathy and vision.
What is the biggest issue that you want to help solve, and why?
Too often, our community is treated as a political pawn during election season, while internal divides and generational gaps limit our ability to unite around the issues that most affect us. I want to help equip young people to bridge those divides, challenge misinformation, and fight for leaders who truly represent us. Leaders who champion universal healthcare, reproductive rights, climate action, free public college and trade schools, and living wages.
What is a moment when you realized the impact of your work?
A defining moment when I realized the impact of my work was delivering the keynote speech to the graduating class of 2024 at my high school.
I had the privilege of preparing alongside the top three student speakers, mentoring them through their own speeches, and then standing before more than 1,000 people to reflect on my journey one year after stepping away from the role.
It was a full-circle moment that showed me how far I’d come and how deeply connected my work is to the lives of others.
What advice would 10-year-old you be shocked to hear you followed?
The best advice I’ve followed is to never forget to take care of my 10-year-old self.
I don’t know that a younger me would be shocked by any advice I’ve followed. I grew up surrounded by older voices as the youngest sibling and cousin. I’ve also always carried a kind of delusional confidence that pushes me forward.
What has been most profound, though, is tending to the needs and soul of my 10-year-old self; keeping him close has grounded me, reminded me of my resilience, and allowed me to move through life with authenticity and joy.
What’s a cultural tradition that always brings you joy?
For me, it’s sharing food with family. Food has always been a bridge between my two cultures, a way to keep traditions alive and pass them on, and a way to connect across generations through shared moments and storytelling. My favorite meals include Ecuadorian ceviche and Egyptian macarona bechamel.
What song do you listen to that motivates you?
This changes frequently! This will likely appear on other folks lists, but currently it’s “DtMF” by Bad Bunny. It reminds to stay present, honor those who came before me, and to nurture the connections with the ones I am lucky to still have around. Additionally I’m a HUGE Lady Gaga fan and I’ve been playing “Abracadabra” nonstop!
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Connect with Izzy Hasaballa on LinkedIn.
