MANSFIELD — When Sebastian Holt was growing up in Mansfield, he never dreamed he would be able to travel the world.
“I knew I wanted to travel the world, but I didn't have a vision,” he says. “I didn't know such a thing was possible. The more I saw, the more I wanted more, and I worked towards it.
“If you don't have role models to look up to, you can't see yourself anywhere. When young people look at me and people from their backgrounds, they see themselves. That's really important. That’s true.”
Holt's father highlighted Holt and six of his colleagues in the technology field in February.
Tim Holt, who runs Titus 6 Media and Daily Plays Report, decided to focus on seven young people based on their leadership ability.
“You can hear the possibilities in their voices,” he says. “Thanks to the mentorship group, I was really impressed by the amazing opportunities they are giving other young people. They are able to earn a living for themselves and then do it for others. It's replicating.
“There's a lot of good going on in this city, so I wanted to highlight that. If we can bring that to the forefront, everyone will be more successful.”
Holt said Titus 6 Media had not spotlighted emerging technology professionals until this year.
“I think people are really talking about changes in technology these days,” Holt says. “Many of these young people are experts in their fields and are dedicated to understanding how technology can address challenges and improve our lives.”
Did you know that?
According to Tech Report, approximately 62% of employees in the technology sector are white. Black employees make up about 7% of the tech workforce, but they make up more than 13% of the American population.
Women are also underrepresented in technology, accounting for 27% of the technology employment base. Black and Hispanic women earn the least in tech, on average.
Tim Holt's youngest son, Sebastian Holt, said his father alerted him to an emerging technology expert in Mansfield.
“Most of them went to school together and I met Trent Cain a little later,” the younger Holt said. “Trent is from Nashville and he has been instrumental in building our coaching program.”
The Mentorship Program is designed to answer questions and provide encouragement
Holt has worked in the information technology field for approximately 13 years, the last three of which focused on software engineering and machine learning.
“Chat GPT is part of machine learning, but AI can also be robotics, with applications in automotive and medical predictions,” Holt said. “It has a lot of opportunities and it’s multifaceted.
“Growing up in Mansfield, I don't think a lot of kids are exposed to advanced technology just because it's not a big city.”
Holt said he and a group of colleagues were inspired by his mentorship experience with Cain to create a mentorship program for young people in technology.
The network currently has over 100 mentees across the country, including members from overseas.
The program is open to anyone, but Holt said many mentees come after completing a technology bootcamp.
“We just started a small group of people from all over the country and from abroad and met weekly to talk about different issues,” Holt said.
“Many people know they are interested in a topic, but may not have the network or guidance to get their questions answered.”
Holt said he personally realized his interest in the technology field through an interactive media class at Mansfield High School.
“I think the earlier you expose someone to a topic, the easier it is for them to imagine themselves in that role,” Holt says. “You still have to want to do it and work towards it, but if you need a little encouragement and guidance on top of that, we're here to help.”
Tim Holt said he has sat in on coaching calls with his son and colleagues.
“They are very passionate about helping others build better lives,” Tim Holt said. “Finding success on your own path and opening up opportunities for empowerment and financial independence will really resonate. I think it will have an impact for generations.”
Sebastian Holt said anyone interested in becoming a mentee or learning more about the program can contact him at info@grindlegit.com.
