In the ever-evolving world of technology, 26-year-old Devin Boeing is creating a pipeline for the next generation, ensuring they are equipped with the tools and knowledge to have a seat at the tech table.
Boeing is the CEO and founder of Cryptic Institute, where he teaches technology and finance to everyday people. In a recent interview on MSR On the Radar with host Aaliyah Demry, he shared how he turned a social media following into a real-world effort to uplift the community.
Changing what a technologist looks like
Growing up tall, Boeing felt constant pressure from others to focus on basketball instead of exploring other passions in the STEM space. While he loved sports, he also had a deep love for technology.
“There’s not a lot of representation within the tech space growing up, especially being a tall Black guy that’s often pushed to go play basketball,” Boeing said. “I want to make sure that youth that look like me have that representation, have that exposure at a young age, and they can see themselves in these fields.”
He went on to say that anyone can fit into the tech world. “There is no ideal look for someone that’s in technology,” Boeing said. “It’s for everyone that’s interested in exploring it.”
For Boeing, breaking down these stereotypes is about more than just personal success. It is about opening doors so young Black men and women know that technology and finance are valid, reachable career paths.
Helping Minnesota catch up
Boeing’s journey started while studying marketing at the University of Minnesota. During the pandemic, he began making short online videos explaining complex topics like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and digital money. In just three months, over 30,000 people were following his pages to learn.
While his online audience grew, Boeing learned that Minnesota was ranked 49th in the nation when it came to digital literacy access for underserved communities.
Instead of going down the traditional corporate ladder, Boeing wanted to pursue a career path that would serve his community. He was interning at Procter & Gamble at the time, but he realized his true calling was making an impact. He started Cryptic Institute to help close that digital gap right here in the Twin Cities.
Today, Cryptic Institute partners with local community centers, libraries and the Minneapolis Urban League to host free four-week classes. The program teaches everything from basic computer tools like Microsoft Word to newer tools like AI and cryptocurrency.
“We make these complex topics as easy to understand as possible,” Boeing said. He noted that the classes help both young people and elders who want to learn how to navigate today’s digital world.
Why our community needs to learn tech now
With artificial intelligence quickly changing how people work and live, Boeing said many people pull back out of fear. But staying in the dark only holds the community back.
“If we’re not intentional about learning about it, about investing in this education, one, we’re not going to be able to allow it to shape it in a way that benefits us as a community… but two, we’re just ultimately going to be left behind,” Boeing said.
He encouraged people to view AI as a simple tool that can help with everyday tasks, quick internet research or starting a business—not something to be afraid of. He went on to say technology keeps moving forward, and embracing it gives the community a real advantage in the job market and in business.
Choosing passion over the safe route
Boeing said making a big career change as a young Black man was not easy. Coming from a Liberian family where traditional careers like doctor, lawyer or corporate executive are favored, Boeing faced doubt when he decided to run his own company full-time.
“I had to really sit in the fact that I could either go down the path that fulfilled my family or I could go down the path that fulfilled me,” he said. “Ultimately, I chose the path of most fulfillment for myself.”
His hard work paid off, and his family is now fully in his corner as Cryptic Institute continues to create space for Black and Brown youth to lead in technology.
To learn more about upcoming classes and workshops, visit Cryptic Institute or follow them on social media @cryptic.institute.
Aaliyah Demry welcomes reader responses at ademry@spokesman-recorder.com.