From Theater to Tech: Khalif Cooper’s Journey to Self-Taught Software Engineer

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Timestamps:

00:00 "From Servers to Engineers"

03:13 Reflecting on Khalif's Dynamic Journey

08:28 Curiosity Led Me to Tech

10:06 Motivation Beyond Money

12:40 Learning Skills Through Incremental Steps

16:56 Landing First Freelance Job Hustling

21:19 Reflecting on Startup Experience

23:34 School vs. Self-Learning Approaches

25:58 AI's Workforce Impact: Job Shifts

30:31 Journey from Teaching to Entrepreneurship

32:56 "Building a Baltimore Tech Community"

35:19 "Tech Woke: Engage and Support"

Video Description:

Welcome back to another episode of My Space! In today’s show, Chris Okpala sits down with Khalif Cooper self taught software engineer, founder of Black Tech Connect, and an inspiring leader in the Baltimore tech scene. Khalif shares his incredible journey from theater kid and aspiring playwright to successful technologist, entrepreneur, and community organizer. He opens up about learning to code without a formal tech background, hustling his way into his first engineering job, and the power of persistence, curiosity, and community accountability.

You’ll hear about the real-life challenges of switching careers, how conferences and networking changed everything for Khalif, and why he believes that staying curious and supporting those around you is the key to success in tech especially as the field faces rapid change from AI. Plus, Khalif reveals his vision for Black Tech Connect and the future of inclusive innovation in Baltimore. Whether you’re thinking about a tech career, craving motivation, or just love hearing how passion and grit can change lives, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it!