Owen Hayes ’22 has always been interested in computers. What he didn’t initially realize was that his passion for technology could also lead him into humanitarian work–and ultimately show him how the two can work hand in hand.

“I like computer science because it’s all about understanding systems, and a way of thinking; it’s about problem solving,” said Owen.

Now in his final year studying Computer Science at Drexel University, Owen serves as president of Drexel TechServ, a student organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide by providing access to technology for people who otherwise might not have it.

Founded in 2002, Drexel TechServ began by connecting communities in Philadelphia with Macintosh computers. Over the years, the organization has expanded its mission through computer refurbishment, technology donations, and community support programs.

“People donate computers and old tech stuff to us. Then we host general body meetings where we go and refurbish these computers, figure out how to make them work, and [build laptops from computer parts].”

For Owen, TechServ began simply as an opportunity to spend time doing something he enjoyed.

“It actually started because my mother sent me a link and basically said, ‘You should do something instead of sitting in your dorm.’ So I went. Then I went again, and I kept going back,” laughed Owen.

What started as an interest in computers soon became something much larger. A turning point came in 2023 through an unexpected connection.

Gloria Anderson, founder of Tanzania Enlightenment Development Innovations (TEDI), reached out to TechServ with the hope of building a partnership. TEDI also works to bridge technology divides in Tanzania, and she recognized TechServ as a leader in connecting Philadelphia communities with technology. She believed the organization could advance TEDI’s mission in Tanzania.

Gloria originally came to Philadelphia through the Mandela Washington Fellowship, a U.S. government program to support emerging African leaders. Hosted by Drexel University for many years, the fellowship brings young leaders from across Africa to the United States for professional development, leadership training, and networking opportunities.

Through TEDI’s One Computer Lab, One School initiative, Gloria is pursuing an ambitious goal: providing every public school in Tanzania with access to a computer lab. By connecting with organizations such as TechServ, she hopes to expand the partnerships and resources needed to make that vision a reality.

At the time, Owen was working in TechServ’s refurbishment operations when Gloria connected with the organization. Through their collaboration, Gloria was able to bring 15 laptops to Tanzania in 2023, marking the first international donation in TechServ’s history. Later that year, five additional laptops followed.

By the summer of 2025, the partnership had grown significantly. 

“The biggest one, and the most exciting, was that we worked [with TEDI] to donate 40 desktops, 40 monitors, 40 mice, 40 keyboards, video cables, and a total of 80 power cables [to computer labs in Tanzania].”

That same summer, TechServ also sent an additional 25 laptops across two separate donations. 

The next chapter of the partnership took Owen to Tanzania himself. After a successful grant application process, Owen was selected to spend 30 days in Tanzania in April 2026, representing Drexel TechServ.

During his time there, he traveled with TEDI to schools and computer labs, meeting with teachers, students, and parents. He helped prepare training materials and assisted in leading sessions designed to help educators maintain and maximize the use of their technology resources.

“At least for some of the participants, this was their first real experience working things clean, following procedures, and learning basic diagnostic steps. Other sessions focused on digital training tools like PowerPoint, Excel, and similar software. There was cloud storage training and AI prompting, which was a bit controversial for me, but it is a powerful tool,” explained Owen.

For Owen, the trip transformed his understanding of TechServ’s impact.

“Honestly, it feels great. Lots of neurochemicals firing. It’s really exciting to be the president of this organization [that’s doing big things],” smiled Owen. “I’m just really interested in computers. I didn’t set out thinking, ‘I want to do community service,’ or humanitarian work, or computer donations. That wasn’t my original goal.”

He continued, “There’s a disconnect sometimes. Everybody at TechServ works in this room full of computers, and it’s easy to lose sight of the impact we’re actually having. Seeing the impact firsthand was incredibly meaningful.”

For someone who joined TechServ because he loved computers, the experience revealed something bigger: technology is not just about machines, systems, or problem-solving. In Tanzania, Owen saw how access to technology can create opportunity and connect communities.