Lenovo Expands Code the Dream Partnership to Foster Inclusive Tech Talent
At Lenovo, fostering a more inclusive technology workforce is central to its mission of ensuring that the people creating Lenovo solutions reflect the diversity of its global customer base. After several years of collaboration with Code the Dream (CTD) through the TransforME grant, Lenovo has expanded the partnership by joining CTD’s Tandem Apprenticeship program.
Earlier this year, CTD apprentices Oksana Feterovskaya and Osbaldo Aguilar joined two Lenovo enterprise teams, where they played key roles in software development projects. Their work included developing interfaces that monitor device health, helping organizations using Lenovo products to detect potential issues early and minimize downtime.
“I really enjoy challenges,” said Feterovskaya. “This was an amazing chance to experience life inside a large corporation and understand how everything operates. Everyone at Lenovo has been incredibly supportive and welcoming.”
Their supervisors, Senior Engineering Managers Sayantan Guha and Josh Smith, commended both apprentices for their drive and contributions. “Oksana’s energy and problem-solving ability embody the qualities we value in our team,” said Guha. “We’re eager to see how she continues to grow and apply what she’s learned.”
The Tandem Apprenticeship initiative enables Lenovo to nurture tech talent from nontraditional backgrounds. For Feterovskaya and Aguilar, the experience marks a major milestone in their professional journeys. Their previous work at CTD Labs gave them a solid foundation in technical and collaborative skills that prepared them for success at Lenovo.
“Lenovo is deeply committed to empowering today’s workforce with technology, skills, and opportunities that can transform careers, lives, and communities,” said Sydni Behm, Lenovo’s Corporate Citizenship Global Program Manager. “That’s why we’re proud to deepen our partnership with Code the Dream, whose proven Tandem Apprenticeship model is helping open doors for underrepresented groups in tech.”
Before joining CTD, Feterovskaya helped develop the Vamos Outreach App, which assists organizations in 20 U.S. states with outreach to farmworker communities. Aguilar, who discovered his love for technology at age nine, previously contributed to a ride-sharing app that supported people transitioning out of homelessness.
According to Linda Liu, Senior Advisor of Growth & Partnerships at Code the Dream, the Tandem Apprenticeship program provides companies like Lenovo with adaptable, skilled apprentices ready to make an impact. “We partner closely with organizations to understand their goals and connect them with apprentices who fit those needs. This creates a win-win — companies get high-performing team members quickly, and apprentices gain valuable real-world experience that can change their career trajectory.”
Today, both Feterovskaya and Aguilar are giving back as mentors at Code the Dream, guiding new apprentices and demonstrating the power of persistence and community in building successful tech careers.
Earlier this year, CTD apprentices Oksana Feterovskaya and Osbaldo Aguilar joined two Lenovo enterprise teams, where they played key roles in software development projects. Their work included developing interfaces that monitor device health, helping organizations using Lenovo products to detect potential issues early and minimize downtime.
“I really enjoy challenges,” said Feterovskaya. “This was an amazing chance to experience life inside a large corporation and understand how everything operates. Everyone at Lenovo has been incredibly supportive and welcoming.”
Their supervisors, Senior Engineering Managers Sayantan Guha and Josh Smith, commended both apprentices for their drive and contributions. “Oksana’s energy and problem-solving ability embody the qualities we value in our team,” said Guha. “We’re eager to see how she continues to grow and apply what she’s learned.”
The Tandem Apprenticeship initiative enables Lenovo to nurture tech talent from nontraditional backgrounds. For Feterovskaya and Aguilar, the experience marks a major milestone in their professional journeys. Their previous work at CTD Labs gave them a solid foundation in technical and collaborative skills that prepared them for success at Lenovo.
“Lenovo is deeply committed to empowering today’s workforce with technology, skills, and opportunities that can transform careers, lives, and communities,” said Sydni Behm, Lenovo’s Corporate Citizenship Global Program Manager. “That’s why we’re proud to deepen our partnership with Code the Dream, whose proven Tandem Apprenticeship model is helping open doors for underrepresented groups in tech.”
Before joining CTD, Feterovskaya helped develop the Vamos Outreach App, which assists organizations in 20 U.S. states with outreach to farmworker communities. Aguilar, who discovered his love for technology at age nine, previously contributed to a ride-sharing app that supported people transitioning out of homelessness.
According to Linda Liu, Senior Advisor of Growth & Partnerships at Code the Dream, the Tandem Apprenticeship program provides companies like Lenovo with adaptable, skilled apprentices ready to make an impact. “We partner closely with organizations to understand their goals and connect them with apprentices who fit those needs. This creates a win-win — companies get high-performing team members quickly, and apprentices gain valuable real-world experience that can change their career trajectory.”
Today, both Feterovskaya and Aguilar are giving back as mentors at Code the Dream, guiding new apprentices and demonstrating the power of persistence and community in building successful tech careers.
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