If you follow Kevin Simpson’s words of encouragement for future Geniuses, you’ll “try things out at least once and give it a shot.” And if you follow his actions, you’ll try and try again. When he first applied to The Hidden Genius Project, he didn’t make it past the interview stage. That was back in 2018. The following year, during his freshman year at Impact Academy in Hayward, he tried and tried again and was accepted to the OAK7 cohort. Now a second year at Chabot College, Kevin is majoring in Graphic Design, and has remained connected over the years with The Hidden Genius Project—first as an Alumni Engagement Intern, and now working full time as an Ubuntu Center Coordinator. Keep reading to learn more about Kevin’s journey.
How have you been? 
I’m doing alright. Overall, I’ve been trying to figure out where my place is in life by taking it day by day. I try to find a balance between the relationships around me; this being both family and friends. Each day brings something new, even if that means challenges or experiences for the betterment of my life. I’ll never know what will be in store. I’m now working in the Ubuntu Center at The Hidden Genius Project’s Global Headquarters as the Ubuntu Center Coordinator, where I teach students how to use Adobe programs, create 3D models, photography, music production, and much more.
How did you first learn about The Hidden Genius Project?
My parents told me about it, but later down the line I ran into one of [Chief Executive Officer] Brandon’s best friends at a Black History Month event for school. After connecting, my family and I did some digging into The Hidden Genius Project. I wasn’t let in the first time I applied so I had to apply a second time. After the second time, I wound up in The Hidden Genius Project as a part of Oakland Cohort 7.
What was your experience in the program like?
My time in the program was great overall. There were a lot of laughs and several moments that I’m grateful to look back on. Like the field trips, hanging out with other Geniuses, learning, and cracking jokes. One of my favorite field trips was to Facebook, which was cool because they have such a huge office space. Their office is also surrounded by nature, so we saw a lot of wildlife, such as foxes. Because of that, I was able to connect with their internship coordinator, which helped me secure an internship with Facebook. I am very grateful that I got to have these conversations with partners.
The coding is the toughest part but it becomes easier because the educators show you the code and dissect how all the pieces work together. One of my educators who is also a Genius Alumnus, Devon Nutting, sat down with me in a one-on-one setting to help me understand. He wrote down more detailed notes in my notebook to help me remember important information. After I completed the program, I wasn’t as consistent with coding and started doing it less. However, I am grateful for the way it was taught to me back then because it was taught to me in a way that I had never learned before. It made coding more enjoyable.
Describe the website you designed during your time in the Immersion Program.
My website was about an indie horror game called Dark Deception that I really enjoyed when I was younger. The main page of the website consisted of information about chapters, characters, and monsters. Each of these things was supported by a picture and a small description. If clicked, each one took you to a page dedicated to each overall theme and covered it more in detail. On the top of each page, there was a main menu where some sections had a drop-down menu for further topics around the main topic.
How is The Hidden Genius Project different from other mentorship or training experiences that you have been involved in?
For me, I think it was valuable to have a space with other Black men who can relate and understand each other. During Immersion Programming, there was also a strong sense of brotherhood and ubuntu, where we would hold each other accountable to make sure we would get done what we needed to get done. We would also work with each other to resolve our own issues and come to a resolution on our own.
What was the most important thing you gained on a personal level from participating in The Hidden Genius Project?
A skill I learned while at The Hidden Genius Project was productive collaboration. I learned how to work with peers to complete a set goal in a productive and effective manner. This is something we would do all the time in programming since we had to work together to figure out the code. The educators didn’t want us to go to them to get help, instead, they encouraged us to seek help from each other. I use this skill today when working in the Ubuntu Center. When I’m teaching the kids, I encourage them to do the same thing. I also do this with the other Ubuntu Center employees.
Another important thing I gained from The Hidden Genius Project was an understanding of community. I’ve never really thought about the impact of a community or the idea of what communities I may be a part of without even knowing. I never really viewed my Black identity as a part of the wider diaspora. It was very eye-opening to realize, and it made me look at the world differently. I realized how the world treats people of color. Taking part in those discussions really opened my eyes starting with them.
How do you think your path might have been different if you hadn’t participated in The Hidden Genius Project?
Prior to being in Immersion Programming, I was really only interested in the arts and it was definitely my passion. However, after being a part of the program, I gained a greater appreciation for technology and the career fields associated with it. While I’m still passionate about art, I see the value in technology as well.
Overall, there was a huge amount of growth during my time in programming. I have gained a higher level of maturity and I feel like I have become more open-minded. On being open-minded, I try to now look at things from different perspectives and I feel like I have more patience. I find myself needing to be patient when working at the Ubuntu Center when working with kids who may be new to using different platforms and software.
In what ways have you remained involved with The Hidden Genius Project since completing the 15-month Intensive Immersion program?
I reconnected with The Hidden Genius Project in early 2023 as an Alumni Engagement Intern and I would assist the Alumni Engagement Manager with contacting Genius Alumni. I then started helping out around the office, assisting whoever needed help. This sometimes involved being in the Ubuntu Center helping with equipment and watching students. Eventually, I was offered a full-time position as the Ubuntu Center Coordinator. While this job has challenged me in many ways, I’m grateful to have the opportunity and was glad to receive the offer. I am glad that the staff at The Hidden Genius Project have been a support system, advocating for me at our Headquarters and in my personal life as well.
If you could talk to yourself just before you applied, what is one thing you would say?
Stay on top of things!! Remember you gotta live with your decisions at the end of the day so understand what you’re doing and how it affects you and others around you.
What words of encouragement do you have for future Geniuses?
Experiences and opportunities like this don’t grow on trees. So take advantage of it, try things at least once, and give it a shot.
Since 2012, nearly 11,400 students have revealed their genius through our Immersion, Catalyst, and Community Partner Programs, and so many more are waiting to shine.
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