Steven’s Story

Steven is Christian software engineer and entrepreneur. He has worked in various tech companies and tackles climate change.

He is a CFI reader and impact mentor.

Academic Background

I studied Electrical and Computer Engineering at Franklin W. Olin College for Engineering for, focusing on software and technology. I was particularly drawn to applying technology to solve social issues, such as working on appropriate technology projects for underserved regions. During my senior year, I stumbled upon Cal Newport’s "So Good They Can’t Ignore You," which shifted my focus. I realized that developing strong skills before fully pursuing my passion for impactful work was key. This led me to concentrate on programming and software development, which would later play a significant role in my career.

Career Path 

My professional journey began with a gap year through the Fulbright program, where I carried out environmental research in China. After that, I started my career as a software engineer at Tableau, a data company. This experience marked the beginning of my deep dive into the tech world. In my spare time, I have volunteered for local environmental and sustainability organisations, such as the Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Over the years, I have transitioned from being a corporate software engineer to becoming an entrepreneur, building websites and businesses around public data. 

ClimateTech List

Most of my early career years were spent trying to hone in on my technical skills. My work now, however, primarily focuses on climate tech. The mission of the ClimateTech List, as one of the most comprehensive climate tech jobs site, is to offer a live job tracker of 30,000+ climate tech job openings.  Today, as an entrepreneur, my day-to-day activities can vary widely—from coding and meeting with clients, to attending conferences and planning the future direction of the project. 

Influence of Faith

My Christian faith has always been a central part of my life and career. Growing up in a Christian household, I have found inspiration from historical Christian figures who worked on social and systemic issues. For me, faith provides a foundation for my work in climate tech, helping me navigate the challenges of addressing such a complex global issue. The parable of the talents, which emphasizes using one’s gifts wisely, really resonates with me and motivates me to steward my abilities for the greater good.

Advice for Young Christians

• Focus on developing practical and technical skills in the early stages of your career

• Continue to pursue personal interests in time outside of work.

• Engage in social circles where Christians may be underrepresented - there are opportunities to be a good witness to others. 

Steven’s Impact

At CFI, we believe that Steven  is on a high-impact path because of his role as creator of the ClimateTech List, which is a leading platform for climate tech job opportunities. His efforts are driven by his Christian faith and a commitment to addressing global challenges, demonstrating a successful combination of technical expertise and the desire to have a social impact.