Teen Tech Center provides a vision of the future for Gary’s youth

Damien Maldodo, 14, sits at his high-tech brother’s sewing machine and learns custom sewing techniques Thursday at the new Best Buy Tin Tech Center at the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Northwest Indiana Garry Club.

Maldonado was among about a dozen young people tapped to demonstrate tools designed to visualize possible careers in technology-based fields. The equipment includes sound booths, moving boards, video studios, 3D printers and several state-of-the-art computers, which were donated by Base Buy, and the center was provided with financial support from Damien. Kathy Harmon Foundation with support from local foundations and businesses.

Damien Harmon grew up in Gary and is now the Executive Vice President of Omnichannel at Best Buy.

“I’m here to talk about my journey,” Maldonado said, describing the center and what it has to offer.

“Growing up in a stroller isn’t always easy,” he said. “I always wanted to be different.”

This desire led Maldonado to make his own clothes. He says he has a lot of people helping him along the way and a lot of resources to help him better himself. One of those opportunities is a technology hub.

“The sewing machine here is very good. “It’s better if I have a house,” he said. “I love this place and I love Best Buy. Thank you.”

The Best Buy Tin Tech Center is the 50th to be opened by the company across the country.

Ryan Smiley, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, said the Tech Center has partnered with the club’s Teen Career Academy to ensure all youth are exposed to technology and career fields they may not be aware of.

“Kids can’t be invisible,” he said. The Tech Center is the club’s crown jewel and hopes to be replicated at the other eight Northwest Indiana club locations.

Harmon says young people need to surround themselves with like-minded people who can help them achieve their goals.

“You can only dream when the people around you understand your dreams,” he said, adding that he got his success from the support of his mother and father while growing up in Gary. His work allowed him to travel around the world.

“Every day I aspire to be the best version of myself. “I’m a firm believer that anything is possible,” Harmon said.

When he visited the Tech Center in July, Harmon had to call the CEO of Best Buy and the response from some of the young people was incredible. A native of Gary said how they thought it could only be called CE. He said that he wants the youth of the city to know that it is possible and urged students to expect more from the people around them.

“I’m Gary’s product. I’m Gary’s son,” said Harmon.

Elise Phillips, 15, uses a program called Wakem Waves to draw a dragon on a computer screen while Brian Gray, 14, plays background music on the soundboard for a tour of the Tech Center. One of the songs he played was his own.

“I’m shaking, I’m so excited,” Gray said after stopping everyone in their tracks by doing some dance moves with a friend. He used to use his friends’ instruments to make music. The technology center gives him more access. He plans to pursue a career in the music industry.

“I want to make a studio where more people can come and make music,” Gray said.

His mother, Latrice Roberts, beamed with pride. She said that her son has always been musically inclined.

“I think this is an amazing opportunity for teenagers to express themselves. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to express yourself in such an effective way,” Roberts said.

Corey Barry, CEO of Buy Beast, says the company is on track to have 100 tech centers by 2025. The company’s mission is to enrich lives with technology.

“Access is unequal, potential is unequal,” Barry said. The Tech Center gives young people the opportunity to see careers they may not have considered, creates opportunities for future well-paying careers, and lays the foundation for generational wealth creation.

“That’s how we believe you leave your mark for the next 100 years,” Barry said.

Deputy Mayor Trent McCain said Harmon represents one of the city’s success stories. Even though he is gone, his heart is in his hometown.

“You can’t stay in a cart. You can move on … you can stay there when you go, but always keep your heart in a cart. Take back the city that gave you life,” McCain said.

“We are very grateful for what you are doing and for inspiring your entire company to follow your leadership,” McCain said. “The Best Teen Tech Center Lets Young People Enter A World Without Limits.”

Cynthia Holman-Upshaw of Merrillville, Harmon’s aunt, was among about 100 people at the open house. She said she was proud of her nephew’s accomplishments and his return to his hometown. She said it would be nice to see a safe place for teenagers to use.

“They’re really excited to be here,” Holman-Upshaw said.

cnapoleon@chicagotribune.com