Alumni Spotlight: Dhamari Trice-Hanson

"This unique programming changed my life. Now, as a full-time Software Developer at Hack Club, I'm taking on the most challenging and exciting chapter yet. I know this program will empower countless others just like it did for me." 

A Vision for Safer Sounds

Dhamari Trice first made his mark at YouthTank Detroit when he presented his visionary project at our Youth Mobility Summit, "Safer Sounds". His idea — to imagine a world where sounds are safer — used real-time audio analysis to measure environmental noise levels and store the data locally through Python. From there, he began learning JavaScript and Go to connect his data clusters to a responsive front-end, aiming to build an infrastructure that could process and update data live from external systems. This project was more than just technical brilliance, it was a glimpse into how Dhamari uses technology as a tool for problem-solving, resilience, and community impact.

Dhamari Trice, Maha Uddin, and Ali Muhawesh presenting SafeSound

YouthTank gave Dhamari the space to pitch bold ideas, sharpen his presentation skills, and build confidence in his ability to create. It also connected him to mentors and peers who encouraged him to stretch his vision.

New Chapter

The foundation he built at YouthTank prepared him for the next step in his journey: a full-time role at Hack Club, a global nonprofit supported by donors like the, Tom Preston-Werner (Co-founder of GitHub), and Michael Dell (Co-founder of Dell Computers).

This Summer Dhamari officially joined Hack Club as a Software Developer & Large-Scale Grant Program Writer on their “You Ship, We Ship” team. In this role Dhamari says he is living in his passion,

“I have sole ownership of marketing, planning, facilitating, and writing the core software that enables online grant programs. These programs are designed to inspire anyone 18 or younger — and I mean anyone, even an 11-year-old — to build and ship their own personal projects. So happy to be Hack Club.”

For Dhamari, this role isn’t just a job — it’s a leap into independence and leadership. Only months after graduating high school, he made a bold decision to take on what he calls “the most rewarding but difficult challenge of my life", to defer a year at university, move 500 miles away, begin working full-time as a Software Engineer, and pursue financial freedom.

“The level of autonomy I’ll have feels truly unheard of, but I’m excited to take it head first,” he says. “Being a student in programs like YouthTank and Code Next opened so many doors for me. I feel blessed to have been part of them, and I know they’ll continue to empower countless others.”

Looking Ahead

As Dhamari steps into this new role, his story reflects the very heart of YouthTank’s mission: equipping young people with the tools, confidence, and vision to turn ideas into action. His journey is proof that Detroit youth are ready to take on the world — and to change it. We’re proud to celebrate Dhamari as part of the YouthTank alumni family. His story inspires us, and we can’t wait to see the impact he makes at Hack Club and beyond!