We were lucky to catch up with Darien Maples recently and have shared our conversation below.

Darien , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name TechBesties is more than just a catchy title it’s a reflection of our journey, friendship, and the support system that has carried us through every twist and turn in our tech careers.

My Co-Founder and CTO, Victoria Moser, and I came up with the name based on our personal story. We met while working together at Girls in Tech, and from that moment, we became each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Over the years, we’ve supported one another through layoffs, career transitions, promotions, and even moments of uncertainty. No matter what was happening, we showed up for each other — as friends first and as collaborators second.

That friendship, built on trust, growth, and shared experience, inspired the foundation of TechBesties. We realized that the tech world isn’t easy to navigate alone. From coding to career progression, it’s a lot to manage. But with the right people in your corner, it becomes more than manageable — it becomes empowering.

At its heart, TechBesties is where tech meets friendship. It’s a place where you can find teammates on your tech journey, celebrate your wins, and lean on others during the challenges. We wanted to create a space where no one would have to “go at it alone” because, truthfully, none of us did.

Whether you’re learning a new skill, navigating a career pivot, or pushing toward your next big goal, TechBesties is here to remind you that you have a whole community of “besties” ready to support you along the way. Because tech is better with friends by your side.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who may not know me, I’m the Co-Founder and CEO of TechBesties, an inclusive and dynamic community where tech meets friendship. Alongside this incredible venture, I balance a full-time job in the cybersecurity space and the joys of being a mom to an amazing little boy, which have taught me resilience and the power of prioritization. Working alongside my amazing co-founders, Victoria Moser and Lela Belayneh, has been an incredible journey, blending friendship and shared vision to create something truly impactful.

Before founding TechBesties, I served as the Managing Director for Girls in Tech Dallas, where I built programs and events designed to help people break into the tech industry or enhance their networks. That experience gave me invaluable insight into the nonprofit space and sparked my passion for creating accessible opportunities in tech.

At TechBesties, we’re focused on empowering women and allies in tech through resources, mentorship, and tech career support. Our programs span diverse tech fields like AI, Cybersecurity, Coding, and career transitions, all curated in partnership with some of the top tech companies in the industry. We also provide events, a digital community, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring our members have the tools to thrive professionally and personally in their tech journey.

What makes TechBesties unique is our emphasis on community and connection. We’re not just helping people advance their careers; we’re fostering genuine friendships and building a space where everyone feels seen and supported.

I’m incredibly proud of the partnerships we’ve developed with leading tech companies to create high-quality programs for our members. I’m also proud of the impact we’ve had on people already engaging and taking advantage of our membership options.

For potential partners, followers, I want you to know that our work is rooted in the belief that collaboration and community can drive success. TechBesties is about more than just tech—it’s about creating an ecosystem where everyone feels empowered to achieve their goals while building meaningful connections along the way. Whether you’re new to tech, looking to advance, or simply seeking a supportive network, TechBesties is here to help you every step of the way.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

How I Met My Co-Founder & CTO, Victoria Moser

Where do I even begin with this incredibly talented human? Victoria Moser and I first crossed paths at a Girls in Tech event I hosted in Dallas. I was immediately struck by her passion, creativity, and technical brilliance. By the next day, I knew I wanted her on my team and invited her to join my advisory board. That decision marked the beginning of not just a successful professional partnership but also a deep, enduring friendship.

Over the years, we collaborated to build impactful events, programs, and partnerships that brought opportunities to our community. Along the way, we faced some of the toughest challenges in our careers—before, during, and after COVID. From navigating professional setbacks to lifting each other up during personal trials, we became each other’s biggest supporters.

When Victoria moved to Miami, her passion for empowering women in tech led her to start the Miami chapter of Girls in Tech, inspired by the work we had done together in Dallas. Even with the distance, our shared mission kept us connected.

The closure of Girls in Tech could have been the end of our journey, but for us, it was just the beginning of a new chapter. We knew the work we started wasn’t done. So, with one conversation, we decided to co-found TechBesties—an organization built where tech meets friendship.

Within days of that decision, Victoria, with her incredible skills and vision, designed the website and created the branding strategy that laid the foundation for TechBesties. What began as an idea quickly became a movement, and we haven’t stopped building since.

Our journey together is a testament to the power of friendship, resilience, and shared purpose. TechBesties is more than just an organization; it’s a reflection of the challenges we’ve overcome and the community we continue to nurture.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

How I Met My Second Co-Founder & CVO, Lela Belayneh

Wow, where do I even begin with this incredibly talented and determined woman? Lela Belayneh is truly the perfect addition to what Victoria and I needed to take TechBesties to the next level. When Victoria and I started building TechBesties, we quickly realized that to truly deliver on our vision, we needed someone who could help shape the value and purpose of the organization.

I met Lela through a mutual friend, and we also share a board seat with another organization called Women Already Connected. It was there that we began to build a close professional relationship that naturally grew into something more. Lela’s passion for helping people and her dedication to community building immediately stood out. She has an incredible ability to step up and deliver, whether she’s on the ground or traveling. Her availability, drive, and readiness to contribute—even at a moment’s notice—are unmatched.

What truly sets Lela apart is her knack for bringing fresh ideas, providing thoughtful feedback, and always pushing us to be better. Her energy and expertise were exactly what we needed, and bringing her on board as the third co-founder of TechBesties was a natural choice.

Lela’s presence has been instrumental in rounding out our team and shaping the purpose of TechBesties. Together, we’ve become stronger, more innovative, and more focused on empowering the tech community with the support, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://techbesties.io
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techbesties.io/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techbesties-io/

Image Credits

Photographer junjdm