We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marisa Diaz Arce a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Marisa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.
Dándole Tech was founded and built for the communities that are always being left out of the conversation. Our very first recipients were students who didn’t have access to a device during the pandemic. We’re talking about kids who were trying to log into school on a parent’s phone or having to share one device between multiple siblings, if they even had one at all.
This wasn’t just about missing class. It was about falling behind at a time when everything was moving online. Homework. Class participation. Even communication with teachers. And these were smart, motivated students. They just didn’t have the tools.
At Dándole Tech, we are closing the digital divide one family at a time. We focus on access, bilingual support, and being culturally grounded in everything we do. Because everyone deserves a fair shot, and sometimes it just takes someone showing up with the right resources to change the story.
Marisa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Marisa Díaz-Arce, one of the cofounders of Dándole Tech and honestly, this work is personal. I didn’t come from a tech background. I come from community work, education, and a deep belief that access should not be determined by your zip code. What got me into this space was seeing the harsh reality that many families faced when schools transitioned to remote learning. Being an educator allowed me to gain insight into the fact that many students didn’t have access.
That’s how Dándole Tech started, as a grassroots response to a digital crisis. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide in a manner that is culturally grounded, community-centered, and responsive to genuine needs. We provide refurbished laptops, free digital literacy workshops, and we now have a physical space at the Humboldt Park Field House where we host regular tech classes for youth. Having that home base means we can stay connected and consistent, offering long-term support instead of just one-time handoffs.
If someone is learning about Dándole Tech for the first time, I want them to know this, we are a small but powerful team doing this work with heart. We believe access to technology is a right, not a privilege. And we’re here to make sure our community has the tools and opportunities to thrive.
Have you ever had to pivot?
A time in my life when I really had to pivot, both personally and professionally, was when I made the decision to step out of the classroom to take care of my mental health and be there for my mom, who had just been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Back in 2018 and 2019, everything in my world flipped. I was going through a divorce, which was far from smooth, and it really took a toll on my mental health, all while trying to prepare for a new school year. On top of that, I had to make a last minute decision to switch schools out of concern for the safety of me and my youngest child.
I’ll never forget those first few weeks leading into the school year. I was sitting in my new classroom at a new school and started feeling this tightness in my chest. Then everything started spinning. Turns out, I was having a panic attack. That was the moment I knew I needed help. I started seeing a therapist right away because I knew I was carrying too much. As the year went on, I found myself feeling more and more disconnected from my students. And I had always told myself, if I ever became that teacher that kids could tell wasn’t fully present, I’d need to step away. So I did.
At the same time, something unexpected was happening. I started working on community events in my neighborhood, and instead of partying through the pain, I threw myself into the community. That honestly saved me. Helping others while I was going through one of the hardest chapters in my life gave me a sense of purpose I hadn’t felt in a long time. That work eventually led me to start an event production business with my best friend. It grew out of the success of the pop ups we were hosting, and it just felt right. By the end of 2019, I officially left teaching to take care of my mom as she began chemo, and I planned to go full force into the business in 2020.
Then the world shut down.
But even through that, we found a way. During the reopening phases, we were able to apply for a grant that helped us keep creating opportunities for other small businesses. I started freelancing, which opened new doors and eventually led me to my role at Navy Pier. This is also when Dándole Tech was started.
That entire season of life taught me that even when everything falls apart, you can rebuild. And sometimes what you build next is even more aligned with who you’re becoming.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation is that I’m consistent, I care deeply about people, and I always find a way to bring others with me. Whether I’m leading community outreach, events or activations at Navy Pier, finding ways to keep our mission and vision alive through Dándole Tech, or just showing up for my neighborhood, I move with intention and community at the center.
I’ve never been the type to do something just for show. People trust me because they’ve seen me put in the work, even when no one’s watching. I stay grounded, I follow through, and I show up with heart. That means calling folks back, being clear with my communication, building real relationships, and listening before I speak.
Also, I think my reputation has been built on being a connector. I’m always thinking about how to create space, open doors, and help others shine. That could be getting a small business vendor their first shot at Navy Pier, highlighting a local creative at an event, or making sure our youth have access to tech and resources. I make room for others because I know how hard it can be when no one’s willing to. I also know the impact that one person can have on another life by holding a door open and and mentioning peoples names/businesses in rooms of opportunity. Understanding that there is enough for all and not being a gate keeper – I move with heart.
At the end of the day, I’ve built my name on showing up, being real and doing the work. And I think people feel & resonate with that.
Contact Info:
- Website: dandoletech.org
- Instagram: Personal https://www.instagram.com/ms.mar1sa/ Organization https://www.instagram.com/dandoletech/
- Linkedin: Personal https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-diaz-arce-27645488/ Org https://www.linkedin.com/company/69695533/admin/dashboard/
- Other: Donation Link: https://www.spotfund.com/story/29c76a0a-e6f0-4ac0-bc09-268fee7f3b57?SFID=PqysC&r=aHR0cHM6Ly9saW5rdHIuZWUv&referral_id=57d86d4e-4ef7-4317-ab36-863fdb486e8e
Image Credits
Photos taken by Dándole Tech staff