

Ace the Interview, Get the Job + Open Hack
Ace the Interview, Get the Job — then stick around and build something.
Join us for a Tech Talk + Open Hack at The Loft 419. Doors open at 6 PM, talk kicks off at 6:30.
6:00 PM — Doors Open Grab a seat, settle in, say hi.
6:30 PM — Tech Talk: Ace the Interview, Get the Job Breaking into top tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft can feel impossible — but it doesn't have to be. In this session, Dalien Ahiekpor — an Amazon Bar Raiser who has evaluated hundreds of candidates — shares the insider strategies that separate candidates who get offers from those who don't. You'll learn the hidden patterns interviewers are really looking for, how to turn your experiences into compelling narratives, and the often-overlooked moves that make candidates unforgettable. Whether you're aiming for your first tech role or leveling up to a FAANG company, you'll walk away with actionable frameworks for behavioral interviews, technical discussions, and every stage in between.
7:00 PM — Open Hack Bring your laptop, bring your project, and come build alongside fellow makers. Open Hack is a take on "parallel play" for developers and builders — show up, work on whatever you're building, and enjoy the energy of a room full of people doing the same. Whether you're deep in a side project, learning something new, or just want to write code outside your usual spot, this is your night.
Feel free to ask questions, peek at screens, or just vibe in the same room while you do your thing.
What to bring: • Your laptop and charger • A project, a tutorial, an idea — or just curiosity • Headphones if you like to focus with music
Parking Since the event starts at 6 PM, on-street metered parking nearby is free for the evening (meters are only enforced Mon–Fri, 8–11 AM and 2–5 PM). The Superior Street Garage at 334 N. Superior St is right next door with over 1,000 spots — expect to pay around $6 for the evening. There are also several Kwik Parking lots in the area running $2–$5 for a couple of hours.
About the Speaker Dalien Ahiekpor is an Amazon Bar Raiser and career mentor who has helped over 10 professionals successfully break into or move up in top tech companies. Having evaluated hundreds of candidates, he brings rare, inside-the-room perspective to the hiring process. He is passionate about democratizing access to the strategies and frameworks that actually move the needle, empowering more people to walk into high-stakes interviews with clarity and confidence.