Volunteer Spotlight: Ryan Cameron
Powercoders thrives because of the dedication of our volunteers. This month we're spotlighting Ryan Cameron, a job coach who has been instrumental in connecting us with companies. Ryan's enthusiasm and dedication will open doors for many of our participants.
Interview with Ryan Cameron
What do you do when you aren’t volunteering?
Outside of my work with Powercoders, I serve as an advisor for FE+MALE, a nonprofit think tank dedicated to promoting gender equality in entrepreneurship. Professionally, I’m the Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer for CleanPlay, a clean tech venture focused on reducing the gaming industry’s carbon footprint by gamifying climate action.
Beyond work, my family is my foundation. Our weekends are filled with adventures and time spent with friends, which helps me balance career, family, and community—keeping me grounded and fulfilled. I also enjoy running and staying active outdoors.
Can you share how you first got involved with Powercoders as a volunteer job coach and what inspired you to take on this role?
My involvement with Powercoders began through a chance conversation at Microsoft, where a colleague mentioned this unique opportunity to give back through volunteering. It struck a chord immediately. I’d been in leadership for a while, working on team development, but this was different. Powercoders wasn’t just about preparing people for jobs; it was about creating tangible, lasting change in the lives of refugees and migrants. I was drawn in by the power of the mission—to break the cycle of disadvantage through technology. That simple word-of-mouth recommendation opened my eyes to how I could use my expertise in career coaching for a cause that aligned with my values, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to be involved.
What’s your first memory of volunteering as a job coach?
My first memory isn’t one of coaching, surprisingly. It was the environment that stood out—the energy and hope during the matchmaking event. What struck me was the meticulous organization of the event; it was clear that Powercoders had mastered the delicate art of connecting people.
“The energy and hope in the room were infectious. It wasn’t just about coaching; it was about creating opportunities for real change”
– Ryan Cameron
What has surprised you most about working with our participants / your coachee?
What surprised me most was the sheer determination and grit of the participants. Despite my coachee’s circumstances (that included 3+ hours on the train per day), she came to our meetings full of optimism, eager to absorb everything I could offer. She once told me, “I don’t want to be a refugee; I just want to be an employee”. That moment stuck with me. It’s a reminder that the people we’re coaching aren’t just looking for sympathy—they’re rebuilding their entire lives. Every day, they face challenges that are far greater than anything we see in our careers, and yet, they show up with a fire that’s impossible to ignore. That level of resilience is deeply inspiring.
How has your experience coaching an intern who graduated from the Powercoders bootcamp been, and what impact do you feel you have made through your role?
Coaching a Powercoders graduate was both rewarding and humbling. There were times when I felt like I couldn’t do enough—some of the challenges they faced were so significant that I wished I could offer more support. But over time, I realized that even small bits of guidance or encouragement can have a meaningful impact. I once heard someone say, “Our role is simply to offer a bridge; they’re the ones who cross it.” That perfectly captures the essence of being a coach. We provide the tools and support, but ultimately, it’s up to them to take the steps forward.
“That’s what drives me—the knowledge that I’m helping create opportunities that genuinely transform lives”
– Ryan Cameron
What drives you to actively seek out internship opportunities for Powercoders participants, and how do you go about connecting with new companies for this purpose?
I’ve worked with a few nonprofits, but what sets Powercoders apart is the measurable, direct impact it has. When you see a participant land their first job or internship, you witness real change. That’s what drives me—the knowledge that I’m helping create opportunities that genuinely transform lives.
To connect with new companies, I rely on my network and my background at Microsoft and through my community in the Lausanne area to open doors. I often attend industry events, engage in conversations with hiring managers, and pitching the Powercoders mission is such a nature thing to do. For me, it’s about finding the right intersection between social good and business value.
What do you see as the most rewarding aspect of your work with Powercoders, and how does it align with your personal values and beliefs?
The most rewarding aspect for me is seeing the scale of Powercoders’ results. Everything about Powercoders aligns to my core belief that everyone deserves an equal shot at life, no matter where they come from. Growing up, my father worked in social services for disabled adults, and from an early age, I was taught that we rise by lifting others. Powercoders taps into that same belief system for me—ensuring that opportunities are created for people who often don’t have access to them. It’s a mission that resonates deeply, because it’s about leveling the playing field and changing lives in the most tangible way.
“Powercoders wasn’t just about preparing people for jobs; it was about creating tangible, lasting change in the lives of refugees and migrants. I was drawn in by the power of the mission—to break the cycle of disadvantage through technology.”
– Ryan Cameron
In what ways do you feel your volunteer work with Powercoders has contributed to your own personal and professional growth?
Volunteering with Powercoders has expanded my worldview in profound ways. As an immigrant myself, I know the importance of building a sense of belonging in a new country, and working with Powercoders has deepened that feeling of connection for me here in Switzerland. It’s also broadened my professional network in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I’ve met people from all walks of life, from corporate leaders to fellow volunteers, and each interaction has enriched both my personal and professional life. It’s been a powerful reminder that growth often happens outside of our comfort zones.
Looking towards the future, what are your goals and aspirations for your continued involvement with Powercoders and supporting its mission?
I see tremendous potential to expand the scope of Powercoders’ impact. My immediate goal is to deepen corporate partnerships and internship placements, particularly with larger enterprises that have the resources to make a real difference. I also want to explore the development of a game development track within Powercoders. With my history at Xbox, I believe there’s an untapped opportunity to prepare participants for careers in the gaming industry—a space that’s constantly growing and evolving. If we can harness that momentum, we can give even more participants a chance to break into this exciting, growing field.
