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1 change: 1 addition & 0 deletions next.config.ts
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ export default nextConfig;

// next.config.js
module.exports = {
trailingSlash: true,
output: 'export',
images: {
unoptimized: true,
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10 changes: 10 additions & 0 deletions package-lock.json

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153 changes: 95 additions & 58 deletions src/app/about/page.tsx
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -12,6 +12,8 @@ import styles from "./page.module.scss";

import heroImage from "../../../public/images/hero/about.png";
import armyArmsteadImage from "../../../public/images/team-core/army_armstead.jpg";
import Link from "next/link";
import CtaLink from "@/components/CtaLink";

// Replaces Gatsby's <SEO> component
export const metadata: Metadata = {
Expand All @@ -21,73 +23,32 @@ export const metadata: Metadata = {
const AboutPage = () => {
return (
<Layout>
<Hero
image={heroImage}
title="About Our Organization"
objectPosition="left 23%"
/>
<Hero image={heroImage} title="About Us" objectPosition="left 23%" />
<div className={cx(styles.root, "page-content")}>
<section>
<div className="twoUp">
<div className={cx(styles.about, "twoUpCard")}>
<div className={cx(styles.title)}>
<h2>
"I am living proof that
<br />
tech is a vehicle for freedom."
</h2>
<span className={cx(styles.prominent)}>
Khalil 'Army' Armstead
</span>
<span className={cx(styles.subheading)}>
Executive Director
</span>
</div>
<h2>Our Story</h2>
<p>
Founded in 2020 under Alex Qin's leadership, Emergent Works
envisioned creating a community where formerly incarcerated
people have a safe space to learn tech literacy and coding
skills that enable them to seek sustainable employment. Formerly
known as Code Cooperative, the organization's evolution was
shaped by Army's inspirational journey, starting as a mentee in
the mentorship program. Emergent Works took a significant step
forward by hiring its first employee and operations manager,
Army Armstead. With a background in teaching, music, and
ministry, Army brings a unique perspective and deep
understanding of the challenges faced by system-impacted
individuals. In his role, Army was responsible for overseeing
and designing innovative technical education programs tailored
specifically for communities affected by mass incarceration.
Founded in 2020 under <b>Alex Qin’s</b> leadership,{" "}
<b>Emergent Works</b> was created to answer a simple but radical
question: What if technology could be a path to freedom?
</p>
<p>
Although COVID-19 disrupted many of EW’s plans, Army launched
the first EW 1:1 virtual mentorship program in year one,
virtually connecting formerly incarcerated individuals with
software engineers to build digital literacy and coding skills
to decrease recidivism, the digital divide, and generational
poverty. Under Army's leadership, the organization achieved
notable successes, including creating an open-source app called
Not911, an alternative to policing in a traditional sense while
connecting people to counseling, mediation, and intervention
services.
Originally known as Code Cooperative, we began as a mentorship
circle for formerly incarcerated people learning to code. The
organization’s next chapter was shaped by <b>Army Armstead</b> —
a graduate of our first cohort who rose from mentee to mentor to
Co-Founder and Executive Director. His journey embodies our
mission: turning lived experience into leadership.
</p>
<p>
Shortly after his tenure as Operations Manager, Army Armstead
became our Executive Director. Within three months, he
spearheaded efforts that led to Emergent Works securing a
$1,000,000 grant from Jack Dorsey's StartSmall fund. This grant
was instrumental in providing COVID-proof skills training to our
communities, underscoring our commitment to equitable access and
empowerment. In parallel, Army collaborated closely with his
team to forge impactful partnerships with the Community Justice
Exchange and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Together, we
assumed ownership of the development and maintenance of the Bail
Fund App, a groundbreaking tool that facilitates efficient and
equitable access to bail funds for individuals incarcerated
during pretrial and immigration detention. This initiative
addresses a critical need within our justice system and provides
apprenticeship opportunities for returning citizens to gain
real-world experience.
When COVID-19 disrupted traditional learning, Army launched EW’s
first virtual mentorship program connecting software engineers
with returning citizens. That initiative became the foundation
for a movement — one that uses technology, creativity, and
community to open doors for those most excluded from
opportunity.
</p>
</div>
<div className="twoUpCard">
Expand All @@ -97,6 +58,82 @@ const AboutPage = () => {
style={{ width: "100%", height: "auto" }} // Make image responsive
/>
</div>
<div>
<h2>Our Mission</h2>
<p>
We build{" "}
<b>
freedom through digital fluency, education, employment, and
economic mobility.
</b>
</p>
<p>
Emergent Works equips Black and Brown youth and adults impacted
by incarceration with the tools, networks, and confidence to
thrive in today’s digital world.
</p>
<p>
Our programs merge technical learning with creative expression
and healing:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<b>T.RAP (Technology, Rhythm, and Passion) - </b>a
creative-tech fellowship blending music, storytelling, and
design to cultivate confidence and voice.
</li>
<li>
<b>T.E.C.K. (Technology Education and Career Knowledge) – </b>
career-focused training that builds digital fluency and
connects participants to high-wage employment opportunities.
</li>
<li>
<b>Mentorship & Community –</b>
one-on-one support from tech professionals and alumni who
model what’s possible.
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<h2>Our Impact</h2>
<p>
Each year, Emergent Works serves 50+ participants through
creative and technical education that leads to measurable
change:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<b>90%</b> earn digital certifications and career-ready
portfolios
</li>
<li>
<b>75%</b> secure jobs, contracts, or internships within six
months
</li>
<li>
<b>85%</b> report higher confidence, stability, and belonging
</li>
<li>
<b>20%</b> return as mentors or facilitators — sustaining a
cycle of growth and community leadership
</li>
</ul>
<p>
“We don’t just teach technology — we teach freedom.”<br></br>—
Army Armstead, Co-Founder & Executive Director
</p>
</div>
<div>
<h2>Join Us</h2>
<p>
Emergent Works is proof that tech can heal — not harm. Whether
you’re a learner, mentor, or partner, you can help build a world
where justice, creativity, and opportunity move together.
</p>
<Link href="/programs">
<CtaLink>Join the Movement</CtaLink>
</Link>
</div>
</div>
</section>
</div>
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