Today we’d like to introduce you to Fil Graniczny.
Hi Fil, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey in the tech and entrepreneurship world has been fueled by one core passion: building and nurturing vibrant tech communities. This passion led me from Chicago to Los Angeles in 2021, drawn by the dynamic and evolving tech environment. I’m currently in the final stretch of my computer science degree at the University of Southern California, set to graduate later this year.
My career in event management and community building began in Chicago, where I started as a production manager and event host during high school. This early involvement in organizing a wide range of events helped lay the groundwork for my future in building tech events. My reach in event planning quickly expanded beyond Illinois, eventually spanning six states nationwide. Since 2015, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work on and produce over 350 events, leading to my current role as HackSC’s Executive Director.
At HackSC, a professional tech event planning organization at USC, we’ve succeeded in creating a hub for tech enthusiasts, students, and professionals to converge right here in Los Angeles. Our mission is to foster a thriving community through a variety of tech-centered events and initiatives. We specialize in organizing hackathons, which are (usually multi-day) events where participants collaborate to “hack” together projects in a short timeframe. These hackathons go beyond just coding; they’re incubators of innovation, learning, and building lasting connections within the tech community.
During my time at HackSC, I’ve had the privilege of turning my passion for community building into impactful experiences. With the team, we focus on crafting events that merge technological exploration with fostering a sense of community. Our goal is to make hackathons inclusive and welcoming to all, breaking down barriers and inviting diverse participation.
One of our most recent projects, “Hack Nights at USC,” is designed to nurture ongoing community interaction. These events, open to the broader LA tech community, provide regular opportunities for connection and collaboration. Hack Nights are about exchanging knowledge, networking, and cultivating a community spirit among tech enthusiasts, offering a platform for builders and entrepreneurs to collaborate on everything from passion projects to startups.
A key highlight of our endeavors is our commitment to inclusivity in tech. For example, in May 2023, we hosted a special hackathon for high school students from underprivileged areas in South LA, aiming to spark their interest in technology and encourage new paths for their future.
Parallel to my work at HackSC, my most recent role as the Director of Ambassadors at AI LA, a nonprofit focused on AI and frontier technologies in Los Angeles, has allowed me to contribute to the community beyond USC. Here, I’m working with the team towards developing an ambassador program with specialized tracks to cater to diverse tech interests, supporting AI LA’s mission of fostering engagement and innovation in emerging tech fields.
Moving from the Midwest to LA was a significant step in my personal and professional growth. It’s given me the opportunity to be a part of and learn from the diverse and dynamic tech community here. Los Angeles’s vibrant energy and diversity have been inspiring. I’m grateful for the chance to contribute in my own small way to this community, and I’m constantly amazed by the collective creativity and innovation that I see around me every day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Balancing my time has been one of the most significant hurdles. Juggling a demanding education at USC with my work at HackSC and other full-time work commitments have been difficult.
Despite these challenges, the rewards have been immeasurably gratifying. It’s incredibly rewarding to see like-minded builders connect at the events I help organize. Witnessing initial introductions turn into lasting friendships, and sometimes even into co-founder partnerships, is a testament to the strength of the community we’re building.
Another aspect that keeps me motivated is seeing the incredible projects that emerge from these events. Every project created during hack nights and the hackathons is a reminder of the talent we have here in Los Angeles, and it’s just inspiring to see.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
HackSC is an annual student-driven hackathon hosted at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, California. As one of the key hackathons in the region, it garners attention from students, engineers, designers, and technology enthusiasts from various areas, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, learning, and innovation.
The event is recognized as a leading hackathon in the Southern California region and among the top in the nation. It continues to grow in popularity and impact, serving as a platform for students to showcase their skills, connect with peers and mentors, and drive innovation forward.
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What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
* Always be open to learning. Every experience is an opportunity to grow. Ask a lot of questions.
* Take time to carefully choose the team you work with and support their needs. Trust and collaboration are essential for success when working with others.
* Take calculated risks and be open to new experiences.
* Sometimes things won’t go the way you want them to. When that happens, stay focused on your goals and persevere.
Contact Info:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/filgran_
Image Credits
First 6 photos (HackSC 2023): Emily Doda / HackSC Last 3 photos (Hack Nights): Kevin Guo / HackSC
