The Mill: Reflection on Leadership and Impact

Celebrating a Decade of Zip Code Wilmington

As Zip Code Wilmington marks its 10th anniversary, the occasion offers a moment to reflect on its origins, evolution, and enduring impact. This milestone, born from a dinner conversation between Ben duPont, Jim Stewart, and Porter Schutt, along with other Wilmington business leaders in attendance at Porter’s house that evening, underscores the power of deliberate, community-driven solutions to local challenges. These business leaders, deeply rooted in Wilmington’s economic landscape, had no idea how well the idea would take root. They hoped for a few cohorts. Instead, it has grown beyond their wildest dreams into a transformative force, proving that when a community unites—philanthropy, private businesses, government, labor, and individuals—remarkable progress is possible.

Transforming Lives Through Technology

Over the years, Zip Code Wilmington has made an indelible impact, touching countless lives through its software development and data engineering programs. Reflecting on the program’s impact, Executive Director Desa Burton shared emotional stories of student triumphs and transformations. Even so, the full impact of this program and its true effect on this community, according to Kris Younger, Zip Code’s Director of Education, will only be visible in the decades to come.

A Leader’s Journey

Guiding Zip Code Wilmington through its growth, Desa Burton’s diverse background in the Navy and with intellectual property law has been pivotal. Transitioning from traditional roles to become an innovative non-profit leader demanded resilience—a quality she strives to instill in students facing their own career challenges. Her personal experiences with professional risk and transformation have shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in empowerment and adaptability.

Overcoming Challenges

Zip Code Wilmington’s journey has been far from linear. From the initial challenges surrounding its audacious inception, to navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now facing the rapid evolution of AI and resulting tech sector hiring declines, the organization has had to continually adapt to support the region’s tech workforce talent needs. “The biggest challenge [Zip Code] ever faced was getting started — believing in ourselves as a city enough to do this on our own for ourselves,” Burton notes. Whether facing market corrections, evolving hiring practices, or logistical hurdles like burst pipes and remote training, the leadership team learned that success lies in calmly meeting the moment with the same solutions-oriented, problem solving skills that software developers use each day.

The Pandemic’s Lessons

COVID-19 reshaped how Zip Code Wilmington delivers its programs. Transitioning to remote learning demonstrated that effective training doesn’t require physical presence. “We realized that these restrictions we put on ourselves were holding us back,” Burton said. This realization has prompted the organization to continually reassess its mission and methodology, ensuring alignment with the evolving workforce landscape. As AI and technological advancements reshape industries, Zip Code is poised to expand its impact beyond traditional software development roles.

Milestones and Achievements

From launching a second course in data engineering to surpassing 750 graduates, Zip Code Wilmington has much to celebrate in its 10 years of operations. These graduates have not only enhanced their own lives, increasing their salaries by an average of $50,000—from an average of $30,000 to $80,000—they have also contributed significantly to the local economy. Burton estimates that approximately 75% of graduates remain in the region, supporting local businesses, paying taxes, and enriching their communities. “An $80,000 average wage means you can buy a house, buy a car, put your kids in great schools,” Burton highlights. “You’re putting that money back into the community.” This ripple effect reflects the founders’ vision of empowering individuals to create systemic change that benefits the local economy.

Looking Ahead

The next decade for Zip Code Wilmington promises innovation and growth. Addressing the question of “what about the rest of us?”—those content in their jobs but eager to upskill—the organization is exploring ways to make technology accessible to a broader audience. With AI rapidly evolving, the focus is on equipping all workforce participants with the tools they need to thrive in a tech-driven world. “This is about everybody,” Burton emphasized. “You are not gonna be able to ignore these new technologies very long and sustain your current role,” says Burton.

Corporate Partnerships: The Key to Success

Corporate partnerships have been integral to Zip Code Wilmington’s success. These relationships, forged on mutual benefit, have shaped the program’s curriculum and provided critical support. Beginning with the end in mind, “[o]ne of the first things that Ben, Jim, and Porter did was sit down with these companies and say, ‘What is it that you need in an entry-level software developer?’” Burton explained. Partners’ talent needs drive the curriculum and offerings at Zip Code, consistently ranked as one of the top bootcamps in the country and now also as one of the top 19 bootcamps in the country for job placement by Course Report. As market dynamics shift, Zip Code Wilmington’s connection to these partners remains a cornerstone of its mission, even as it adapts its business model to new realities.

Collaboration with The Mill

Being part of The Mill has been instrumental in Zip Code Wilmington’s journey. The Mill’s collaborative environment has fostered innovation and provided a platform for growth. “We really appreciate The Mill for so many reasons,” Burton said. “To be here, to grow here, has been amazing.”  The synergy between these organizations underscores the importance of shared spaces in driving community and economic development.

As Zip Code Wilmington celebrates its first decade, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and determination. Its journey continues, evolving to meet new challenges and opportunities, with a steadfast commitment to making a difference.