We’re excited to introduce the newest member of One Degree’s Board of Directors, Joshua Ogundu! From working in product management to founding their startups, Joshua has always been driven to create solutions that make a difference. In this Q&A, Joshua shares a bit about his journey, what brought him to One Degree, and how his skills and experience can help us grow and better serve our communities.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I’m originally from Michigan, but I moved to Los Angeles from Washington, D.C., about eight years ago. My career has always been centered around technology, whether it’s been in product development, product operations, product management, or founding my own tech companies—which is what I’m currently doing with Tradeway.
From an academic perspective, I’m a graduate of Michigan State University. I came to Los Angeles to attend business school at USC, which further cemented my interest in combining business strategy with technological innovation.
Why did you choose to join One Degree’s Board?
I was introduced to One Degree by Karla Monterroso, who is the board secretary. Karla and I have known each other for years, both socially and professionally, from her time leading Code 2040. When she suggested I might be a good fit for the board, I had conversations with her and later met with Rey. It felt like a great alignment because I believe focusing on reimagining the social safety net is super important.
This mission also ties into the work we’re doing at Tradeway, where we aim to connect individuals with opportunities in skilled trades such as electrical work, HVAC, plumbing, solar panel installation, and wind turbine maintenance. Both efforts—increasing economic opportunities and rethinking how we provide essential resources to underserved communities—share significant common ground. That synergy is what drew me to join the board and contribute to this important work.
What are you hoping to accomplish with One Degree?
Ultimately, my goals align with One Degree’s vision and mission, and I’d like to see us become the go-to platform for two key groups: individuals seeking resources and organizations looking for technology partners. For example, I envision One Degree being a critical tool for more nonprofit and government entities, like the Los Angeles Public Health Department and others, that want to connect their services with people in need.
I want us to enhance our platform’s capabilities, both from a technical and operational perspective, so we can better serve both sides of the equation. Becoming the trusted resource for individuals and organizations alike would be a huge step forward.
From your past experiences, what skills will you bring that will benefit One Degree and our communities?
My background in product management and my experience as a venture-backed founder are two key areas where I believe I can add value. Having gone through the fundraising process myself, I have a network of fundraisers and donors that I can tap into to support One Degree’s financial growth. Additionally, my expertise in product development and operations will help us refine and scale our platform to better meet the needs of the communities we serve.
These skills, combined with my passion for creating technology-driven solutions to address social challenges, are the primary ways I hope to contribute to One Degree’s mission.