Bowie State Grad Eyes Future as Tech Entrepreneur

Overcoming a Language Barrier, Harrison Razanajatovo Uses Hackathons to Forge Career Path

MEDIA CONTACT: Damita Chambers, dchambers@bowiestate.edu, 301-832-2628 mobile

(BOWIE, Md.) – Harrison Razanajatovo learned at a young age how to adapt in an unfamiliar environment. At just 14 years old, he and his family came to Maryland from Madagascar, an island nation off the coast of East Africa. The move forced him to quickly learn a new language and a new culture, all while navigating life as a teenager. Eight years later, not only has he excelled in academics, but he also is graduating from Bowie State University Friday with a Bachelor of Science in computer science. He is planning his next big move to North Carolina to join IBM as a junior developer.

Razanajatovo is charting his own course as a technology expert and aspiring business owner. He chose the Department of Computer Science in part because he recognized its endless opportunities for innovation and ideation. With plans to build his own company, he credits Bowie State with giving him the skills needed to create new technology. “Designing software, websites, applications, games – with a strong foundation in computer science I can do all of those things.”

While he appreciates the textbook knowledge Bowie State provided, Razanajatovo learned his most valuable lessons outside of the classroom. At the urging of Dr. Lethia Jackson, chair of the Department of Technology & Security, he took advantage of several opportunities to gain real-world experience. “It’s important to find the people who will push you to be great,” he said. “I don’t think I would be here, having accomplished as much as I have, had Dr. Jackson not pushed me out of my comfort zone.”

In addition to helping him secure internships, Dr. Jackson also recruited Razanajatovo to participate in various national hackathons. Most recently he attended IBM BlueHack, a SharkTank-style competition where teams created a new invention using emerging IBM technology. His group won first place by designing a smart water system that displayed measurements of water usage throughout your home. His success at BlueHack caught the attention of IBM hiring managers, who offered him a job in Raleigh.

As he enters an exciting new chapter in his life, Razanajatovo says the last four years have made a major impact. “The knowledge, life experience and relationships are what I value most from my time at Bowie State.”

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.