David Mahlaku
Systems Engineer
Sonoma State University, BA
Certificate in System Administration, Google
Certificate in Engineering Project Management, Rice University
Certificate in Operations Analytics, Wharton University of Pennsylvania
email: david.mahlaku [at] sonomaacademy.org
phone: (707) 545-1770
Sonoma State University, BA
Certificate in System Administration, Google
Certificate in Engineering Project Management, Rice University
Certificate in Operations Analytics, Wharton University of Pennsylvania
email: david.mahlaku [at] sonomaacademy.org
phone: (707) 545-1770
David Mahlaku brings a unique international perspective and a passion for problem-solving to his role as Systems Engineer at Sonoma Academy. Originally from Durban, South Africa, David grew up in a highly structured school environment. Upon arriving in the United States in 2013, he was struck by the openness and creativity he found in American education, especially at Sonoma Academy.
"I didn’t know a high school experience like this existed,” he recalls. “Here, students are free to explore, to ask questions, and even to make mistakes and that’s a good thing!”
After spending time traveling and reconnecting with family in Tennessee, David settled in Sonoma County. He attended Santa Rosa Junior College and later transferred to Sonoma State University, where he earned a degree in Communications and Media Studies in 2017. Shortly after graduation, he joined Sonoma Academy.
In his current role, David supports both the IT and Facilities teams, managing A/V systems and maintaining the complex technological infrastructure of the campus including computing systems and building automation such as geothermal controls, solar system and more. “Helping people is one of the best parts of my job,” he says. “It’s rewarding to solve a technical issue and see how much that helps someone else’s day.”
David is also passionate about learning and service. He holds professional certifications in system administration, project management, and operations analytics from institutions including Google, Rice University, and the Wharton School. He volunteers annually with the NGO Visiting Orphans in Rwanda and Ethiopia, and has traveled to nine countries in as many years.
He lives in Santa Rosa with his wife and their two cats, Buddy and Bow, their two dogs, Ella and Nova. In his free time, he enjoys documentary films, world travel, F1 racing, video editing and time with family and Friends. He also speaks multiple languages.
"I didn’t know a high school experience like this existed,” he recalls. “Here, students are free to explore, to ask questions, and even to make mistakes and that’s a good thing!”
Sonoma Academy Is...
...the only private, independent, college preparatory high school in Sonoma County. On our beautiful campus nestled at the base of Taylor Mountain in Southeastern Santa Rosa, our students are able to explore their interests and passions in a rigorous and inspiring environment that develops a lifelong love of learning and prepares them for college and beyond.
Sonoma Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
