David Mahlaku
IT Systems Tech and BMS Engineer
Sonoma State University, BA
Certificate in System Administration, Google
Certificate in Engineering Project Management, Rice University
In his role at Sonoma Academy, David wears two hats: he assists with audio/visual production, and he also serves as Technology support for the IT and Facilities teams in maintaining technology systems throughout the school. “I love helping people —fixing their equipment makes them really happy!” he says. “And it is fascinating to have the chance to learn so much about new technologies—not just computers and software, but all the intricate tech that supports our buildings and Geothermal systems.”
Sonoma State University, BA
Certificate in System Administration, Google
Certificate in Engineering Project Management, Rice University
david.mahlaku [at] sonomaacademy.org
phone: (707) 545-1770
David’s high school in Durban, South Africa was a bit different from Sonoma Academy. “It was a very strict environment, very rigid—you knew you weren’t ever allowed to ask any ‘whys,’” he says. “When I got here, I was amazed—I didn’t know that a high school experience like this existed. Students here are given freedom to explore, and it’s okay to make mistakes. I love that!”
When he arrived in the US in 2013, David spent time traveling the US and visiting his parents in Tennessee before ending up in Sonoma County. He enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College and then transferred to Sonoma State, where he majored in Communications and Media Studies. He graduated in 2017 and came to work with us shortly thereafter.
In his role at Sonoma Academy, David wears two hats: he assists with audio/visual production, and he also serves as Technology support for the IT and Facilities teams in maintaining technology systems throughout the school. “I love helping people —fixing their equipment makes them really happy!” he says. “And it is fascinating to have the chance to learn so much about new technologies—not just computers and software, but all the intricate tech that supports our buildings and Geothermal systems.”
David lives in Santa Rosa with his wife and two cats, Buddy and Bow. He enjoys traveling the world—he's been to nine different countries in the past nine years—speaks multiple languages, and volunteers each year in Rwanda and Ethiopia with an NGO called Visiting Orphans. He loves to watch documentary films, spend time outdoors, attend theater productions, and play cricket with a group in the Peninsula.
When I got here, I was amazed—I didn’t know that a high school experience like this existed. Students here are given freedom to explore, and it’s okay to make mistakes. I love that!
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.
