An Arlington-based IT specialist is launching a new tech support company seeking to troubleshoot problems and help people build technical competence.
Mahboba “Maya” Akhtarzadah is the founder and CEO of ReliableIT, which provides support for issues with computers, phones, TVs, printers, Wi-Fi routers and more. In addition to solving customers’ tech troubles, Akhtarzadah will host one-on-one training sessions to help people develop greater comfort with technology.
“My mission is to make technology accessible, understandable and safe — so you can use the tools you need with confidence,” Akhtarzadah says on the website.
Originally from Afghanistan, Akhtarzadah told ARLnow that she grew up with little technology until a friend gifted her a computer in 11th grade.
“I was like, ‘What am going to do with this? I don’t even know how to open this,’” Akhtarzadah said. “But I opened it, and then it opened a world of opportunity for me.”
After coming to the United States on a full-ride scholarship to study at Southern New Hampshire University, Akhtarzadah earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. Her own journey into technical literacy inspired the new business venture.
“No one should be left behind in today’s digital world, and everyone deserves to feel safe and connected,” she said. “That’s my mission, and I want everyone to feel independent, connected and have peace of mind.”
People in need of assistance can schedule a free, 15-minute support session via the website. Akhtarzadah, who soft launched the company about two months ago, determines prices for additional help on a case-by-case basis, depending on what the project demands and customers’ financial circumstances.
The CEO still works a separate full-time job as an IT product manager, so her hours at ReliableIT are from 2-9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekends.
She offers virtual appointments to anyone who contacts her, or in-person visits to local customers within a reasonable distance.
“You don’t have to call your grandchild,” Akhtarzadah said. “You can impress them by working with me.”
