QUEENETTE ADEGBITE

National

Queenette started her career in development in education. Her interests and desire to work in an environment catered towards advocating for equity and diversity led her to Code Nation.  She loves comedy and enjoys watching/listening to comedian specials and likes exploring new food options.

ASHLEY BOURGEOIS

National

• LinkedIn

After graduating from West Virginia University with degrees in Psychology and Criminology, Ashley worked as a leader in the retail industry for the better half of a decade throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. Their passion for empowering individuals from underrepresented communities led them to Code Nation. They are excited to bring their diverse experience to an organization that shares their values. Nothing excites them more than a good dad joke and the smell of new sneakers.

SAORI D. BORRAYO

CHICAGO

• LinkedIn

Saori D. Borrayo, a former Chicago teacher, deeply believes that all youth deserve spaces that make them feel empowered, confident, and engaged in their learning. Saori is passionate about providing youth with access to social, academic, and professional opportunities for social mobility. Outside of work, Saori enjoys spending time with their dog, going to Lake Michigan, and thrifting.

KENYA BROWN

New York

Kenya Brown became passionate about working with students when she served as an Americorps Teaching Fellow in 2018. After completing a year of service, she continued to develop her career while working in programming for a national education nonprofit. Kenya is currently in the process of receiving a graduate degree in School Counseling. She hopes to one day utilize her knowledge to provide aspects of social emotional learning into curricula, andpromote student’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.

JERRY COKER

New York

Before joining Code Nation, Jerry was a Middle School mathematics teacher for 6 years throughout Brooklyn. Through his experience, he became passionate about the teaching practices used in communities of color. He is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Sociology of Education in hopes of improving DEI teaching practices in urban education institutions. Jerry is excited to join Code Nation to continue his work of implementing DEI teaching practices in a field that lacks diversity and give students the opportunity to have joyous learning experiences.

KATE CRONIN

Chicago

• LinkedIn

Kate joined Code Nation because she is passionate about democratizing access to education and professional networks within the tech industry, an industry that increasingly structures our political, professional, cultural, and social realities. Prior to joining Code Nation, Kate researched and taught media history at UT Austin. In her spare time, Kate enjoys watching movies and Survivor with her partner and their incorrigible Basset-mix, Mickey.

MARCUS DEL VALLE

New York

Marcus is a youth development specialist with experience with tutoring, curriculum/learning design, event planning/ hosting, and human rights education. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Marcus has been able to combine his passions for youth work, gaming, and creative writing to create fun gamified, and exciting classrooms. Through this work, Marcus has come to view coding as a means of developing grit and securing futures for youth. He sees his work at Code Nation as the perfect opportunity to do just that!

VALERY GONZALEZ

New York

• LinkedIn

Valery Gonzalez, a first-generation Latinx from Queens, NY, is passionate about STEAM, youth development, and equitable education. She is excited to join Code Nation and continue to empower under-resourced students by providing them with the tools and experiences they deserve. Valery has a background in science education and believes in creating inclusive and interactive learning environments that nurture the curiosity of young minds. In her free time, Valery enjoys dance classes, hiking with her dogs, and playing video games on her Switch.

KELSEY HANSEN

Chicago

• LinkedIn

Kelsey started her career as a bilingual elementary school teacher through Teach for America in Chicago and then taught in Santiago, Chile. Kelsey’s educational philosophy is that all students can learn, especially when provided with access to hands-on STEM classroom experiences. When she’s not traveling the world, Kelsey loves hiking, yoga, and discovering Chicago’s best breakfast sandwiches.

KELLIE HINKLE

National

• LinkedIn

Kellie has spent two decades in the non-profit sector, working to ensure that all individuals and communities have the resources they need to thrive. She previously served as the Senior Vice President, District Engagement & Data Experience at City Year, Inc, a national education nonprofit, where she led the organization’s use of data to inform programs and partnerships, and designed and implemented the organization’s public revenue fundraising strategy, bringing in $50 million in revenue annually. Kellie also serves as Vice President of the Haddon Township Board of Education in New Jersey, a member of the New Jersey School Boards Association’s statewide Equity Council, and as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the nonprofit Books for Kids. In her spare time, Kellie can be found playing with her two rescue dogs, reading mystery novels, and enjoying New Jersey’s unofficial state food, pork roll.

MIKA HUGHES

National

• LinkedIn

Mika, a former teacher, has a passion for curriculum development, increasing access to educational resources, and technology of all kinds. She taught middle school science for six years and believes in building meaningful, lasting relationships with her students. In her spare time, she enjoys passing time with her fiancé and cat, reading (especially on rainy days), and early morning yoga.

ERIKA JAKES

CHICAGO

• LinkedIn

Erika is a Chicago South Side native who believes that everyone deserves a chance to learn and a chance to be. Before joining the Code Nation Chicago team, Erika was in corporate tech recruiting at several start-ups. When she is not working, Erika likes to cook savory dishes and bake delicious desserts, watch movies with her partner, and take care of her leopard gecko, Domino. 

ASSIATOU JALLOW

Chicago

• LinkedIn

Assiatou is passionate about ensuring students have the knowledge and support they need to make informed choices about the lives they will live. She loves to foster classroom environments that prioritize practicing co-creation and exercising agency. Before coming to Code Nation, she did college access work in Detroit. Outside of work, she is about everything food, hair, and books.

WIKTORIA KOZLOWSKA

CHICAGO

• LinkedIn

Wiktoria is passionate about educational equity and believes all students from underrepresented backgrounds deserve access to a future that excites them. Also a former middle school mathematics teacher, Wiktoria joins Code Nation after working with pre-service educators and conducting research on the support of undocumented students. She enjoys concerts, fantasy novels, and collecting trinkets she absolutely does not need.

THUY LE

National

• LinkedIn

Thuy brings over 15 years of experience in the education and non-profit sectors focusing on building equitable systems and processes to help create environments where people can do their best work. Most recently, Thuy served as the Global Director of Talent Management for Heifer International, where she led the formation of a new talent management function and initiated the prioritization of DEIB as an organizational imperative. Thuy lives outside Philadelphia, PA and in her free time enjoys spending time with family, watching Netflix, and thrifting for vintage finds.

PAMELA MARTINEZ

New York

A Dominicana from Brooklyn, Pamela has dedicated her life to working with students from low-income backgrounds & bridging educational gaps. She previously taught English for five years at a charter middle school in Brooklyn. There she learned to prioritize relationship building, teaching outside the box, & pushing kids to be their best. She is proud to join Code Nation in continuing this work in the tech community! Issues of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion have been a part of what challenges her to continue this work. Outside of work, you can find Pamela involved in providing tools to her peers to live anti-racist lives, reading, getting some sun (ideally on a beach somewhere), or spending time with her loved ones.

KAYSWANNA McCOY

CHICAGO

• LinkedIn

Kayswanna is dedicated to helping bridge the gap of access and resources to equitable educational advancement for young people in under-served communities. She strives to ensure they have the resources, guidance, and support they need to help them reach their goals. Her ultimate goal is to create a positive environment where young people can become conscientious, impactful citizens of the world. Outside of work she enjoys walking the Chicago Lakefront Trail and attending concerts.

AARTI MONTEIRO

Chicago

• LinkedIn

Aarti is passionate about working to address educational equity and helping young people have agency in their learning and lives. Before joining Code Nation, she managed a youth creative writing program in New York City and helped middle schoolers write imaginative stories. She spends her time outside of work exploring her new neighborhood, writing fiction, and borrowing too many books from the library.

SHANE MORRIS

Chicago

• LinkedIn

Before coming to Code Nation, Shane taught middle school science in San Antonio through Teach for America and was a campus leader for Citizen Schools in East Harlem. He is deeply passionate about equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to become our future innovators and leaders. Shane enjoys biking around the city and hanging out with his cats, Harriet and Marvin.

AMBAR PASCUAL

New York

• LinkedIn

As a New York native, Ambar grew up in the public school education system and has a passion for providing access and resources to youth in under served communities. She is a former science teacher and school leader, in both Harlem and Brooklyn. Ambar joined Code Nation excited to help equip students with the tools to make informed decisions and enter the tech industry. Outside of work you can find Ambar at your local plant store buying a new addition to her family.

KARLA PINZÓN

New York

Karla Pinzón brings close to a decade of robust experience in informal science education. Having worked at renowned science centers in NYC, including the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Hall of Science, Karla’s breadth of teaching experience spans from toddlers to licensed science teachers from the NYC Department of Education. Currently serving as the Program Manager and Regional DEI Lead at Code Nation, Karla is deeply committed to the intersection of science education and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, as a member of the NYC STEM Education Network Steering Committee, Karla is dedicated to shaping and influencing the trajectory of STEM education in the city. Drawing from personal experience, she finds it a profound honor to unlock doors of opportunity for those who might not otherwise have access, mirroring the transformative experience she had as a NYC public school student.

EMILY ROSE PRATS

New York

• LinkedIn

Emily Rose believes in the power of language, role modeling, and early & equitable access to resources. She has a BFA in musical theatre, 5+ years of content marketing and community management experience, and a dog obsession. You can find her biking around Brooklyn, thrifting, or doing a jigsaw puzzle. If you have a dog, she’ll find you.

FAHIM RAHMAN

New York

• LinkedIn

Fahim is very passionate about STEM, bringing his passion to Code Nation to fight inequality in the education system. A firm believer in equitable access, Fahim’s goal is to provide resources to students from under-resourced communities to achieve their true potential in the tech industry. Fahim taught middle school science for a year and a half in Harlem before joining Code Nation. On the weekends, you can find him playing guitar with his band or writing and producing music. 

CAROLINA SALINAS

CHICAGO

• LinkedIn

Carolina is a Chicago native and first generation Latinx. After teaching Chemistry in Chicago Public Schools for five years, she has joined Code Nation to continue in her work in establishing STEM exposure and opportunities to Chicago’s youth. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, binge watching tv shows and traveling to new and exciting locations.

DOMINICK SANDERS

National

• LinkedIn

Dominick is a visionary force within the realm of K-12 education, propelled by a steadfast dedication to computer science. With an impressive track record spanning over ten years, he has emerged as an exceptional talent in crafting curriculum, overseeing programs, and fostering meaningful connections with stakeholders. Previously serving as the Computer Science State Supervisor at the South Carolina Department of Education, Dominick brings transformative expertise to CodeNation. In his leisure time, he enjoys exploring new recipes in the kitchen and embracing quality time with friends and family.

KAYLA SINCLAIR

New York

• LinkedIn

Kayla is a former teacher, tutor, and mentor from Brooklyn, NY. After realizing a medical career no longer fit into her life path, she became dedicated to combining her passion for science and technology with her desire to address disparities in communities like her own. Kayla is grateful to have the opportunity to help students feel confident in their aspirations, and in their ability to achieve them. In her leisure time, you can find Kayla dancing around her bedroom, writing songs, or outside making new friends.

RON SUMMERS

National

• LinkedIn

Ron has two decades of experience across technology and education sectors, bridged through an intentional focus on equitable access to learning and pathways to careers in computer science and tech-related fields. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of Computer Science Education at the NYC Department of Education, overseeing the 10-year CS4ALL initiative and the long-term goal to build sustainable K-12 programming and learning experiences for all one million students. Ron spent the early part of his career teaching high school students design, entrepreneurial, and computational thinking by blending experiences from the tech startup world into his classroom. Outside of the office, Ron enjoys weekend adventures with his family of four, cycling through New Jersey’s scenic neighborhoods, and pretending to be an expert landscaper.

JAKE TUMAS

National

Jake has a passion for social justice issues, especially ones affecting the Bay Area. He comes to the team having managed operations in the food and beverage industry for the past several years and looks forward to bringing those skills to a more rewarding field. In his free time, you can find him in the mountains, seasonally shifting between backpacking, skiing, and fly fishing.

DIANA WALTERS

National

• LinkedIn

Diana spent more than a decade of her career at Teach For America as a fundraiser. She is passionate about ending educational inequity and is drawn to Code Nation’s mission to foster a new generation of leaders and break the social and economic inequities in the tech industry. Outside of work, Diana loves hiking, hanging at the beach, and exploring with her partner & their toddler.

JAKE WHITSETT

New York

Jake has worked in youth development for five years in Boston, Massachusetts, and Harlem, New York. Jake looks to bridge the gap between school and real-world career pathways in tech by providing students with the skills of modern web development. He looks forward to working with youth across New York and bringing his passion for working with students to Code Nation. Jake can also be found on his bike riding around Manhattan, at his local soccer pitch, or trying new foods.

BRIANA WILSON

Chicago

Briana joined Code Nation because she believes that students in under-resourced schools deserve the same learning opportunities that students in affluent zip codes receive; and that greater access to careers in tech will change lives. A Chicago native, Briana is a former special education teacher and knows that all students have unlimited potential. Outside of work, Briana is a travel-loving yoga enthusiast and also leads her church’s youth group. 

ELISABETH WRIGHT

National

• LinkedIn

Elisabeth brings an excitement for and experience in nonprofit and education marketing and brand-building to her role at Code Nation. She wholeheartedly believes that real change in the tech industry begins in the classroom, and is focused on intentional, inclusive communications. Outside work, Elisabeth loves eating at Chicago restaurants and exploring with her husband and two dogs.

For media or press inquiries, please contact Elisabeth at elisabeth.wright@codenation.org

MARTHA ZÚÑIGA

CHICAGO

• LinkedIn

Martha is a Chicago native. She discovered her passion for youth development, working with City Year, After School Matters, and serving as a camp counselor in the summers. She am blessed to be able to lift as I climb and provide students with access to the tools and spaces they will thrive in. She believes in the power of our young people.