At-Large Representative

Serving on the CSTA Board offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of computer science education and empower educators. My passion for fostering equitable access to quality computer science education aligns with CSTA’s mission to support and grow a vibrant community of computer science educators worldwide. As a board member, I aim to: 1) Advocate for policies and resources that expand access to computer science education for all students, particularly underrepresented groups. 2) Build strong, collaborative relationships with educators, industry partners, and other stakeholders to foster innovation and best practices. 3) Support professional development initiatives that equip educators with the tools and knowledge needed to inspire the next generation of learners.These goals resonate with CSTA’s values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as its strategic priorities to promote professional growth, strengthen leadership, and broaden participation in CSED.

As the Director of the Maryland Center for Computing Education, my leadership skills include strategic vision implementation through statewide CS education initiatives and PreK-12 program development. I excel at building collaborative partnerships across K-12, higher education, and industry, as demonstrated by the successful Prince George’s Early Middle College TalentReady Program. My experience coordinating professional development for hundreds of teachers has strengthened my ability to design effective learning experiences for educators. My work on state and national CS standards committees, including “Reimagining CS Pathways,” provides curriculum expertise valuable for CSTA’s advocacy efforts. Facilitating CSTA’s Inquiry Group on diversity and culturally responsive teaching reflects my commitment to inclusive education. I’ve developed change management skills by supporting teachers transitioning to CS roles, addressing concerns, and building instructional confidence.

According to the 2023 State of Computer Science Education report, Maryland ranks number one in the nation for providing CS education access to all high school students. As Director of the Maryland Center for Computing Education (MCCE), I’ve implemented this universal access vision, which aligns perfectly with CSTA’s mission to empower CS educators. My strategic leadership has contributed to Maryland’s recognition through collaborations across K-12, higher education, and industry that support comprehensive statewide CS education. By coordinating professional development for hundreds of teachers, I’ve helped build Maryland’s capacity to deliver quality CS instruction. My work on state and national standards committees, including “Reimagining CS Pathways,” has shaped frameworks ensuring equitable access. As a CSTA Board member, I would use Maryland’s successful model to advance CSTA’s priorities nationwide, particularly in expanding equitable CS education access for all students.

My relationship with CSTA has been dynamic and impactful. I served on the national committee for Reimagining CS Pathways, defining computer science in the context of emerging technologies and updating national standards. As a facilitator for the CSTA Inquiry Group, I advanced diversity, inclusivity, and culturally responsive teaching, supporting CSTA’s equity mission. In the CSTA Maryland Chapter, I held a leadership role, strengthening our local educator community. I’ve actively participated in CSTA Annual Conferences, committees, professional development sessions, and initiatives like the Identifying AI Priorities Workshop. These engagements have enabled me to shape national standards, promote equity, support local chapters, and explore emerging technologies like AI, blending strategic and practical contributions to CSTA’s mission. This experience equips me to make meaningful contributions as a Board member.

The policy and funding landscape is rapidly shifting, and I want to be part of the CSTA board in the next two years to help navigate these challenges while holding true to the organizations’ mission and values. As a former classroom teacher and current nonprofit educational leader in the K-12 space, I understand the challenges educators face and the need for thoughtful standards, policies, professional development, inclusive curriculum, and advocacy. My ongoing work with CSTA’s AI Priorities and Pathways initiatives, as well as the AI4K12 working group, has been meaningful to me, and I hope to continue being a part of the CSTA community. I am currently serving on my local school board and my term ends in May. This seems like a great time to continue serving in a similar capacity with CSTA. I want to ensure all teachers—regardless of background or school setting—have access to high-quality CS educational resources and a strong, supportive community.

I bring a strong track record of educational leadership: teaching in K-12 settings both formal and informal, creating curricula and learning experiences, founding informal learning spaces, leading professional development, and supporting healthy collaborative teams. I have served as an Executive Director and COO, leading strategic initiatives to advance CS education at scale. In my current role as Chief Learning Officer at the Mark Cuban Foundation, I oversee programs that provide free AI education to students nationwide, focusing on equitable access. I have served on two education Boards; NCSSS.org and Eno River Academy and held a volunteer Director role at Kidzu Children’s Museum. I have skills in fiscal management, strategic visioning, coalition-building, collective action, equity, and policy advocacy. I will leverage this expertise to advance CSTA’s mission.

Equity in computing education drives my work. As a K-12 teacher, I developed an outreach program across rural NC schools and taught CS in regions where no course would otherwise be offered. I was an NCWIT award winner and had several of my students win Girls Go Cyberstart and NCWIT awards. I currently develop inclusive curricula with UDL principles , advocate for expanded access for students with disabilities, and provide professional development to help teachers use AI to differentiate their lessons. I also have participated in CSAccess, a national group, and attended a conference to serve Native American students, emphasizing culturally responsive teaching. All of my program’s web resources are created using Universal Design principles, which we share with partners as part of our brand kit.

I have been deeply involved with CSTA at both the local and national levels since 2018. As Vice President of the CSTA North Carolina chapter for several years, I worked to strengthen regional support for educators, expanding professional development opportunities and fostering a stronger teacher community. I have presented multiple times at the CSTA conference, sharing best practices in AI education, equity, and curriculum development. I have also hosted a nonprofit booth one year at the national conference. Beyond these contributions, I have played an active role in national CSTA initiatives. In 2024 I served on the CSTA Pathways project and am currently taking part in the AI Priorities project. I was also a facilitator for TeachAI’s Guidance on the Future of CS in an Age of AI briefs, which are co-authored by CSTA.

As a CSTA Board member and Executive Committee member, I am deeply committed to advancing CSTA’s mission of ensuring equity, access, and excellence in computer science education. Having served on the Strategic Plan Committee, I played a role in the new mission and vision, and I am dedicated to moving this work forward. My leadership in CSTA chapters and committees has strengthened my belief in CSTA’s power to build diverse communities and advocate for CS educators. I aim to continue to foster relationships, amplifying educator voices, and ensuring member feedback shapes CSTA’s direction. Serving on the board will give me the opportunity to provide my expertise and voice in support of CSTA’s strategic priorities. I will focus on enhancing professional learning opportunities, expanding partnerships, expanding access to CS education for underrepresented communities, and providing resources that empower educators to deliver high-quality, inclusive CS education.

I bring expertise in teacher leadership, mentoring, education policy, and strategic planning to CSTA, with experience across state and national levels. My leadership focuses on advancing equitable CS education through policy development, professional learning, and systemic change. As a STEM and CS coordinator, CS integration project coordinator, college instructor, and ISTE AI Instructor, I have equipped educators with the tools to implement high-quality CS education. As Co-Chair of the CSforCA Coalition, I have collaborated with policy advocates and coalition members to drive strategic planning, refining my ability to advocate for systemic change. My work with CSTA, CASE, and county offices has strengthened my expertise in policy advocacy, AI priorities, and succession planning. Leading professional learning, mentoring educators, and supporting curriculum programs have enhanced my ability to develop resources and support diverse educators.

I committed to fostering equitable participation in computing. My dedication to equity is reflected in my work developing culturally responsive lessons, ensuring students from diverse backgrounds feel seen, heard, and valued. By integrating real-world, culturally relevant content, I create inclusive learning environments that reflect students’ lived experiences. Beyond curriculum development, I collaborate with partners and community members to expand computer science access in underrepresented communities. Hosting events in neighborhoods with limited STEM resources brings computing opportunities directly to parents and students, reducing barriers to participation. As a CSTA Equity Fellow and 3C Fellow, I ensure that all students and educators, regardless of background, have meaningful opportunities in computer science. I also contributed to including equity, diversity, and inclusion in the new CSTA mission and vision through my participation in the strategic planning process.

As a member of CSTA, I have contributed in multiple roles to advance equitable and inclusive computer science education. Serving as an At-Large Representative on the Board of Directors and a member of the Executive Committee, I have helped shape strategic decisions that impact CS educators nationwide. As an Equity Fellow, I have focused on developing resources that promote equitable access to CS for underrepresented students and communities. I also served as the Policy Committee Liaison, advocating for statewide and national policies that expand CS opportunities. Through my leadership in the LatinX Affinity Group, I have worked hard to amplify the voices of Latinx educators and students. As Sacramento Chapter leader, I have supported regional CS growth. Additionally, I have contributed to the Coaching Workgroup, developing PD resources, and as a Conference Committee Liaison, I have assisted in reviewing proposals and supporting the conference committee.