K-8 Representative

I am driven by an unwavering belief that every child deserves the chance to not only experience the power of computer science but to harness it to create, innovate, & shape the future. Serving on the CSTA Board would be the ultimate opportunity to serve as an ambassador for computer science in early education—a champion for igniting curiosity, passion, & confidence in the youngest minds. My mission is clear: to break down the barriers that prevent underrepresented students from stepping into the world of technology & empower them to become the creators of tomorrow. I want to amplify the voices of educators & students, ensuring that every classroom is a space where every child—especially those from historically marginalized communities—can access transformative CS learning. Through my work on the CSTA Board, I hope to spark a revolution in early education, building a pathway to a future where no student is left behind, & all are empowered to become tomorrow’s tech leaders & innovators!

Throughout my 18 years as an educator, the last 8 years devoted 2 pioneering CS integration at the elementary level, I’ve developed a diverse set of leadership skills that I’m eager to contribute to the CSTA Board. My 6 years of intensive CS teacher professional development with LAUSD set the foundation for my growth, where I was nutured & empowered as a leader in LAUSD ITI Teacher Leader Network. This role fueled my passion for empowering educators, guiding them through the transformative journey of incorporating CS into their classrooms. As a founding member of LAUSD’s first-ever CS Cadre, I took my leadership beyond LAUSD, engaging in state-level PD opportunities -Edtech Playground & Seasons of CS – further shaping my ability to drive systemic change. These experiences have honed my skills in collaborative leadership, creating inclusive learning environments, & advocating for equitable access to CS education. I am ready to lead with passion and purpose! (https://bit.ly/LAUSDCSCadre)

Equity in computing isn’t just my passion—it’s my purpose. I don’t just advocate for change; I invest in it. Every dollar of my Seasons of CS stipend has gone back into my students, funding a Family STEAM Day – a gateway to possibility—ten hands-on stations, countless moments of discovery, and a powerful message that tech is 4 everyone. I’ve built Coding Buddies into a district model, transforming mentorship into a gateway for underrepresented students to see themselves as creators. Beyond my classroom, I’ve paid it forward by leading teacher PDs, ensuring equitable CS integration across schools in LAUSD. Now, as I take my work to the national stage at the CA STEAM Symposium, I carry the voices of my students and fellow educators, advocating for best practices that blend STEAM and SEL. This is my mission: to break down barriers, to open doors, and to ensure that no child is left standing on the sidelines of innovation. I don’t just believe in equity—I build it. (https://bit.ly/STEAMCA)

My journey with the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) has been nothing short of transformative. It has ignited a fire within me—a passion to break down barriers, uplift underrepresented students, and create a future where computer science education is truly for all. The mentorship and community I’ve found within the CSTA Greater Los Angeles Chapter have been instrumental in shaping me as an educator, leader, and advocate. At the heart of my journey is the CSTA Teacher Inquiry Group, specifically within the Identity and Inclusion cohort. My capstone project—a commitment to embedding diverse cultural perspectives into the CS curriculum—is more than just an academic endeavor. It is my promise to every young scholar, especially those from communities that have been left behind, feel empowered, valued, and worthy of shaping the digital future. Advocacy is not just about speaking up—it’s about taking action. And through CSTA, I have found my voice. (https://bit.ly/CSTACapstone)

I want to serve on the CSTA board because I believe that the CSTA is an important organization and believe in its vision. Since I work in an urban area, I see first-hand the gap for my students. I want to become a member to help ensure that every student is prepared to be a productive member of society in today’s world powered by computing, as stated in the vision. I want to do whatever I can to ensure my students are prepared and help reduce the gap for all students.

I believe I can contribute a lot to CSTA. I am secretary of the CSTA of NJ and also rep for the educators’ association at my school. I have also done a professional development workshop for the TCNJ on unplugged activities for the elementary after school. In addition, I was part of the team that developed the lesson plans for the elementary afterschool program. I have participated in the evaluation of possible workshops, etc, for the CSTA conference and even said I would look at more if needed. I have also signed up to look at the standards drafts. I hope to be part of the sistem cohort at TCNJ. I believe that what CSTA is doing is very important and would like a chance to help accomplish the CSTA vision.

I bring many experiences and perspectives to support equitable participation in computing. Since I work in an urban area where most my students are Spanish speakers. I have done whatever I can to make sure they learn the CS concepts they need. I even teach classes in both Spanish and English to make sure all my students understand the concepts. With this in mind, I have also gone to many CS workshops so that I can hone my craft and learn strategies to use in my classroom so that the gap is decreased for my students. I have done afterschool programs whenever there is money to help prepare my students. I have also gone to workshops to get free microbits, hummingbirds, fynches, etc., so I can use them in my classroom to excite my students about CS. I know that I can help the CSTA achieve its vision if given a chance.

I am currently the secretary of the CSTA of NJ. I attended the 2024 conference and hope to go to the 2025 conference. I am part of the steering committee, and I make sure to go to all chapter meetings. I also have helped with the CSPD week in August and intend on continuing to help.

I am passionate about ensuring equitable access to computer science education, especially for underrepresented students. As a middle school science and computer science educator, I have firsthand experience addressing barriers that prevent many students—particularly girls of color—from engaging in CS. Serving on the CSTA Board would allow me to advocate for inclusive policies, professional development, and curriculum enhancements that empower teachers to reach all students. My goal is to strengthen pathways that connect urban educators and students to meaningful CS learning while fostering a sense of belonging in STEM. This aligns with CSTA’s mission to support CS educators and its values of equity, impact, and community. As a board member, I will expand teacher leadership, amplify diverse voices, and advance strategic efforts to ensure CS education is accessible for every student, helping educators feel supported, valued, and prepared to inspire the next generation.

As a middle school science and computer science educator, I have developed strong leadership, advocacy, and mentorship skills that align with CSTA’s mission. I have led school redesign efforts, served as a STEM equity advocate, and designed culturally responsive curricula to engage underrepresented students in CS. My experience mentoring teachers, securing grants, and implementing project-based learning has strengthened my ability to collaborate, innovate, and drive impactful change in education. I bring a strategic mindset, commitment to equity, and passion for empowering educators. As a board member, I will use my leadership to build teacher capacity, foster inclusive learning environments, and develop initiatives that ensure CS education is accessible for all students. My experience navigating policy, curriculum development, and school leadership equips me to contribute meaningfully to CSTA’s growth, impact, and vision for CS education.

I am committed to ensuring equitable access to CS education for underrepresented students, particularly girls of color. I have developed culturally responsive curricula, secured grants for STEM initiatives, and implemented project-based learning to engage all students in computing. One example of equity in action is my initiative to introduce computer science to urban students with limited exposure to STEM. I created a coding and robotics program that incorporated real-world applications, field trips, and mentorship from diverse industry professionals. This initiative helped students see themselves in STEM careers and increased their confidence in CS. By serving on the CSTA Board, I will continue to advocate for policies, resources, and professional development that empower educators to foster diverse participation in computing for all students.

As a current CSTA Board of Directors K-8 Teacher Representative, I have actively contributed to advancing equity, advocacy, and teacher support in computer science education. My involvement in the 2021-2022 Equity Fellows Program deepened my commitment to creating inclusive learning environments and addressing systemic barriers in CS education for underrepresented students. For over five years, I have served on both the Policy Committee and Editorial Board, helping shape CSTA’s advocacy efforts, publications, and educator resources. Additionally, as a 2023 CS Excellence in Teaching Award winner, I have shared best practices in culturally responsive teaching, project-based learning, and STEM equity to empower educators nationwide. Through these roles, I have worked to expand access to CS, elevate diverse voices, and strengthen professional development. I look forward to continuing my contributions to CSTA’s mission and long-term impact.