The CSTA IMPACT Fellows program is a prestigious, year-long leadership development program focused on creating Inclusive, Meaningful, and Powerful Approaches to Computing Teaching (IMPACT). Participating educators receive comprehensive leadership development while working collectively to identify and address challenges in computer science education. Fellows design and implement solutions that have a measurable impact on classroom practices, becoming catalysts for system-wide change. The program cultivates a network of influential CS educators committed to ensuring all students can access and succeed in quality computer science education.
Meet the Cohorts
106 Results
CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 5
Michelle Pierce (She/Her)
Michelle is in her 5th year of teaching Middle School Computer Science at Mallard Creek STEM Academy in Charlotte, NC, where she was named the 2022-2023 Middle School Teacher of the Year. She also teaches Digital Citizenship lessons to all of the K-8 students at the school. Michelle previously taught elementary school for 3 years. In addition to teaching, she also serves as a Girls Who Code facilitator, Team Lead, and mentor. In 2023, Michelle received the CS Teaching Excellence Award. In 2021, she was recognized as an Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year and is currently serving as an Amazon Future Engineer Teacher Ambassador. Michelle is passionate about exposing students from underrepresented populations to all of the opportunities that Computer Science has to offer. She is supported in her endeavors by her husband, Michael, and her two children.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 5
Rudy Escobar (He/Him)
Rudy Escobar, a STEM and Computer Science Coordinator, and Micro:bit Champion, holds a (M.Ed.) focused in STEAM. With expertise in PreK-12 computer science, science, coding, robotics, engineering, project-based learning, and flipped teaching, he is proficient in creating engaging learning experiences. Rudy serves as the CSTA Sacramento Technology Manager and CCCUE Communications Manager for the respective boards, actively contributing to CSforCA, SCALE CA, AIforCA, and NGSS Collaborative. His role as a micro:bit Champion and integration in science highlights his dedication to promoting innovative technology education. His leadership extends nationally and statewide as a CSTA Board at Large representative, CSTA policy committee Liaison, CASE Region 1 director, and CASE Advocacy Committee Co-chair.
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CSTA IMPACT, Cohort 5
Sofía De Jesús (She/Her)
Sofía De Jesús is the author of Applied Computational Thinking with Python (2nd edition due out 2023), and has over 20 years of experience in education, combining time in the classroom with curriculum design and providing professional development to other educators. Sofía completed Masters in teacher education and all coursework for an EdD (abd). Sofía is the associate program manager and Spanish outreach lead for CMU CS Academy team. She has presented in multiple national and international conferences on equitable CS education, accessibility, and equitable assessment practices.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 5
Sofía De Jesús (She/Her)
Sofía De Jesús is the author of Applied Computational Thinking with Python (2nd edition due out 2023), and has over 20 years of experience in education, combining time in the classroom with curriculum design and providing professional development to other educators. Sofía completed Masters in teacher education and all coursework for an EdD (abd). Sofía is the associate program manager and Spanish outreach lead for CMU CS Academy team. She has presented in multiple national and international conferences on equitable CS education, accessibility, and equitable assessment practices.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 5
Victor Hicks (He/Him)
Victor “Coach” Hicks, a luminary based in Atlanta, Georgia, is the distinguished founder of Coding with Culture. Committed to establishing a “Kindergarten through HBCU” pathway in computational and design thinking, Coach Hicks is a fervent advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Through innovative programs in Computer Science/STEM, tailored Professional Development for Teachers, and impactful partnerships, he empowers the next generation. Coach Hicks’ mission is underscored by a dedication to culturally responsive and sustainable pedagogy, revolutionizing STEM education. His accomplishments include recognition in Forbes Magazine and presentations at prominent international and national level ed tech conferences, solidifying his influence in the field.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Allen Antoine (He/Him)
Allen Antoine, M.Ed. is Director of Computer Science Education Strategy for EPIC (Expanding Pathways in Computing) at UT Austin’s Texas Advanced Computing Center where he provides leadership in CS education to manage rapidly expanding DEI initiatives and represents EPIC programs at a state and national level. He serves as the Project Director for the Computer Educator Diversity Initiative (CEDI), where he trains educators in equitable teaching practices while preparing them to teach computer science with diversity in mind. He regularly gives keynote presentations, consults, and leads workshops, covering a wide variety of STEM, DEI, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Inquiry-Based Learning, and CS topics. Allen was an Equity Fellow for the Computer Science Teachers Association in 2022-23.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Andrea Wilson Vazquez (She/Her)
Andrea Wilson Vazquez, MA.ESL. is the Deputy Director of the Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) Alliance, a national project out of the University of Texas at Austin designed to support state teams to broaden participation in computing through equity-centered policies, practices and pathways. She is a 2022-2023 Computer Science Teaching Association Equity Fellow, a partner on the NSF Coaching for Equity project, and course facilitator on the Strategies for Effective and Inclusive CS Pedagogy Course with UT Austin. Andrea was formerly an innovative instructional coach, makerEd and Computer science educator, teacher of English learners.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Angela Chavez (She/Her)
Angela Chavez is a teacher at LAUSD’s Computer Science Virtual Academy – the first of its kind in her district! She is a student advocate who believes that quality education begins with a strong understanding of how children learn and application of student-centered practices. This also means being transformative in the classroom and responsive to student needs. Hence her journey into computer science education and the need to bridge the divide for underrepresented populations within her community. Code.org was her beginning, with continued professional development through the Infosys Pathfinders Institute and currently LAUSD’s inaugural CS Cadre. She serves as a Girls Who Code Club facilitator, instilling a love of CS and empowering her students to become the next CS leaders as they continue on their educational pathway. She was a 2020 California finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and 2021 LAUSD Teacher of the Year.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Candyce Monroe (She/Her)
Candyce Monroe is an educator that believes in the transformative power of creativity and innovation in the classroom. Throughout her career she has worked to provide computer science, engineering and math based learning experiences for her students. Candyce started her educational career as a science teacher in a high-needs, low income district in Birmingham Alabama. Candyce was instrumental in the creation of a computer science program within her former school district. Her drive to improve the quality of life for students led her to write and secure over $50,000 in grants to support the launch of a makerspace for STEM education and to further fund the computer science program. Candyce currently holds the position of Director of Learning at Ed Farm. In this role she supports educators and students through the development of learning experiences and instructional technology practices infused with creativity and innovation.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Darlene Bowman (She/Her)
Darlene Bowman, Founder of AusomeTech.com, is a highly trained and specialized teacher of young adults with Autism and other cognitive learning differences. She began her career as a NYC Teaching Fellow in the early 2000’s, and is also an adjunct Writing Professor at the College Of Staten Island. In 2015, Darlene earned a $75K technology grant through CS4ALL, enabling her school to start the first Software Engineering Program in a District 75 High School for students with Autism. This was life changing for her students, and opened doors to opportunities that they never knew existed for them. Darlene has taught CS to hundreds of students with disabilities – and their teachers, before and during the pandemic. Now retired, Darlene serves as the current President of CSTA Staten Island Chapter. She also volunteers her time teaching Computer Science to students of all ages through her organization AusomeTech, focusing specifically on her graduates – “Techies With Autism” who no longer have access to meaningful CS education.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Delmar Wilson (He/Him)
Delmar Wilson has been a public school educator for seventeen years, where he has taught mathematics, AP Computer Science Principles, and Cambridge Thinking Skills at Miami Springs Senior High. Aside from being a teacher, Delmar is also the Mathematics Department Chair, ESSAC Chairperson, Union Steward, and Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach. As he began working on his doctorate degree in 2013, he came to the realization that there weren’t enough minorities in computer science. He created a course called AP Computer Science Principles and initially recruited his ninth graders; none had ever dreamed of taking an AP course or even computer science. Over the years, this course has become a student favorite and last school year he started the Computer Science National Honor Society. One of Delmar’s all time favorite quotes is “If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” by John Dewey. Delmar believes as teachers of the 21st century, we have a commitment to ensure that we are effectively teaching our students to prepare them to be future leaders. As a veteran teacher, Delmar continues to push CS forward by utilizing his CS Honor Society to expose students to Computer Science during Computer Science Week.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Dr. Michelle-Noelle Magallanez (She/Her)
Dr. Michelle Magallanez is the Head of Special Projects at AVID, a national educational nonprofit that aims to close the opportunity gap for all students by helping them build the skills they need to be future ready. Michelle works to bring computer science skills to every student, not just those who happen to attend schools with CS pathways. To achieve this, Michelle and her team helps K—12 teachers integrate computational thinking and computing skills into core content areas.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Dr. Timothy Swick (He/Him)
Dr. Tim Swick is the lead teacher of the Computer Science Immersion School at Sandlapper Elementary in Columbia, South Carolina with the mission of bringing CS to ALL students. His work developing a school-wide integrated computer science curriculum was recognized by Magnet Schools of America Association as the 2022 Top New and Emerging Magnet School in America. He is National Board Certified, and holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.. He was selected as a winner of the 2022 CSTA/Infosys Foundation CS Teaching Excellence Awards, and was a 2022-2023 CSTA Equity Fellow.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Elizabeth Kimball (She/Her)
Beth Kimball is a MS STEM teacher at Indiana School for the Deaf. Deaf since the age of 24, she learned ASL and hasn’t looked back. Currently she is also a bike mechanic at REI. Beth is ALWAYS reading a book (or 4) and is obsessed with her two small dogs.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Jasper Gunn (They/Them)
Jasper Gunn works as the Instructional Design Lead in the curriculum department of CodeVA, a Virginia CS ed nonprofit, where they have developed computer science curriculum across grade levels, supported professional learning, and taught out-of-school time experiences. They are also a member of the Scratch Education Collaborative. Before joining CodeVA full-time, Jasper taught for 5+ years at preschool and K-8 levels at a Reggio-Emelia inspired school, where they learned the importance of wonder, play, and exploration in supporting the growth of the whole child. Jasper graduated from the University of Richmond with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Critical Technology Studies. They are a proud member of the LGBTQ+ and disability communities with a strong belief in intersectional feminism and anti-racism. In their free time, Jasper maintains their urban homestead with a garden and chickens, swims at the river, writes poetry, helps out in the neighborhood food forest, and plays ample video games.
CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Jigar Patel (He/Him)
Allen Antoine, M.Ed. is Director of Computer Science Education Strategy for EPIC (Expanding Pathways in Computing) at UT Austin’s Texas Advanced Computing Center where he provides leadership in CS education to manage rapidly expanding DEI initiatives and represents EPIC programs at a state and national level. He serves as the Project Director for the Computer Educator Diversity Initiative (CEDI), where he trains educators in equitable teaching practices while preparing them to teach computer science with diversity in mind. He regularly gives keynote presentations, consults, and leads workshops, covering a wide variety of STEM, DEI, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Inquiry-Based Learning, and CS topics. Allen was an Equity Fellow for the Computer Science Teachers Association in 2022-23.
Learn About Jigar
CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Julie York (She/Her)
Julie York has been teaching computer science and media electives at South Portland High School in South Portland, Maine since she was hired in 2002. Hired to teach Video Production, she has gone on to develop and maintain many new classes for the school community that include Animation & Game Design, Digital Graphics, Advanced Technology, and Introduction to Computer Science. Community and joy are two main focuses in her life and teaching: with representation, inclusion, involvement, creating, passion, empathy, and diversity at the forefront of her planning and development. She is married with two children and has two businesses she founded and continues to run for fans of anime and gaming in Maine: Weekend Anime & Games and PortConMaine.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Justine Chavez-Crespin (She/Her)
Prior to joining the CSTA team, Justine was the Digital Learning Innovation Coordinator for Santa Fe Public Schools, where she supported the development of K-12 computer science programming. With over a decade of educational experience and as a Level III New Mexico educator, she passionately assists computer science teachers, coaches, and co-teaches to ensure equitable access to CS education.
Holding two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication Studies and Spanish Linguistics, as well as a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from New Mexico State University, Justine combines her academic background with her role as an ISTE Certified Educator to leverage technology for educational advancement.
As a member of her state’s Expanding Computing Educational Pathways team, Justine actively promotes equity and innovation in education, particularly within the realm of computer science. Her dedication to empowering students from diverse backgrounds perfectly aligns with their goals of providing opportunities for students of New Mexico and the southwest.
In her free time she loves to read, run and spend time with family.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Kathleen Mazurek (She/Her)
Since 2008, Kathleen Mazurek’s design work has focused on how technology exploration bridges multi-modal communication. Baltimore-based, she holds a dual certification in art/special education and a Masters in Leadership in Teaching. Her current role as a special education art teacher at the William S. Baer School has allowed her room to explore adapted computer science as an expressive medium. She has developed and facilitated curricula, workshops, and PD through the MSDE, Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore Museum of Art, 21st Century Schools, Enoch Pratt Public Library, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and Digital Harbor Foundation. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Slate, Bmore Art, and Technical.ly Baltimore. After her team’s first app, createAchimera, won the 2015 Baltimore Hackathon, she examines how tech nurtures metacognition with her grant-funded workshop Decode Me Space. Through the CSTA Equity fellowship, she wants to grow as an instructional designer to build gamified assessments and learning platforms to highlight latent skills for learners with special needs.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Krystal Chatman (She/Her)
Before joining CSTA, Krystal worked in education for over 15 years, supporting the teaching and learning of educators and students. As an Instructional Technology Facilitator in the Jackson Public School District, she collaborated with PK-12 educators to integrate technology into pedagogical practices. Before that, she taught Computer Science, Biology, and Physical Science in middle and high school. In addition to her work in K-12 education, she also taught post-graduates in a state-wide coding school.
Krystal serves on the EngageAI Practitioner Advisory Board, CSTA-Mississippi Chapter President, and is a 2022-2023 Equity Fellow. Through these leadership opportunities, she has advocated for an equitable, student-centered approach to STEM education.
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CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 4
Laura Ventura (She/Her)
Laura Ventura is currently an Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Specialist serving Gwinnett County Public Schools. Laura enjoyed 14 years in the classroom where she developed her passion for engaging lessons and learner-centered environments. In her current position, Laura brings her lively energy to support K-5 Computer Science teachers across Gwinnett’s 81 elementary schools. She is committed to helping teachers provide high-quality, inclusive computer science education to all students. Laura is dedicated to empowering all kids, starting with the three she is raising.
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CSTA’s IMPACT Fellowship is made possible in partnership with:
