Andrea Wilson Vazquez

My CSTA Story

I became involved with CSTA as a teacher who started volunteering with a local CS-focused nonprofit on the weekends. I was passionate about the need to bring CS into the K-12 school day so that all learners could experience the power of creating new things with technology and was excited to find others with similar vision! I soon joined my chapter’s leadership team and then got involved with national CSTA projects, including as an Equity Fellow (2022-23), CSforELs program facilitator, and most recently joined a team helping to update the CSTA coaching toolkit.

My Story

Andrea Wilson Vazquez is the Computer Science Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education where she leads collaborative statewide initiatives that expand equitable and sustainable access to and participation in computer science education, K-12. She supports Minnesota schools and educators to provide high-quality CS education to prepare students for personal and professional success by developing computer science knowledge, skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Before joining MDE, Andrea was the Deputy Director of the ECEP ECEP Alliance and the Director of Educator Training and School Partnerships for a Minnesota-based nonprofit called Code Savvy. She has a passion for facilitating equity-focused computer science professional development and is experienced in strategic planning and resource development for K-12 computer science education programs. She also has over 10 years of experience in education and previously worked as a K-12 teacher and an instructional coach, with a specific focus on computer science ed, makerspace, and supporting K-12 English learners.