Maria Camarena

My CSTA Story

Maria’s CSTA journey began in 2019, when she sought to connect with other computer science teachers who were passionate about advocating for their communities. Since then, she has been involved in the Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS) Advisory Committee, the Awards Committee, and has had the honor of serving as a CSTA Impact Fellow. Through CSTA, Maria found leadership opportunities, connection, validation, and a network of educators united by one shared mission, bringing equitable computer science education to all students.

My Story

Maria Camarena is a secondary computer science teacher at Maywood Center for Enriched Studies in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She established a computer science pathway at her school focused on expanding access and disrupting inequities in STEM education, particularly for girls and Latinx students. Through initiatives such as the MaCES Girls Who Code Club and the Computer Science Honor Society, Maria works to create spaces where students feel seen, empowered, and inspired to pursue opportunities in computing.

Her accolades include the 2020 Computer Science Teachers Association/Infosys Teaching Excellence Award, the 2022 National Center for Women & Information Technology National Educator Award, and being named a 2024 LAUSD Teacher of the Year. She is also a proud CSTA Impact Fellow Alumni.
Beyond the classroom, Maria enjoys spending time with her family and creating favorite moments with the people she loves most. She also enjoys sharing her students’ accomplishments and advocating for equitable computer science education through social media at @csiseverywhere.