Our Team
Together, we can support the voices of tomorrow by
ensuring students are prepared for the tech jobs of today.
ASHLEY BOURGEOIS
KENYA BROWN
JERRY COKER
KATE CRONIN
MARCUS DEL VALLE
VALERY GONZALEZ
ASSIATOU JALLOW
WIKTORIA KOZLOWSKA
KAYSWANNA McCOY
AMBAR PASCUAL
KARLA PINZÓN
FAHIM RAHMAN
CAROLINA SALINAS
DOMINICK SANDERS
KAYLA SINCLAIR
RON SUMMERS
JAKE WHITSETT
BRIANA WILSON
ASHLEY BOURGEOIS
National
After graduating from West Virginia University with degrees in Psychology and Criminology, Ashley worked as a leader in the retail industry for the better half of a decade throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. Their passion for empowering individuals from underrepresented communities led them to Code Nation. They are excited to bring their diverse experience to an organization that shares their values. Nothing excites them more than a good dad joke and the smell of new sneakers.
KENYA BROWN
New York
Kenya Brown became passionate about working with students when she served as an Americorps Teaching Fellow in 2018. After completing a year of service, she continued to develop her career while working in programming for a national education nonprofit. Kenya is currently in the process of receiving a graduate degree in School Counseling. She hopes to one day utilize her knowledge to provide aspects of social emotional learning into curricula, andpromote student’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.
JERRY COKER
New York
Before joining Code Nation, Jerry was a Middle School mathematics teacher for 6 years throughout Brooklyn. Through his experience, he became passionate about the teaching practices used in communities of color. He is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Sociology of Education in hopes of improving DEI teaching practices in urban education institutions. Jerry is excited to join Code Nation to continue his work of implementing DEI teaching practices in a field that lacks diversity and give students the opportunity to have joyous learning experiences.
KATE CRONIN
Chicago
Kate joined Code Nation because she is passionate about democratizing access to education and professional networks within the tech industry, an industry that increasingly structures our political, professional, cultural, and social realities. Prior to joining Code Nation, Kate researched and taught media history at UT Austin. In her spare time, Kate enjoys watching movies and Survivor with her partner and their incorrigible Basset-mix, Mickey.
MARCUS DEL VALLE
New York
Marcus is a youth development specialist with experience with tutoring, curriculum/learning design, event planning/ hosting, and human rights education. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Marcus has been able to combine his passions for youth work, gaming, and creative writing to create fun gamified, and exciting classrooms. Through this work, Marcus has come to view coding as a means of developing grit and securing futures for youth. He sees his work at Code Nation as the perfect opportunity to do just that!
VALERY GONZALEZ
New York
Valery Gonzalez, a first-generation Latinx from Queens, NY, is passionate about STEAM, youth development, and equitable education. She is excited to join Code Nation and continue to empower under-resourced students by providing them with the tools and experiences they deserve. Valery has a background in science education and believes in creating inclusive and interactive learning environments that nurture the curiosity of young minds. In her free time, Valery enjoys dance classes, hiking with her dogs, and playing video games on her Switch.
ASSIATOU JALLOW
Chicago
Assiatou is passionate about ensuring students have the knowledge and support they need to make informed choices about the lives they will live. She loves to foster classroom environments that prioritize practicing co-creation and exercising agency. Before coming to Code Nation, she did college access work in Detroit. Outside of work, she is about everything food, hair, and books.
WIKTORIA KOZLOWSKA
CHICAGO
Wiktoria is passionate about educational equity and believes all students from underrepresented backgrounds deserve access to a future that excites them. Also a former middle school mathematics teacher, Wiktoria joins Code Nation after working with pre-service educators and conducting research on the support of undocumented students. She enjoys concerts, fantasy novels, and collecting trinkets she absolutely does not need.
KAYSWANNA McCOY
CHICAGO
Kayswanna is dedicated to helping bridge the gap of access and resources to equitable educational advancement for young people in under-served communities. She strives to ensure they have the resources, guidance, and support they need to help them reach their goals. Her ultimate goal is to create a positive environment where young people can become conscientious, impactful citizens of the world. Outside of work she enjoys walking the Chicago Lakefront Trail and attending concerts.
AMBAR PASCUAL
New York
As a New York native, Ambar grew up in the public school education system and has a passion for providing access and resources to youth in under served communities. She is a former science teacher and school leader, in both Harlem and Brooklyn. Ambar joined Code Nation excited to help equip students with the tools to make informed decisions and enter the tech industry. Outside of work you can find Ambar at your local plant store buying a new addition to her family.
KARLA PINZÓN
New York
Karla Pinzón brings close to a decade of robust experience in informal science education. Having worked at renowned science centers in NYC, including the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Hall of Science, Karla’s breadth of teaching experience spans from toddlers to licensed science teachers from the NYC Department of Education. Currently serving as the Program Manager and Regional DEI Lead at Code Nation, Karla is deeply committed to the intersection of science education and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, as a member of the NYC STEM Education Network Steering Committee, Karla is dedicated to shaping and influencing the trajectory of STEM education in the city. Drawing from personal experience, she finds it a profound honor to unlock doors of opportunity for those who might not otherwise have access, mirroring the transformative experience she had as a NYC public school student.
FAHIM RAHMAN
New York
Fahim is very passionate about STEM, bringing his passion to Code Nation to fight inequality in the education system. A firm believer in equitable access, Fahim’s goal is to provide resources to students from under-resourced communities to achieve their true potential in the tech industry. Fahim taught middle school science for a year and a half in Harlem before joining Code Nation. On the weekends, you can find him playing guitar with his band or writing and producing music.
CAROLINA SALINAS
CHICAGO
Carolina is a Chicago native and first generation Latinx. After teaching Chemistry in Chicago Public Schools for five years, she has joined Code Nation to continue in her work in establishing STEM exposure and opportunities to Chicago’s youth. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, binge watching tv shows and traveling to new and exciting locations.
DOMINICK SANDERS
National
Dominick is a visionary force within the realm of K-12 education, propelled by a steadfast dedication to computer science. With an impressive track record spanning over ten years, he has emerged as an exceptional talent in crafting curriculum, overseeing programs, and fostering meaningful connections with stakeholders. Previously serving as the Computer Science State Supervisor at the South Carolina Department of Education, Dominick brings transformative expertise to CodeNation. In his leisure time, he enjoys exploring new recipes in the kitchen and embracing quality time with friends and family.
KAYLA SINCLAIR
New York
Kayla is a former teacher, tutor, and mentor from Brooklyn, NY. After realizing a medical career no longer fit into her life path, she became dedicated to combining her passion for science and technology with her desire to address disparities in communities like her own. Kayla is grateful to have the opportunity to help students feel confident in their aspirations, and in their ability to achieve them. In her leisure time, you can find Kayla dancing around her bedroom, writing songs, or outside making new friends.
RON SUMMERS
National
Ron has two decades of experience across technology and education sectors, bridged through an intentional focus on equitable access to learning and pathways to careers in computer science and tech-related fields. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of Computer Science Education at the NYC Department of Education, overseeing the 10-year CS4ALL initiative and the long-term goal to build sustainable K-12 programming and learning experiences for all one million students. Ron spent the early part of his career teaching high school students design, entrepreneurial, and computational thinking by blending experiences from the tech startup world into his classroom. Outside of the office, Ron enjoys weekend adventures with his family of four, cycling through New Jersey’s scenic neighborhoods, and pretending to be an expert landscaper.
JAKE WHITSETT
New York
Jake has worked in youth development for five years in Boston, Massachusetts, and Harlem, New York. Jake looks to bridge the gap between school and real-world career pathways in tech by providing students with the skills of modern web development. He looks forward to working with youth across New York and bringing his passion for working with students to Code Nation. Jake can also be found on his bike riding around Manhattan, at his local soccer pitch, or trying new foods.
BRIANA WILSON
Chicago
Briana joined Code Nation because she believes that students in under-resourced schools deserve the same learning opportunities that students in affluent zip codes receive; and that greater access to careers in tech will change lives. A Chicago native, Briana is a former special education teacher and knows that all students have unlimited potential. Outside of work, Briana is a travel-loving yoga enthusiast and also leads her church’s youth group.
ASHLEY BOURGEOIS
KENYA BROWN
JERRY COKER
KATE CRONIN
MARCUS DEL VALLE
VALERY GONZALEZ
ASSIATOU JALLOW
KAYSWANNA McCOY
AMBAR PASCUAL
KARLA PINZÓN
FAHIM RAHMAN
CAROLINA SALINAS
DOMINICK SANDERS
KAYLA SINCLAIR
RON SUMMERS
JAKE WHITSETT
BRIANA WILSON
WIKTORIA KOZLOWSKA
ASHLEY BOURGEOIS
National
After graduating from West Virginia University with degrees in Psychology and Criminology, Ashley worked as a leader in the retail industry for the better half of a decade throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. Their passion for empowering individuals from underrepresented communities led them to Code Nation. They are excited to bring their diverse experience to an organization that shares their values. Nothing excites them more than a good dad joke and the smell of new sneakers.
KENYA BROWN
New York
Kenya Brown became passionate about working with students when she served as an Americorps Teaching Fellow in 2018. After completing a year of service, she continued to develop her career while working in programming for a national education nonprofit. Kenya is currently in the process of receiving a graduate degree in School Counseling. She hopes to one day utilize her knowledge to provide aspects of social emotional learning into curricula, andpromote student’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.
JERRY COKER
New York
Before joining Code Nation, Jerry was a Middle School mathematics teacher for 6 years throughout Brooklyn. Through his experience, he became passionate about the teaching practices used in communities of color. He is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Sociology of Education in hopes of improving DEI teaching practices in urban education institutions. Jerry is excited to join Code Nation to continue his work of implementing DEI teaching practices in a field that lacks diversity and give students the opportunity to have joyous learning experiences.
KATE CRONIN
Chicago
Kate joined Code Nation because she is passionate about democratizing access to education and professional networks within the tech industry, an industry that increasingly structures our political, professional, cultural, and social realities. Prior to joining Code Nation, Kate researched and taught media history at UT Austin. In her spare time, Kate enjoys watching movies and Survivor with her partner and their incorrigible Basset-mix, Mickey.
MARCUS DEL VALLE
New York
Marcus is a youth development specialist with experience with tutoring, curriculum/learning design, event planning/ hosting, and human rights education. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Marcus has been able to combine his passions for youth work, gaming, and creative writing to create fun gamified, and exciting classrooms. Through this work, Marcus has come to view coding as a means of developing grit and securing futures for youth. He sees his work at Code Nation as the perfect opportunity to do just that!
VALERY GONZALEZ
New York
Valery Gonzalez, a first-generation Latinx from Queens, NY, is passionate about STEAM, youth development, and equitable education. She is excited to join Code Nation and continue to empower under-resourced students by providing them with the tools and experiences they deserve. Valery has a background in science education and believes in creating inclusive and interactive learning environments that nurture the curiosity of young minds. In her free time, Valery enjoys dance classes, hiking with her dogs, and playing video games on her Switch.
ASSIATOU JALLOW
Chicago
Assiatou is passionate about ensuring students have the knowledge and support they need to make informed choices about the lives they will live. She loves to foster classroom environments that prioritize practicing co-creation and exercising agency. Before coming to Code Nation, she did college access work in Detroit. Outside of work, she is about everything food, hair, and books.
KAYSWANNA McCOY
CHICAGO
Kayswanna is dedicated to helping bridge the gap of access and resources to equitable educational advancement for young people in under-served communities. She strives to ensure they have the resources, guidance, and support they need to help them reach their goals. Her ultimate goal is to create a positive environment where young people can become conscientious, impactful citizens of the world. Outside of work she enjoys walking the Chicago Lakefront Trail and attending concerts.
AMBAR PASCUAL
New York
As a New York native, Ambar grew up in the public school education system and has a passion for providing access and resources to youth in under served communities. She is a former science teacher and school leader, in both Harlem and Brooklyn. Ambar joined Code Nation excited to help equip students with the tools to make informed decisions and enter the tech industry. Outside of work you can find Ambar at your local plant store buying a new addition to her family.
KARLA PINZÓN
New York
Karla Pinzón brings close to a decade of robust experience in informal science education. Having worked at renowned science centers in NYC, including the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Hall of Science, Karla’s breadth of teaching experience spans from toddlers to licensed science teachers from the NYC Department of Education. Currently serving as the Program Manager and Regional DEI Lead at Code Nation, Karla is deeply committed to the intersection of science education and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, as a member of the NYC STEM Education Network Steering Committee, Karla is dedicated to shaping and influencing the trajectory of STEM education in the city. Drawing from personal experience, she finds it a profound honor to unlock doors of opportunity for those who might not otherwise have access, mirroring the transformative experience she had as a NYC public school student.
FAHIM RAHMAN
New York
Fahim is very passionate about STEM, bringing his passion to Code Nation to fight inequality in the education system. A firm believer in equitable access, Fahim’s goal is to provide resources to students from under-resourced communities to achieve their true potential in the tech industry. Fahim taught middle school science for a year and a half in Harlem before joining Code Nation. On the weekends, you can find him playing guitar with his band or writing and producing music.
CAROLINA SALINAS
CHICAGO
Carolina is a Chicago native and first generation Latinx. After teaching Chemistry in Chicago Public Schools for five years, she has joined Code Nation to continue in her work in establishing STEM exposure and opportunities to Chicago’s youth. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, binge watching tv shows and traveling to new and exciting locations.
DOMINICK SANDERS
National
Dominick is a visionary force within the realm of K-12 education, propelled by a steadfast dedication to computer science. With an impressive track record spanning over ten years, he has emerged as an exceptional talent in crafting curriculum, overseeing programs, and fostering meaningful connections with stakeholders. Previously serving as the Computer Science State Supervisor at the South Carolina Department of Education, Dominick brings transformative expertise to CodeNation. In his leisure time, he enjoys exploring new recipes in the kitchen and embracing quality time with friends and family.
KAYLA SINCLAIR
New York
Kayla is a former teacher, tutor, and mentor from Brooklyn, NY. After realizing a medical career no longer fit into her life path, she became dedicated to combining her passion for science and technology with her desire to address disparities in communities like her own. Kayla is grateful to have the opportunity to help students feel confident in their aspirations, and in their ability to achieve them. In her leisure time, you can find Kayla dancing around her bedroom, writing songs, or outside making new friends.
RON SUMMERS
National
Ron has two decades of experience across technology and education sectors, bridged through an intentional focus on equitable access to learning and pathways to careers in computer science and tech-related fields. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of Computer Science Education at the NYC Department of Education, overseeing the 10-year CS4ALL initiative and the long-term goal to build sustainable K-12 programming and learning experiences for all one million students. Ron spent the early part of his career teaching high school students design, entrepreneurial, and computational thinking by blending experiences from the tech startup world into his classroom. Outside of the office, Ron enjoys weekend adventures with his family of four, cycling through New Jersey’s scenic neighborhoods, and pretending to be an expert landscaper.
JAKE WHITSETT
New York
Jake has worked in youth development for five years in Boston, Massachusetts, and Harlem, New York. Jake looks to bridge the gap between school and real-world career pathways in tech by providing students with the skills of modern web development. He looks forward to working with youth across New York and bringing his passion for working with students to Code Nation. Jake can also be found on his bike riding around Manhattan, at his local soccer pitch, or trying new foods.
BRIANA WILSON
Chicago
Briana joined Code Nation because she believes that students in under-resourced schools deserve the same learning opportunities that students in affluent zip codes receive; and that greater access to careers in tech will change lives. A Chicago native, Briana is a former special education teacher and knows that all students have unlimited potential. Outside of work, Briana is a travel-loving yoga enthusiast and also leads her church’s youth group.
WIKTORIA KOZLOWSKA
CHICAGO
Wiktoria is passionate about educational equity and believes all students from underrepresented backgrounds deserve access to a future that excites them. Also a former middle school mathematics teacher, Wiktoria joins Code Nation after working with pre-service educators and conducting research on the support of undocumented students. She enjoys concerts, fantasy novels, and collecting trinkets she absolutely does not need.
