We’re excited to introduce May’s volunteer of the month, Ekaterina Bondareva! Kat is a unique CTD participant — she is both a volunteer and a student! Kat joined Code the Dream in May 2022 as a student in our Intro to Programming class, and has since completed a React.js advanced course and the Practicum. This
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RECAP: Gender Diversity In Tech
Throughout March and April, Code The Dream (CTD) hosted Gender Diversity In Tech, a series on why gender diversity matters and how to promote it in your workplace. Three events anchored the series: Each event gave participants the opportunity to learn from CTD staff, mentors, and partners who offered their own experiences and expertise on
Meet Dan Polityka, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month for April 2023!
As a nonprofit tech organization, Code the Dream relies on software development volunteers to make our program a success. We are grateful to have dedicated volunteers who lead mentor sessions, assist with pair programming, review assignments, and much more. But some volunteers go above and beyond. We are excited to celebrate their contributions through our
Code the Dream Hosts Online Idea Exchange on Gender Diversity in Tech
Code the Dream hosted an online conversation on April 4, featuring an exchange of ideas about gender diversity in the tech field. The conversation, led by CTD co-Executive Director Daisy Magnus-Aryitey, included discussion about the economic impact of more inclusive tech industry, the importance of developing skills beyond the purely technical, and the importance of
How to Navigate a Male-Dominated Workspace | Gender Diversity In Tech Series
CTD alumni and mentors shared their own experiences in the industry and offered insights and best practices for developing a more inclusive work place…. Read More →
Code The Dream hosts Roundtable with Industry Leaders for ‘Gender Diversity In Tech’ Series
On March 21, Code The Dream hosted a roundtable discussion about gender diversity at MetLife campus in Cary. Five leaders from across the tech industry joined the conversation: The panel was hosted by CTD Co-Executive Director Daisy Magnus-Aryitey. Each speaker offered incredible insights and actionable steps toward making the tech industry a more diverse workforce
Meet Akosua Asante, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month for March 2023
Each month, Code the Dream chooses to honor one volunteer who has made a contribution to our community. This month’s volunteer is Akosua Asante, who has been an assignment reviewer in our Intro to Programming and Node.js / Express classes since the fall of 2022. Thank you, Akos, for your dedication to Code the Dream!
Who Inspires You? Personal Tributes to Black Heroes.
Students, apprentices, and staff tell us about the Black figures who have impacted their lives…. Read More →
Code the Dream COO Lucy Martinez featured in “Local Limelight”
At Code the Dream, we love it when our students and staffers are recognized for their remarkable contributions. So we were proud that our rockstar COO Lucy Martinez was featured in Axios Raleigh for their Local Limelight series. Lucy brings tremendous energy to our team and keeps our fast-growing organization in order so that everyone
Meet Kevin Nelson, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month for January 2023
Each month, we highlight a volunteer who has made big contributions to the CTD community. For our first Volunteer of the Month in 2023, we are excited to celebrate Kevin Nelson, who has been regularly involved with Code the Dream classes since 2021. Thanks, Kevin, for your commitment to Code the Dream! Kevin shared about
Magnus-Aryitey on Removing Resumé Requirements: “Tear the paper ceiling”
In a Twitter chat hosted by WorkingNation on December 14, Code the Dream Co-Executive Director Daisy Magnus-Aryitey and other stakeholders discussed how traditional resumé requirements block qualified candidates — many from groups that are underrepresented in high-paying professional positions — from good jobs in tech and other sectors. “STARS (workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes) exemplify
Magnus-Aryitey accepts “Tech Difference Maker of the Year” Award at NC TECH Gala
A student in an early version of Code the Dream, Magnus-Aryitey co-founded the current incarnation with Rearick and Code the Dream CTO Ramiro Rodriguez. She served as Director of Programs, Board Vice-Chair, and Director of Partnerships before being named Co-Executive Director in December 2021. A native of Ghana, Magnus-Aryitey moved to the US when she
Meet Mindy Smith, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month for November 2022!
Each month, we highlight a volunteer who has made big contributions to the CTD community. This month’s volunteer has carved out her own special role and plays an important part in the behind-the-scenes administration of our classes. Mindy Smith, an occupational ergonomist, has been volunteering with Code the Dream since 2021. Each week, she helps
Rearick discusses need for tech education in underrepresented communities on NC Policy Watch podcast
Code the Dream Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director Dan Rearick talked to writer Rob Schofield about the increasing need for access to tech education among communities that have yet to gain a strong foothold in the tech industry. “The tech industry is becoming a bigger and bigger part of our economy, there are so many amazing
Student Spotlight: Jaqueline Vazquez
After trying to learn to code independently, Jaqueline decided she needed a more structured form of learning so she applied for CTD classes. When asked what attracted her to CTD, Jaqueline said, “As an immigrant who works full-time, Code The Dream’s mission of creating opportunities for immigrants and communities of color really resonated with me
Magnus-Aryitey named “Difference Maker of the Year” by NC Tech Awards
Code the Dream Co-Executive Director Daisy Magnus-Aryitey was named the NC Tech Awards “Tech Difference Maker of the Year” On October 28. The NC Tech Awards are given to NC-based tech executives and stakeholders “for their demonstrated excellence and contributions to North Carolina’s vibrant tech sector,” according to the NC Tech Association. “This award is
Meet Tammy Collinse, CTD’s Volunteer of the Month for October 2022!
Each month, we highlight a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in contributing to the CTD community. This month’s volunteer is Tammy Collinse, a mentor in our Cassiopeia Intro to Programming class. As a class mentor, Tammy leads weekly mentor sessions for small groups of students, helping answer questions about the assignments and resolve
Alumni Newsletter Fall 2022
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER Fall 2022 CTD@ATO: Join us at the All Things Open conference, virtually! CTD Community Discussion Thurs, November 3rd 7:00pm EST/ 4:00pm PSTvia Zoom Attend any All Things Open conference sessions that interest you between October 30 – Nov 2, then join us on November 3rd to share and discuss! The virtual conference