Every month, Code the Dream celebrates one remarkable volunteer who has made a significant contribution to our mission. This month, we are thrilled to recognize Pratik Daga for his commitment and leadership as he leads an Algorithms class for our apprentices. Pratik’s class meets weekly and builds on the skills that our apprentices are putting into practice in CTD Labs.
We caught up with Pratik about his involvement with Code the Dream:
Tell us about yourself.
I am a Tech Lead at Asana, where I lead a talented team in developing a cutting-edge communication platform that caters to millions of users daily. Asana is renowned for its exceptional project management and collaboration software, and I’m thrilled to be part of this innovative company.
My journey into the world of coding began with a serendipitous encounter with a computer. When my brother brought home Windows 95, my curiosity was piqued, and I found myself drawn into the realm of technology. I knew right away that this was something I wanted to explore further.
In my early days of coding, I dived into the fascinating world of C++. My first coding project was a simple yet crucial – a matrix multiplication program. The thrill of seeing lines of code come to life and the sense of accomplishment from solving problems through programming ignited a passion that has never left me since.
Over the years, my love for coding and technology has grown exponentially, leading me to pursue a career in software engineering. Before, Asana, I was at LinkedIn as a Staff Software Engineer.
Why did you get involved with Code the Dream?
Getting involved with Code the Dream was a decision born from a strong belief in equal education and hands-on experience opportunities. For me, the realization that not everyone had the same platform and access to quality education hit close to home. I understood the immense potential in individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, and I wanted to be part of a change that could level the playing field.
What has been meaningful about your experience with Code the Dream?
My experience with Code the Dream has been deeply meaningful as I empowered aspiring software engineers, created equal opportunities, and positively impacted lives, fostering a sense of community and lifelong learning.
Several apprentices shared about why they appreciate Pratik:
I’m deeply grateful for Pratik’s patient and effective teaching style. His dedication and ability to make difficult subjects understandable have made a significant impact on my learning journey. I feel so lucky to have Pratik as our algorithm class teacher!
Ming, CTD Apprentice
Pratik deserves to be celebrated! He joined the algorithms class while it was just beginning and has been crushing it ever since! Thank you, Pratik, for all your continued work on the class! We really appreciate it.
Rachel Frenkel, CTD Senior Developer and Mentor
Pratik has an easy-going and effective approach to teaching. It has made my learning experience enjoyable and fruitful. We are so lucky to have Pratik helping out with CTD!
Javier, CTD Apprentice