Mary A.

Mary is a dedicated advocate for equity in computer science education, committed to bridging the digital divide for underserved communities worldwide. Inspired by her personal experiences as a Nigerian immigrant and her passion for accessible STEM education, Mary founded CTRL Code, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers youth globally with the skills and confidence to thrive in a technology-driven world. Through CTRL Code, Mary has led numerous programming initiatives, offering hands-on workshops and digital resources that introduce youth to essential technological skills. In addition to her role as a programming instructor, Mary also self-published Coding Unplugged, an offline Python programming book designed to provide an accessible introduction to coding for youth without access to internet connectivity. Beyond her individual contributions, Mary's efforts have also extended to fostering impactful collaborations with organizations such as Google, Code.org, and global charities in regions including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, etc., empowering students without access to comprehensive educational curricula to unlock new opportunities in technology and develop the confidence to pursue careers in STEM. Ultimately, Mary is driven by the belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the tools to unlock their boundless potential and envision brighter futures in STEM!