How did you get into CS?

I entered the field of Computer Science through a non-traditional path. As a Combat Veteran and IT professional, I witnessed the transformative power of technology in military operations and workforce development. That experience inspired me to pursue advanced degrees in Business Analytics and Technology Management, ultimately leading me to education, where I could create a broader impact.

I am the Department Chair for Computer Science, Engineering, and Technology Education and the IT CIS/Computer Science Program Coordinator at Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Springdale, Maryland. I lead our rigorous four-year IT CIS/Computer Science Completer Program of Study, which equips students with the skills and credentials needed for college and career success. The program offers Advanced Placement Computer Science courses and opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications that carry college credit.

Beyond the classroom, I have led various STEM enrichment programs that engage students in emerging technologies such as Esports, Drones (UAVs), Autonomous Vehicles, Remote Control (RC) Racing, and Robotics. These initiatives are designed to ignite curiosity, promote hands-on learning, and, most importantly, broaden equitable access to high-quality STEM and computer science experiences. I am deeply committed to ensuring that underrepresented students have meaningful pathways to explore, engage with, and excel in technology and engineering in school and beyond. Through these efforts, I have reached over 500 students annually, helping them build technical skills, earn industry certifications, and gain exposure to real-world STEM career opportunities.

What are some successes and challenges that you've experienced?

One of my proudest accomplishments has been developing a comprehensive Computer Science pipeline that reaches over 500 students annually. Our program offers a full continuum of learning from AP Computer Science courses to industry-recognized certifications alongside robust, hands-on extracurricular opportunities. We connect students with real-world tools, professional mentors, and career-aligned credentials through strategic partnerships with organizations such as Amazon Future Engineer, Project STEM, AWS Academy, Oracle Academy, Code.org, The Coding School, Lockheed Martin’s Code Quest Academy, FBLA, and Cisco Networking Academy. This year, five (5) scholars from the Class of 2025 were awarded the prestigious Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship, a milestone that underscores the program’s impact and reach.

Outside of core instruction, our collaboration with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Pre-College Initiative empowers students through leadership development and access to national STEM competitions, including VEX Robotics, the KidWind Challenge, Ten80 Education Racing, and Autonomous Vehicle innovation challenges. Students also compete in Lockheed Martin’s Code Quest and CyberQuest, as well as the Air Force Association’s CyberPatriot program, deepening their skills in cybersecurity and coding.

One ongoing challenge is addressing the perception gap among students who may not initially see themselves represented in tech, and among educators who may be hesitant to embrace CS and AI integration. Tackling this requires sustained advocacy, culturally responsive curriculum design, and mentoring that helps students envision themselves as future innovators.

What do you find compelling about computer science?

What I find most compelling about Computer Science is that it’s far more than just coding; it’s a platform for creativity, critical thinking, and empowerment. CS gives students a voice in the digital world and equips them with the tools to shape the future, not just consume it. For many of my students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, it becomes a gateway to opportunities they never imagined. Nothing is more rewarding than witnessing a student light up after programming a robot, developing an app that solves a real problem, or earning an industry certification they once thought was out of reach. In those moments, I see confidence take root. They are not just learning to code but discovering their power, purpose, and potential to lead.

What's going well for you? What are you excited about?

This year, we’re expanding our Computer Science offerings with the launch of AP Career Kickstart courses in Cybersecurity and Networking, giving students more opportunities to gain college credit and industry-aligned skills. We are also scaling our Client-Server Capstone Course for 11th and 12th graders, a year-long, interdisciplinary curriculum that weaves cybersecurity, machine learning, and data science together. Another exciting development is the launch of Accelerate STEM: Racing Toward a Brighter Future, a dynamic new initiative that merges RC racing, artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicle design into a Formula 1-inspired team competition that challenges students to innovate, collaborate, and lead. I am especially looking forward to deepening our pathways in Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing while continuing to grow the participation of girls and students of color in advanced technology programs. I aim to ensure that every student can see themselves reflected in the future of tech and has the skills and confidence to shape it.

Any advice?

Start where you are, use what you have, and build with intention. You don’t need to be a tech expert to make a lasting impact; you just need the willingness to learn alongside your students and the courage to create space for discovery. Computer Science education is as much about mindset and opportunity as it is about syntax and software.

Recommended Resources:

- The Coding School (AI & Quantum Computing)

- AP Career Kickstart

- AWS Academy

- Oracle Academy

- Cisco Networking Academy

- CyberPatriot (Air Force Association)

- Code Quest Academy (Lockheed Martin)

- National CS Honor Society

- Ten80 Education

I would love to see more project-based, culturally responsive CS resources that empower students to connect computer science with their identities, communities, and future aspirations. Additionally, we need increased funding and sustainable infrastructure to ensure CS education thrives in under-resourced schools.