In an inspiring panel discussion, successful women in technology shared their journeys from high school students to tech professionals, highlighting the transformative impact of the Code2College program on their careers.
Keatra Nesbitt, a volunteer instructor at Code2College and principal solutions engineer at Valkyrie, moderated the panel Monday morning at Austin Tech Week. Matt Stephenson, CEO of Code2College, was in the audience.
Kristy Lavache, operations specialist at H-E-B, participated in the Code2College program, as did Rocio Montero, student program coordinator at the University of Texas at Austin for Code2College, who is currently studying to become a data scientist.
Montero said the program’s comprehensive approach goes beyond traditional coding education. Through structured courses beginning with Python basics, students progress to advanced programming skills while simultaneously developing crucial professional capabilities.
Perhaps most remarkably, Code2College has established partnerships with major tech companies, enabling high school students to secure internships at prominent firms like Apple, Amazon, Sailpoint, and WP Engine. Nesbitt said these early professional experiences are invaluable in building confidence and real-world skills.
The impact of representation and mentorship emerged as a recurring theme throughout the discussion. “Having mentors who understand our struggles makes all the difference,” Lavache said. “It’s easier for us as younger people to connect with them and learn from their experiences.”
The program’s success has led to expansion through Vision 2024, an initiative specifically focused on supporting young women and African American women in tech, Montero said. Through workshops covering everything from time management to exploring various tech roles, Vision 2024 creates a supportive environment for aspiring technologists.
The panel’s advice to newcomers was both practical and encouraging. Lavache shared a particularly memorable story about temporarily disabling a work platform during her first three months on the job. She said a coworker told her “It’s okay to break things because that’s how you learn.” But now she tests new material in a sandbox which she created before deploying it to the platform everyone works on, she said.
For parents concerned about keeping young girls interested in STEM fields, the panelists highlighted how science and math are already present in daily life.
“STEM is a lot broader than what one may think,” Lavache said, suggesting that parents help children recognize how their everyday interests connect to STEM fields.
As the tech industry evolves, programs like Code2College are crucial in creating a more diverse and inclusive future. Through early exposure, mentorship, and practical experience, they’re not just teaching coding – they’re building confidence, breaking down barriers, and creating the next generation of tech leaders.
The program continues to accept volunteers and mentors, and industry professionals are welcome to participate as instructors and guest speakers. This ensures that its impact continues to grow and inspires future generations of women in technology.