Lien Diaz is the Chief Executive Officer for BootUp. She is the former Director of Educational Innovation and Leadership of the Constellations Center for Equity in Computing at Georgia Tech. Her role included building teaching and leadership capacity to expand access to computing education across the state of Georgia and around the nation. Her work elevated the importance of increasing engagement with female students, economically disadvantaged students, and students of color into rigorous high school computing courses and streamlining opportunities into post-secondary computing, STEM, and Tech jobs. In its first year, the Constellations Center has doubled the number of schools in Atlanta Public Schools offering AP CS courses and more than tripled the number of students enrolled in them. Prior to her appointment at the Constellations Center, she spent 11 years at College Board and was a co-PI for Using Computational Thinking to Model a New Course and the Collaborative Research – Broadening Participation in CS: AP CS Principles Phase II projects, both funded by the National Science Foundation. She is one of the primary architects of the AP Computer Science Principles course and a leading national expert in educational diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Brenda Bass has over 30 years of teaching experience, most recently as the Science/STEAM Lab Teacher for Fort Bend School District in Sugar Land, Texas where she taught K-5 coding, STEAM challenges and physical computing to help support science standards. She was also the coding/robotics sponsor. Prior to the Science/STEAM Lab, she was a Digital Learning Specialist supporting multiple campuses with technology integration, facilitating Professional Development as well as supporting coding/robotics clubs. At the District level, she provided support for district-wide initiatives such as STEM/LOGO Institute, Scratch Day, training coding/robotic sponsors and Film Festival.

Before moving to Fort Bend, Brenda taught in Frenship and Lubbock School Districts. She taught 6-8 grade Multimedia and Web Design where she incorporated Project Based Learning. Brenda assisted with BEST Robotics Team. She was a Curriculum Technologist Specialist as well as a Computer Technologist. She was a student sponsor for TCEA Robotics Contests where students placed 2nd in 2006 and 2nd and 3rd in 2007 at the Regional Technology Fair.

Brenda has presented on technology integration in the classroom at TCEA and ISTE. She was a part of the We Teach CS Collaborative Grant where she received over 60 hours of Computer Science Training.

Brenda is married to David and has two daughters and a son-in-law.

Outside of work she enjoys traveling, going to the beach and spending time with her family.

LeoLin Bowen is a marketing growth strategist with 8 years of experience building institutional relationships, supporting events and marketing initiatives, as well as driving CS & AI education adoption across K-12 districts. She is a consultant working with BootUp on outreach, sponsorship development, and relationship cultivation across districts, state agencies, and national organizations.  LeoLin holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is currently a member of the CSTA Black Affinity Group as well as DOLS (Distinguished Women of Software). Outside of work, LeoLin enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and dancing. She currently resides in Austin, TX, but grew up in Chicago, IL.

Suzanne Carlson is a passionate advocate for expanding K-5 computer science education nationwide. As the Director of Development at BootUp PD, she drives strategic partnerships that empower educators with the tools, training, and resources needed to bring coding and computational thinking into every classroom. With over a decade of experience in education, sales, marketing, and non-profit leadership, Suzanne seamlessly blends her expertise to create impactful opportunities for schools and districts. She began her career in broadcast promotions and marketing, developing strategic campaigns for the Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network—an experience that sparked her lifelong enthusiasm for the team. She later transitioned into education, spending more than 10 years as a classroom teacher. From teaching high school marketing to designing a comprehensive K-8 computer science curriculum, Suzanne has been a dedicated champion of student learning and innovation. Her career has since evolved into education-focused sales and business development, where she thrives on forging relationships that drive meaningful change. At BootUp PD, Suzanne leverages her deep understanding of education and technology to expand access to high-quality, equity-driven professional development, ensuring all students—regardless of background—have the opportunity to develop essential digital skills. Suzanne has also dedicated more than 10 years to the non-profit sector, designing programs that equip students with career development and financial literacy skills. She holds a double major in Marketing and Business Education from Southern New Hampshire University and a Master’s degree in Business Education with a minor in Marketing Research from the University of Nebraska. Outside of work, Suzanne enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family. With three grown children—one in Wisconsin, one in Austin, Texas and one in St. Cloud, Minnesota. She is the proud grandmama to two little boys and a little girl due in June —she loves making memories with loved ones while continuing to cheer on her beloved Kansas City Chiefs.

CJ Carnahan is the Director of Advancement and Communications at BootUp PD, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing equitable computer science education to every student in every zip code. After joining the team as a consultant in October 2024, he joined the team full-time in March 2025.

CJ has seven years of experience working in various roles in computer science focused nonprofits, mainly positions focused on advancement and communication. As a professional focused on providing access to equitable computer science education, he leverages advancement, communication, and event planning strategies to further the impact of the organizations he is a part of.

He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education. After finishing his degree, he fostered his interest in art instruction outside of the classroom by developing curriculum for and leading arts-integrated computer science after school programs.

Outside of work, CJ spends time with family and friends both online and in-person. When not working, you’re likely to find him playing video games with friends, doing hand or machine embroidery, or watching movies.

Dr. Heather Cunningham is the Director of Educational Equity & Research at BootUp, where she leads the organization’s national research agenda, oversees all evaluation and metrics, and drives continuous learning across programs. With 25 years of experience in education and a doctorate in Educational Equity and Leadership, she brings both the scholarly expertise and practical leadership needed to shape sustainable, equity-centered computer science education pathways. Over the past five years, Dr. Cunningham has expanded BootUp’s research portfolio to include multi-year, grant-funded projects that focus on some of the most pressing challenges in education today. She currently manages an Amazon in the Community grant in Seattle and leads several additional research initiatives, including:

• Indigenous language acquisition, multilingual  learners, and computer science integration
• CS opportunities for students experiencing homelessness
• Studies on how rural communities design and implement elementary CS pathways in collaboration with local industry partners

Her work not only measures outcomes but also builds actionable frameworks that inform policy, strengthen industry partnerships, and ensure that investments directly benefit historically underserved communities.

Josele Diaz is the Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy, where he leads organizational storytelling, brand positioning, and communications strategy to drive engagement, growth, and long-term sustainability. He brings cross-sector expertise in marketing, communications, management, and operations, with a strong focus on efficiency, audience connection, and revenue-supporting strategies that advance mission impact. Josele is deeply passionate about meaningful storytelling and creating authentic brand experiences. He understands the power of narrative to shape how communities perceive education, equity, and opportunity, and uses that insight to elevate voices, build trust, and inspire action across diverse audiences. He holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass Communications and a Master’s in Communication Studies from New Mexico State University. Early in his career, Josele taught public speaking at El Paso Community College, an experience that strengthened his commitment to clear, compelling communication and inclusive dialogue. He also brings a people-centered leadership approach shaped by his experience coaching in community-based fitness spaces. Outside of work, Josele enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports, and being outdoors. You’ll often find him on the golf course or unwinding with a good movie.

Rebecca Dovi serves as the Chief Strategy and Advancement Officer at BootUp PD, bringing over 25 years of transformative leadership in computer science education. As co-founder of CodeVA, she pioneered equitable CS education initiatives across Virginia, including spearheading the nation's first statewide CS mandate in 2017. Her innovative teacher training programs have prepared more than 10,000 educators, ultimately reaching over half a million K-12 students nationwide.

Rebecca's strategic vision has secured nearly $9 million in funding through corporate partnerships with industry leaders like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, as well as multiple NSF research grants. Her expertise spans curriculum design, professional development implementation, and policy advancement. As a neuro-divergent learner herself, Rebecca brings unique insight to creating inclusive learning environments that serve all students. Her collaborative approach to building partnerships across educational institutions, government agencies, and industry has established sustainable infrastructures for computer science education that continue to shape the national landscape.

Monica Duck is an accomplished Accounting and Financial Consultant with extensive experience providing support to nonprofit, corporate, manufacturing, technology, service and retail organizations.   Monica received a bachelor's degree from Albright College in Reading, PA and an MBA in Finance from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.  As a longtime resident of Austin, TX, Monica loves taking long walks, reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Connie Dunn has been an educator for 12 years—six teaching elementary and six teaching
middle school computer science. She is passionate about making technology fun, hands-on, and accessible for all learners. Over the years, she has also coached track, led Girls Who Code clubs, and supported fellow educators through computer science professional development.

Her students dive into creative projects—building games in Scratch, mixing music in EarSketch, exploring AI with Creaticode, and coding micro:bit inventions. She has trained both teachers and students on tools like Code.org, CMU Academy, MakeCode micro:bit, Birdbrain, WeVideo, Book Creator, and more.

Connie has presented at the Technology Curriculum Conference of Aldine (TCCA), the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) National Conference, Texas CSTA State Conferences, and the CSTA Greater Houston Chapter One Day Conference—sharing classroom-tested strategies for teaching CS through robotics, music, and AI. She was named the 2023–2024 Teacher of the Year in Aldine ISD, recognized as a CTE Educator of the Month
February 2025, and is currently a micro:bit CHAMPION for 2024 and 2025.

She and her husband, Troy, love riding bicycles together—whether it’s a loop around Galveston Bay for Bike Around the Bay or off-road on their mountain bikes. They have three sons—Miles, Chase, and Mason—and a very spoiled dog named Brash. When Connie isn’t teaching or on her bike, she’s active in three book clubs. “We’re all a bit nerdy,” she says. “We create slideshows for our book club meetings and even theme dress for the books.”

Connie is excited to continue her professional development journey and share her love of all things computer science with more educators and students.

Diane Gielas is an experienced educator, curriculum writer, and professional learning facilitator based in Colorado with over 30 years in K–6 education. With a background rooted in literacy and classroom teaching, Diane brings a relatable and encouraging voice to computer science professional development, especially for teachers who are new to CS and unsure where to start. Her journey into CS began not as a specialist, but as an ELA teacher who saw how creative, empowering, and inclusive coding could be for all learners. That curiosity quickly turned into a passion for helping students and teachers alike discover the joy and value of computer science.

Diane has designed and facilitated curriculum that weaves together storytelling, creativity, and computational thinking through Scratch-based lessons. She has brought hands-on robotics and coding experiences to Title I schools, integrating computer science with social-emotional learning to make concepts both meaningful and accessible. In addition, she supports early-career educators by serving as an induction mentor, helping them build inclusive, confident classrooms through collaborative coaching and personalized guidance.

Her career includes leadership in schoolwide SEL programs, student-led green screen news
broadcasts, and cross-grade instruction from 1st to 6th grade. Now, as a CS professional development facilitator, Diane brings energy, empathy, and authenticity to every session, meeting educators where they are and helping them see how computer science can connect with what they already do best.

Diane loves spending time with her husband and four college-aged children, two dogs, and a close-knit circle of family and friends. Whether in the classroom or around the dinner table, she leads with curiosity, care, and a belief that learning is for everyone.

Becky Hansen is a powerhouse in computer science education and curriculum innovation, blending deep pedagogical expertise with an unshakable passion for equity, creativity, and teacher empowerment. As a CSPD Specialist at BootUp PD, Becky leads national efforts to transform elementary computer science education through visionary curriculum design, dynamic professional development, and district-wide implementation strategies. A bilingual educator and first-generation college graduate, she brings more than a decade of classroom experience and an unwavering commitment to creating access for underserved communities.

Becky holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on distance learning from Dallas Baptist University, along with ISTE and Cornell Project Management certifications. She has developed comprehensive K–5 CS programs, authored culturally responsive lessons used across the country, and served as a lead consultant for top education publishers like Capstone. Known for her creativity, precision, and people-first approach, Becky is the go-to expert when districts want high-quality, standards-aligned content that truly works for teachers and students alike.

Allyson Kennedy, Ph.D. is a scientist and public servant with over 15 years of experience advancing STEM education, international collaboration, and inclusive innovation. As a Program Director at the U.S. National Science Foundation, she led strategy and funding efforts for K–20 computing education, equity in STEM, and cross-border research partnerships. She also served as a U.S. Embassy Science Fellow in Thailand, where she helped shape bilateral science and education cooperation. Allyson holds a Ph.D. in Integrative Life Sciences and is passionate about using science policy to expand opportunity and global collaboration.

Lopez is currently a Professor of the Practice for REACH University and teaches a variety of advanced CS courses including CS 300, introducing students to core concepts and practices common to state and national standards, and CS 221 and 231, which are Teacher Education Preparation courses for the state of California. Lopez brings experiences with project management from the LISTEN LAB and Coding Our Future projects at CREATE, UC San
Diego. He served on the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Board of Directors,
was President of the CSTA-San Diego chapter, and is currently on the steering committee for the CSTA LatinX Affinity Group. Lopez’ career as a former high school CS teacher includes being selected by the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program to be a pilot teacher for the AP CS Principles course funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), curriculum writer, instructional designer, and an AP Summer Institute professional development (PD) consultant. He has been an NSF proposal reviewer and was selected as a committee member for the California CS State Standards committee. Lopez has also worked on the NSF funded project for the CSAwesome Research-Practice Partnership (RPP) and on an Education Innovation Research (EIR) project funded by the U.S. Department of Education to develop the CS+Elementary curriculum. Art is a leading subject matter expert on BootUp’s PD implementation plan to expand access to the CS+Elementary curriculum.

Cleveland is a 2025 graduate with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science. While in college, he worked to bring students of all ages into STEM related fields. He has demonstrated his commitment to STEM education through a plethora of outreach events including workshops, personal tours, and public speaking events. Additionally, he was part of multiple research projects all focused on improving the lives of people who need help.

As someone in the field of Computer Science, his main focus is to explain the small details to build a bigger, easier to understand picture. He did this by teaching his peers better ways to accomplish tasks, fix bugs in their work, and better plan their goals. Not only did his efforts further the abilities of those around him, but it has done the same for him. Now, he looks forward to continuing his work to help bring younger minds into the field of Computer Science!

Rebecca Muller is an experienced educator, technology integrator, and professional learning facilitator with more than 30 years of service in Colorado schools. With a strong foundation in elementary education and a passion for lifelong learning that began in childhood, Rebecca has spent her career empowering both students and educators through innovative, inclusive, and engaging approaches to teaching.

Rebecca holds a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics and a Master’s in Educational Technology from Boise State University. Over the years, she has held a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, digital learning coach, and computer science instructor. Her leadership in technology integration has helped shape school and district initiatives aimed at making 21st-century skills accessible to all learners.

A committed advocate for equity in computer science education, Rebecca has coached and mentored K–8 educators in incorporating coding, physical computing, robotics, and digital tools into their instruction. As a long-standing Code.org facilitator for CS Fundamentals and CS Discoveries, she has helped educators build the confidence and skills necessary to implement computer science with students of all backgrounds. She has also designed and led workshops focused on block-based coding, design thinking, computational thinking, and, most recently, the integration of Artificial Intelligence in K–8 classrooms.

Rebecca is a Google Certified Innovator, Raspberry Pi Certified Educator, Nearpod Certified Trainer, and an accomplished presenter at leading educational conferences, including ISTE, InnEdCO, Highway 21, and numerous Google Summits. Her work is centered on meeting learners—both students and educators—where they are, using STEM, CS, and problem-based learning to make instruction both meaningful and empowering.

In addition to her work at the local and district levels, Rebecca has facilitated professional development for educators nationally and internationally. She remains deeply committed to equipping teachers with practical strategies and joyful, engaging approaches to computer science education.

Rebecca and her husband of 32 years have raised three sons and enjoy an active family life. Outside of her professional work, she loves traveling, reading, golfing, and shopping. She values opportunities to spend time with her family while continuing to support educators and inspire future-ready learners across the country.

Katie Bosch-Wilson is a native Idahoan with 13 years of service in public education and state leadership. Katie earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education and two master’s degrees in Mathematics Education and Curriculum and Instruction. She has a graduate certificate in STEM Education with an emphasis in Computer Science. She has vast experience teaching math and computer science. In addition to teaching, Katie has experience working as a district content coordinator and computer science adjunct professor at Boise State University. In her current role, Katie has gained a passion in supporting elementary educators find ways to bring computer science into their classrooms. Katie enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and their family dog. On the weekends, the family enjoys spending as much time as possible outside.

Liz Kerrigan is an Instructional Technology Curriculum Specialist from Boston with over 20 years of experience in education. She is dedicated to helping students and educators harness the power of technology to enhance learning, organization, and executive functioning. In her role, she collaborates closely with teachers to integrate digital tools that support academic success, streamline classroom routines, and most recently, build AI literacy by helping both students and teachers understand, evaluate, and responsibly use emerging technologies. Liz works with the nonprofit, CSforMA, and for the Massachusetts Department of Education, to facilitate computer science training courses for K–8 educators. Her work focuses on integrating coding and computational thinking across all areas of the curriculum to support cross-disciplinary learning and innovation. Before stepping into her current position, Liz taught at both the elementary and middle school levels. Her classroom experience fueled her passion for helping students engage meaningfully with technology and develop the skills to think critically about computer science—both in their everyday lives and as a foundation for future opportunities. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, golfing, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

Carla Neely is an award-winning science educator with over two decades of experience teaching in urban schools. As a Fulbright Scholar, Global Teacher Prize finalist, and Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, she brings a global and policy-driven perspective to STEM education. A passionate advocate for equity in computer science, Carla serves on the Board of Directors for the Computer Science Teachers Association and mentors CSTA Equity Fellows. Her work bridges science and technology, empowering underrepresented students, to explore and excel in computing and STEM fields.

Carlton Nivens is a dedicated educator committed to fostering creativity, logical thinking, and innovation by making technology engaging and accessible for all students. A December 2023 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Science (Computer Science concentration), Carlton has developed extensive expertise in designing comprehensive curricula and instructing diverse learners from K-12 through early college in areas such as coding, robotics, game design, and digital art. His experience ranges from direct instruction and curriculum development, including refining AP Computer Science materials, to leadership roles in out-of-school technology programs. Carlton's energy is focused on making a significant positive impact on students' educational journeys, with a particular commitment to mentoring and adapting learning experiences for students of all abilities, and he continues to contribute actively to the advancement of STEM education.

Ashley Schaffner is an educator and STEM leader with over a decade of experience supporting teachers and students across Idaho. She began her career as a 1st grade teacher in Blackfoot, Idaho, where she spent seven years teaching and serving in leadership roles including mentor teacher, team lead, and technology coordinator. During this time, Ashley developed a PreK–2 Computer Science curriculum designed to introduce young learners to coding, computational thinking, and foundational digital literacy through developmentally appropriate, hands-on experiences.

Beginning in 2018, Ashley shared this work statewide as a strand provider for i-STEM, the Idaho STEM Action Center’s flagship professional development program, supporting elementary educators in integrating computer science across content areas. She later taught 3rd and 4th grade in Pocatello, where she served on the school leadership team and supported schoolwide professional development and instructional decision-making.

In 2021, Ashley joined the Idaho STEM EcosySTEM as a Regional Hub Coordinator, where she leads cross-sector collaboration among K–12 schools, higher education, industry, and community partners to expand access to high-quality STEM and computer science learning opportunities. Her work includes designing and facilitating professional learning, mentoring educators, coordinating large-scale STEM outreach initiatives, and supporting equitable access to funding and resources.

Ashley is passionate about early computer science education and empowering educators with practical, classroom-ready strategies that build confidence and foster inclusive learning environments. Through her work with Boot Up PD, she is excited to support teachers in integrating computer science and computational thinking in meaningful, engaging, and sustainable ways.