mentors

Meet Bold Idea Mentor Kendra

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Meet Kendra Andersen, a consultant at Pariveda Solutions and Bold Idea Mentor. Learn about how her teachers introduced her to science in High School and what she is doing to bring that same impact to Bold Idea students.

What have you learned or gained from being a Bold Idea Mentor?

I've really enjoyed being able to work with younger kids again! I enjoy being able to look at computer science through the fresh eyes of someone new to it again and trying to learn how to help them understand it better.

What is you most memorable mentoring moment?

I've enjoyed being able to help a team of students figure out how to work together! Sometimes different students have varying strengths or skill levels and figuring out how to combine them for a project they all enjoy is a fun puzzle to solve!

How did you become interested in technology and programming?

I had a high school teacher to got me interested in engineering as a field. She was a great mentor to me and encouraged me to try challenging projects! Over the course of college, I was introduced to programming through a number of my classes and several design projects.

What did you study in college?

Electrical Engineering

What are some of your favorite hobbies or past times?

I enjoy swimming, biking, and doing art in my free time!

Is there anything you wish you could tell your younger self about coding?

I wish I could tell myself to try out coding at a earlier point in my life. It always seemed like a boy's thing in middle school, but that does not have to be the case!

What is it about Bold Idea's mission that really connects with you?

I really enjoy getting to introduce students to computer science concepts in a more creative manner than what they might experience in a classroom setting!

Meet Bold Idea Mentor Mae

Meet Mae Rock - an Alkami project manager, UTD alum and Bold Idea program site coordinator. In addition to having an awesome name, Mae uses her problem solving and efficiency skills to ensure that our Alkami program site runs smoothly each week. She rocks!

“Having the opportunity to be a part of cultivating these attributes for the next generation makes me feel involved and proud of the future.”