Debugged S4 E12: Empowering the Next Generation with Michaela De Guzman

Hello! Welcome back to Debugged, the Congressional App Challenge’s alumni-led podcast that connects the country’s youth with technology by debugging the intricate world of computer science.

In this episode, guest host Tushar Mehta has the pleasure of chatting with Michaela de Guzman! Michaela is senior curriculum developer at Girls Who Code, a dedicated advocate for women in tech, and a CSTA Equity Fellow alumni from 2023 to 2024. She began her career teaching coding to K-12 students in Title I schools, and since then, she has fallen in love with computer science education. She has remained committed to students feeling empowered to solve problems and express themselves through code and has co-developed cybersecurity and data science courses focused on social justice, creative computing, and machine learning.

Michaela’s interest in technology came from playing Nintendo 64 video games with her father and three siblings. As she moved into high school and college, though, she found a new way to apply this interest: as a creative outlet. Her initial endeavors in computer science involved storytelling and animation work, as well as lessons in resilience and embracing imperfection as she dealt with a myriad of bugs.

Throughout the interview, Michaela emphasizes the importance of gender equality in tech education, driven by her own experiences as a woman of color. Believing in the transformative power of mentorship, she also mentioned an older cousin who changed her life by helping her navigate computer science.

Once at Girls Who Code, Michaela took roles in leading impactful initiatives like the Summer Immersion Program and the Self-Paced Program, designed to empower girls and non-binary students to jump into the world of computer science. Central to these programs is the concept of “sisterhood:” fostering a supportive community where students feel confident learning collaborative and problem-solving skills while gaining coding skills and experience. Michaela believes in the necessity of communities like these to bridge the existing gender gap in technology.

For students looking to make an impact with technology, Michaela shared a mantra by the founder of Girls Who Code, Reshma Saujani: “brave, not perfect.” In doing so, she encourages students to take the first steps towards implementing their ideas—even if they aren’t perfectly formalized—because that is how technological innovation happens.

Finally, she shares her advice on how to start: where to find tutorials online for different languages, technologies, or disciplines. Tune in to this week’s episode of Debugged to hear more of Michaela’s inspiring story, actionable advice, and insights on equity in the world technology!

More about Debugged

Founded in 2021 by the Congressional App Challenge’s Alumni Advisory Board, Debugged is a unique podcast experience that seeks to redefine STEM education, shine a light on diverse voices, and further the narrative around a myriad of computer science topics. By highlighting trends in the industry, breaking down complicated concepts, and interviewing high profile guests, listeners are given the opportunity to delve into the world of technology in an analytical yet engaging way.

Debugged is free to stream on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more via Anchor.fm! To be the first to know about new episodes, and to learn more about the team of eleven alumni behind every one, follow @cacdebugged on Instagram and X. Thank you so much for your viewership; we hope you enjoy the episode!