Connecting kids, and adults, to a future in technology

February 2021

East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation

45 Stories for 45 Years

Contributor: Hannah Brannan, EBALDC Alumni

When I first learned to code, I was a 2nd grade teacher at an after school program in Oakland with the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC). Me and my fellow teachers were in it. We would show up early to learn to code together. We saw a future in technology, and we wanted our kids to see it too. 

EBALDC’s Youth Programs Director Michelle Sit had the passion to make it happen and I still remember how thrilling it was to see those kids in the computer lab, taking to coding like fish to water. For programming like ours, sites like code.org were everything because they provided easy, free access that were designed to engage kids in a fun approach to tech education. 

Now, I’m a tech entrepreneur leading a platform that drives sustainable sourcing in the flower industry. I brought myself into tech through free code platforms, and it has allowed me to bring my own, unique and new perspective into the solution space. I can’t wait to see the future coders brought up on platforms like these. 

Yara Shahidi said, “we need diverse teams of people writing code in order to make products that reflect what our world looks like.” Thanks to dedicated staff like Michelle, more kids in East Oakland are exposed to this education, and can imagine a future for themselves in technology. 

As EBALDC marks our 45th anniversary, we will be gathering more stories like this one from our friends, family, community members, partners and more stakeholders that have made our impact possible. We would be honored for you to join us:

  • Follow us on social media: @EBALDC

 

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