Ada Build Live for Ada Developers Academy
Ada Build Live is a prospective applicant program for the most underrepresented communities in tech. Its goal is to prepare folks for Ada’s competitive admissions process. Previously, this program ran biannually, with minimal structure, process, and desired outcomes. I managed this program in Q1 and Q2 of 2022 with the goal of testing and solidifying attainable key objectives and building capacity to expand program offerings.
I collaborated cross-functionally with the admissions, marketing, data, and instructional teams. I streamlined systems and created thorough documentation to ensure sustainability. I recruited program alum, onboarded them as facilitators, and managed communications and feedback with the group throughout each series.
Since managing this program, I heard from facilitators that Ada Build Live had been the most robust and organized they had ever seen it. In addition, the admissions team saw an increase in students who identify as Black and Latine who were admitted to the Core program.
Farm to Table Curriculum Series for Tilth Alliance
Tilth Alliance delivers Farm to Table classes to pre-school and community centers throughout Seattle. I further developed this curriculum by building 3 to 5-week lesson series according to age groups and skill sets.
Each lesson builds on knowledge gained from the previous lesson, and incorporates hands-on activities such as worm exploration, creating a colorful food rainbow, and making seed necklaces!
Lessons received glowing feedback as I was greeted by eager, enthusiastic students each week. Teachers appreciated the interactive activities and also incorporated Farm to Table ideas into their daily lesson plans.
Three-Year Cooking Curriculum for Common Threads
Photo by Madeline Finch
I researched and tested 12 recipes, and created lesson plans, slideshows, and recipe cards to accompany each dish. These made up a three-year cooking curriculum to be implemented by Common Threads Food Educators in the Bellingham Public School District.
Recipes range from Potato Curry to Kale Salad to Applesauce to Borscht! Students chop, sauté, and measure ingredients. They learn about food miles, various spices from around the world, and what it means to eat colorfully. But most importantly, they enjoy their dishes as a class, and are always able to "taste the teamwork."
Afterschool Cooking and Garden Clubs for Common Threads
I further developed Common Threads' afterschool cooking and garden programs by creating an afterschool club protocol, registration forms, program descriptions, behavior agreements, and e-mail templates. Most importantly, I created systems, processes, and documentation that will contribute to the sustainability of the program for years to come.
My work resulted in more prepared educators, better organized sessions, and enthusiastic school coordinators.
Top Chef x Camp Phoenix
I planned and led a two-part Top Chef program at Camp Phoenix. The program focused on what the definition of "healthy" means to each of us. Campers then researched, planned, and executed their dishes using the secret ingredient: chickpeas.
Students highly valued the autonomy they had over their creations, and asked to do the program again next year.
Common Threads Classroom Challenge
Inspired by the Pure Food Kid's challenge, and the desire to continue food conversations after our once-a-month cooking lessons, I developed and designed the Common Threads Classroom Challenge, which included worksheets, and additional resources needed to complete each challenge.
I piloted the challenge in four classrooms during winter 2016. Teachers showed a lot of enthusiasm and appreciation for the resource, and were excited for the extra lessons that connected food to math, science, art, and literacy.