Sophia Padilla
Lead Teacher

Hi, I’m Sophia, and I’m from Northern Virginia. I just graduated from the University of Virginia where I double majored in Spanish and Mathematics. Throughout my first few years in school I was interested in international studies, Spanish language, and linguistics. I even spent my whole second year studying abroad in Valencia, Spain. I also volunteered with international students and worked as an ESL instructor. It wasn’t until the end of my college career that I took my first computer science class and fell in love with coding. I realized that I had found a new language with endless possibilities. I love coding because it is the perfect mix between logic and creativity. I wish that I had been exposed to computer science earlier in my life which is why I am so excited to work with these young ladies this summer and introduce them to the world of coding. In my free time I love going to dance classes, swimming, and going to live concerts.

Rachael Kondrat
Teaching Assistant

Rachael Kondrat currently attends Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Rachael participated in the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program, where she first gained exposure to coding. She discovered her passion for computer science while building a virtual reality game that focused on raising the awareness of the rapid depletion of the bee population. This project allowed her to see how coding can influence and change the world for the better.

Rachael attends a school that is only 30% women, and she understands the difficulties of being in a male dominated industry, and the importance of being confident. Rachael believes that inclusion within the tech industry is necessary for innovation, and she hopes to continue to help bridge the gender gap in STEM fields by teaching young girls the importance of coding.

In addition to teaching for Girls Who Code, Rachael also loves to play with Rubik’s Cubes and cook in her free time.

NaNa Mathis
Teaching Assistant

NaNa is a rising junior at Scripps College in Claremont, California. Since Scripps is part of the Claremont Consortium, she is majoring in computer science at Harvey Mudd College and minoring in mathematics and chemistry. Her first course in computer science was during her first year at college. However, she wishes she had known of programs such as SIP in high school! Going to a women’s college, NaNa is very passionate about increasing representation and diversity in the tech industry. She believes it is very important to acknowledge the different intersections of identity and inequality in the workplace, as well as life.

She first learned of Girls Who Code after Reshma Saujani, the founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, was announced to be Scripps’ commencement speaker in 2017. Although this is her first time at Girls Who Code, NaNa is very excited to join the wonderful community that is empowering and encouraging young girls and women to be a part of the tech industry.