Team Bios

Boasting a vibrant 15-year career, Tina-Marie has catalyzed substantial growth and innovation across community organizations, corporations, and startups worldwide, contributing revenue growth of upwards of $40M+. Celebrated for her entrepreneurial spirit, visionary leadership, and adeptness at steering through challenges and transformations with bravery and empathy, Tina-Marie has earned recognition as one of Adweek’s Rising Brand Stars. As CEO at Ada Developers Academy, Tina-Marie is responsible for steering the organization through a period of transition, ensuring stability and continuity while laying the groundwork for future growth. Tina-Marie's rich background in tech marketing, nonprofit leadership, and initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion provides her with a unique perspective. She excels at using education, technology, and human-centered innovation to drive social change. Her strategic thinking and collaborative leadership style are instrumental in aligning the organization's mission with its operational goals, a role she undertakes in close partnership with the board, staff, and stakeholders. Transitioning from a long-time board member, Tina-Marie will continue to raise awareness for Ada and advance the mission to empower women and gender-expansive individuals with the skills to excel as software developers. Fueled by a fervent passion for social impact and a steadfast dedication to fostering positive change, Tina-Marie is a vocal advocate who empowers marginalized communities with her unwavering voice. She is deeply dedicated to community engagement, advocating for people experiencing homelessness, ensuring technology accessibility, advancing STEM education, and leading initiatives focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Tina-Marie is a graduate of the University of Washington; she holds a BA in Communications with a minor in Nonprofit Management.

Alexandra (Alex) Duhon has over 23 years of accounting experience in both the public accounting and the private sector. She started her career in public accounting as an auditor with PwC and then spent 14 years in the private sector achieving progressive responsibility, which included six years of senior financial management experience. Alex’s industry experience includes distribution, manufacturing, media, not-for-profit, food and hospitality, retail, and health services. She has worked with varying sizes of businesses including small, middle market, and global organizations. Alex is a problem solver and has a particular strength in streamlining accounting operations, developing financial reports, budgeting and forecasting, cash management, and involvement in all aspects of financial management. She recognizes the importance of timely and accurate financial reporting to provide owners and managers the information they need to make good and timely business decisions. She strives to design operating metrics, budgets and cash forecasts to effectively plan and measure performance. A licensed CPA, she earned both a Master of Accounting and Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from North Carolina State University. She has also been issued the Not-for-Profit Certificate I from the AICPA which requires the completion of 40 hours of continuing professional education specific to nonprofit financial reporting, auditing, governance, and tax compliance. She also completed the AICPA’s Not-for-Profit Certificate II, which requires 30 hours of continuing professional education specific to nonprofit fin risk assessment and response, cash flow management, and forecasting methods to effectively steward resources. Professionals who complete this practice preparing and analyzing nonprofit financial statements and IRS Form 990s, assessing financial health, and determining potential unrelated business income tax liability.

Alexandra graduated with her Masters in Cultural Studies in 2015 and married her passion for social justice work with her sales and recruiting experience. For the last 15 years, Alexandra’s work, both professional and personal, has centered on relationship and community building to create upward mobility pathways for marginalized people. As a Black woman in tech, Alexandra is passionate about bringing more underrepresented minorities into the industry and fiercely believes that diversity without equity is oppression.

Char has had a passion for technology from a young age. His journey in computer science started in 11th grade when he took a Computer Science class in high school. Char decided to continue his journey by pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science. After graduating from the University of Texas at Dallas, he moved to Seattle to begin his career in software engineering. When Char moved, he also started his journey learning about anti-racism and community organizing. After six years of engineering software, Char decided to join Ada to share his expertise in software engineering with folx in their community with the hope of aiding in the diversification of tech!

Maria DeJesus is a native of Greater Boston with a longstanding passion for serving underrepresented communities. An Afro-Latina who’s dedicated 15 years to nonprofit and fundraising work with organizations like Boston’s Museum of Science, Olin College of Engineering and Harvard Business School, she is committed to discovering philanthropic opportunities to help strengthen social impact initiatives for the greater good. Academically, Maria attended Full Sail University with a focus on Computer Animation & Visual Effects and continues to enjoy learning about modern design as an art enthusiast. An active member of various BIPOC associations for creators, she's happiest when designing vibrant commissioned pieces from her favorite place on earth, Steward Le Meilleur Studios.

Sheila has over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, primarily in HR Manager and Generalist roles focused on employee relations, benefits administration, policy and process development, and talent acquisition. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University, HR Management Certificate from Bellevue College, and SHRM-CP credential. Sheila is committed to providing compassionate and equitable support to employees, managers, and leadership. She feels fortunate to be part of an agency dedicated to creating impactful and necessary change in our society. Outside of work, Sheila enjoys getting lost in bookstores and cuddle-time with her daughter.

Sylvia is a mestiza nerd who loves the puzzle of learning, researching, and imagining better possibilities with others. Since graduating from Princeton University as a first-generation college student, she has worked in the education and nonprofit sectors, focusing on recruiting, training, and coaching individuals in career development, personal leadership, and team management. With experience at large organizations, scrappy nonprofits, and Millennial side-hustles, she’s passionate about studying work culture and helping folks find careers where they can thrive.

Sylvia is a mestiza nerd who loves the puzzle of learning, researching, and imagining better possibilities with others. Since graduating from Princeton University as a first-generation college student, she has worked in the education and nonprofit sectors, focusing on recruiting, training, and coaching individuals in career development, personal leadership, and team management. With experience at large organizations, scrappy nonprofits, and Millennial side-hustles, she’s passionate about studying work culture and helping folks find careers where they can thrive.

Daniel is a first-generation queer and trans advocate and storyteller of color. They are passionate about supporting students from underserved communities to achieve their self-determined career goals through empathetic and strengths-based coaching. Formerly, Daniel was a Career Advisor at the University of Washington and a Program Manager with education nonprofits College Access Now and College Possible. They hold a BA in Communications and Creative Writing from The Evergreen State College. Outside Ada, Daniel enjoys HIIT classes, live music, reading sci-fi/fantasy and poetry, and any excuse possible to go get boba.

I’m excited to join Ada Developers Academy as the Student Affairs Program Manager, bringing a passion for lifelong learning and equity in education. With experience at ChickTech and Microsoft, I’ve had the opportunity to support and empower individuals in their professional growth, especially in underrepresented communities in tech. I’m eager to contribute to Ada’s mission and create a transformative student experience. Outside of work, I enjoy true crime podcasts and 90s alternative music.

Char has had a passion for technology from a young age. His journey in computer science started in 11th grade when he took a Computer Science class in high school. Char decided to continue his journey by pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science. After graduating from the University of Texas at Dallas, he moved to Seattle to begin his career in software engineering. When Char moved, he also started his journey learning about anti-racism and community organizing. After six years of engineering software, Char decided to join Ada to share his expertise in software engineering with folx in their community with the hope of aiding in the diversification of tech!

Adrian graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Theater and has spent the last seven years teaching high school computer science and cybersecurity in Texas. He’s super excited to join Ada and help guide students toward their goals. In his free time, you can catch Adrian exploring the outdoors or on stage at one of Austin’s improv theaters. He’s also an avid baker and is always taking suggestions for new recipes to make!

Ansel brings over a decade of industry experience ranging from bioinformatics to system-integrated application development, having built and maintained large-scale data analysis platforms focusing on rapid response to stakeholder needs. His goal is to provide the tools, support, and encouragement for each student to achieve their own personal success and instill in them the confidence to challenge the preconceptions of what others think they can achieve.

Ashley graduated from Reed College before teaching kindergarten for a few years and eventually went on to complete an immersive coding program at Dev Bootcamp. Before joining Ada, she worked as a backend developer. She’s thrilled to be combining her passion for education with her technical skills at the Digital campus.

Kelsey graduated from UW Bothell and has a long career as a mobile software engineer. After years of great experiences as an internship and industry mentor, they wanted to work with Ada students to be what they do, rather than a small slice of their job. Outside of tech, they are a fan of all kinds of crafting and cosplay!

Hailing from Atlanta, Mikelle is a non-binary black programmer with love for mathematics and music. After taking a number of courses at George Washington, they realized coding was a passion for them. This newfound interest served as fuel for their programming journey. Gaining experience in machine learning, engineering computation, consulting, and more along the way, Mikelle now looks to help women and gender-expansive folks break into the field!

Alexandra graduated with her Masters in Cultural Studies in 2015 and married her passion for social justice work with her sales and recruiting experience. For the last 15 years, Alexandra’s work, both professional and personal, has centered on relationship and community building to create upward mobility pathways for marginalized people. As a Black woman in tech, Alexandra is passionate about bringing more underrepresented minorities into the industry and fiercely believes that diversity without equity is oppression.

Shauntia is an Atlanta native and currently serves on the Corporate Partnerships team at Ada Developers Academy. She earned her Bachelor’s in English Literature & Africana Studies (Agnes Scott College) and her Master’s in African American Studies (Georgia State University) and Business-Executive Leadership (Liberty University). As an education and business development specialist, her passion is to develop and cultivate employer relationships to increase talent pipeline diversity and to ensure equitable educational opportunities for underrepresented groups. Approaching each partnership from a DE&I lens is of major importance and value to her. Away from work, her passions include kickboxing, trying new restaurants, any and everything Disney, and jamming out to smooth 90s RnB.

Maria DeJesus is a native of Greater Boston with a longstanding passion for serving underrepresented communities. An Afro-Latina who’s dedicated 15 years to nonprofit and fundraising work with organizations like Boston’s Museum of Science, Olin College of Engineering and Harvard Business School, she is committed to discovering philanthropic opportunities to help strengthen social impact initiatives for the greater good. Academically, Maria attended Full Sail University with a focus on Computer Animation & Visual Effects and continues to enjoy learning about modern design as an art enthusiast. An active member of various BIPOC associations for creators, she's happiest when designing vibrant commissioned pieces from her favorite place on earth, Steward Le Meilleur Studios.

Sarah Hammann is a native of the Greater Seattle area with over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, focusing on corporate philanthropy and workplace giving. She has a passion for helping companies find their "why" for giving, building relationships within companies to drive initiatives that support social impact causes and helping employees to become changemakers. A foodie at heart, away from work she is searching for the next best restaurant, playing "pretend baking show" with her toddler, and finding any excuse to be near the ocean.

Tina is a Laotian-America woman, child of immigrants, artist, children's book author, and dog mom. She has over 7 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, youth work, and community advocacy work, focusing on issues such as education equity, immigrant rights, social and racial justice, art education access, and youth development. Throughout her work, she values love, community, and understanding. She enjoys being creative and sharing the joy of art with others.

Alexandra (Alex) Duhon has over 23 years of accounting experience in both the public accounting and the private sector. She started her career in public accounting as an auditor with PwC and then spent 14 years in the private sector achieving progressive responsibility, which included six years of senior financial management experience. Alex’s industry experience includes distribution, manufacturing, media, not-for-profit, food and hospitality, retail, and health services. She has worked with varying sizes of businesses including small, middle market, and global organizations. Alex is a problem solver and has a particular strength in streamlining accounting operations, developing financial reports, budgeting and forecasting, cash management, and involvement in all aspects of financial management. She recognizes the importance of timely and accurate financial reporting to provide owners and managers the information they need to make good and timely business decisions. She strives to design operating metrics, budgets and cash forecasts to effectively plan and measure performance. A licensed CPA, she earned both a Master of Accounting and Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from North Carolina State University. She has also been issued the Not-for-Profit Certificate I from the AICPA which requires the completion of 40 hours of continuing professional education specific to nonprofit financial reporting, auditing, governance, and tax compliance. She also completed the AICPA’s Not-for-Profit Certificate II, which requires 30 hours of continuing professional education specific to nonprofit fin risk assessment and response, cash flow management, and forecasting methods to effectively steward resources. Professionals who complete this practice preparing and analyzing nonprofit financial statements and IRS Form 990s, assessing financial health, and determining potential unrelated business income tax liability.

Sheila has over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, primarily in HR Manager and Generalist roles focused on employee relations, benefits administration, policy and process development, and talent acquisition. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University, HR Management Certificate from Bellevue College, and SHRM-CP credential. Sheila is committed to providing compassionate and equitable support to employees, managers, and leadership. She feels fortunate to be part of an agency dedicated to creating impactful and necessary change in our society. Outside of work, Sheila enjoys getting lost in bookstores and cuddle-time with her daughter.

Christina graduated from MacMurray College with a degree in Accounting and Business Administration. She has worked in several sectors of accounting, such as governmental, public, and nonprofit. Her passion has been nonprofit for over 8 years of her career. She has worked with nonprofits from smaller niches to larger organizations upwards of $52 million. Christina’s passion is to help organizations make sure they have their financials to continue the mission at the forefront of the organization. Her passion for nonprofits does not stop at her career. She volunteers and attends various events throughout the year. She is an Ambassador for IMRS (Irving Marathon Running Series), a nonprofit that raises funds for scholarships for the Irving School District. Christina has been extremely excited to join Ada and looks forward to making an impact within the organization.

Ana brings over a decade of experience supporting executives and driving operational excellence. While her academic background is in Accounting, her true passion lies in providing top-notch administrative support. Ana is deeply committed to making a positive impact within her community, which led her to Ada Developers Academy. Joining Ada Developers Academy has been an exciting step in this direction, as she is inspired by the impactful work they do in driving change within the tech industry. Outside of work, Ana cherishes time with her son, finds solace in playing the cello, and indulges her creative side through food photography and recipe development.