Mary, a child of immigrants, has seen how lack of access to education and technology limits children’s futures. Determined to change this reality, she founded CTRL Code, a Google-supported nonprofit that provides free coding workshops, resources, and mentorship for underrepresented youth. Mary also authored Coding Unplugged: An Offline Guide to Python Programming, making computer science accessible even in communities without internet access. Her work has expanded across the United States, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone, reaching children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to explore technology.

Through CTRL Code, Mary has empowered thousands of students to develop digital literacy, confidence, and leadership skills. She has trained teachers, created coding clubs, and partnered with schools and libraries to integrate computer science into education. Her TEDx talk, city-level advocacy in Houston, and partnerships with organizations like Code.org have amplified her message to tens of thousands more online. By breaking barriers to education and technology, Mary ensures that every child—no matter their background—can see themselves as innovators and changemakers in a digital world.