Mission
The mission of the Allen School ambassador team is to empower individuals and communities with computer science skills, tools, and frameworks as a means of innovating, mobilizing, and enacting change. We focus on high school and community college students in Washington who are underrepresented in computing, considering the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, income and ability/disability. We strive to show students that computer science is a field that is not only attainable, but also one where they can thrive. We also work to build sustainable relationships with students, other constituents from schools, and community organizations.
What We Do
Allen School ambassadors conduct outreach and recruiting activities for high school and community college students including:
A Day in the Life of a College Student Presentation
This presentation covers information about what it’s like to be a college student studying computing! We discuss classroom experiences, extracurriculars, and more! There is an opportunity for Q&A at the end.
Student Panels
We can conduct presentations with Q&A on a wide variety of subjects, and can cater the panel to your classroom or group!
Allen School Admissions Information Session
This presentation is intended for high school students who are interested in applying to the Allen School. We provide an overview of the application process, and incorporate information about Allen School student life and experiences.
AP Computer Science A Test Prep
We invite Washington State High School Students who will be taking the AP Computer Science A Test in May 2023 to attend review sessions led by the Allen School Ambassadors. Find more information and register using Eventbrite.
Connect with Us
Meet with an Ambassador
As the main point of contact for prospective undergraduate students interested in applying to the Allen School, any prospective undergraduate student can set-up an appointment or email us with any questions at outreach@cs.washington.edu.
Schedule AppointmentFollow Ambassadors Instagram
Follow us on Instagram for updates on our outreach events and to learn more about what it is like to be an Allen School undergraduate student!
InstagramInterested in being an ambassador?
The Allen School ambassador position is a paid student position. Applicants must be an Allen School undergraduate student. Applications are open once per year in May for the following academic year. Students who are offered the position need to be able to commit to a minimum of 5 hours per week for the entire academic year.
Ambassador Bios
Abselom Sultanu (he/his)
Hometown: Des Moines, WA
Major: Computer Science
What’s up y’all! I’m Abselom and currently a Senior at the UW majoring in Computer Science. Ever since I was a kid, my parents would always tell me that I should pursue a career in engineering, and I never gave it much thought until they decided to purchase our first computer back in 2012. I started doing little things like messing around with my classmates with Inspect Element but never did more than that. Even though I had interest in CS, I never attempted to really code until I came to university. Coming into UW, I spent my first year exploring many concepts in Computer Science and started a couple of projects to see what I enjoy. Now, I’ve taken a variety of classes at the UW and interned with Amazon this past summer working with the AWS team. The reason I became an ambassador was because of one of my high school mentors. She provided me with so much information, I felt selfish keeping it to myself. I know there’s a lot of people who share similar backgrounds as I do that don’t have access to the support that I had, so I want to give them everything that I’ve learned. Outside of CSE, I play basketball, spend time with my family & friends, and watch a lot of shows and movies on Netflix. If y’all have any questions, feel free to ask!
Eman Mustefa (she/her)
Hometown: Federal Way, WA
Major: Computer Science
Hello! I’m Eman and am currently a junior. Before entering college, I had absolutely no programming experience other than doing a couple of “Hour of Code” days in classes. I knew that technology and computers interested me and I also enjoyed the “Hour of Code” that I had done, so I took a shot in the dark and put computer science down as my intended major while applying to colleges and got in. As a first generation college student, I had no idea what to expect from college or computer science either and was able to learn through experience. I hope to be able to share my experience and assist those from similar backgrounds, through being a teacher's assistant, the ambassadors program, and an officer of GEN1, a club for first generation Allen School students. I love watching Netflix, my recent favorites have been The Office and The Crown. Let me know if you have any good shows to watch, I’m always up for a recommendation!
Kristy Nhan
Hometown: Kent, WA
Major: Computer Science (Data Science) + Diversity minor
Hi!! My name is Kristy and I'm a junior majoring in Computer Science (Data Science) with a minor in Diversity. My passion for supporting students from underserved communities in pursuing computer science and higher education stems from my own experience as someone from a first-generation, low-income background. I remember how difficult it was to navigate the college admissions process and later also feeling lost as I transitioned into college. So, I hope I can help students facing similar challenges by sharing my experiences! Outside of CSE, I'm the Co-Chair of GEN1, the Allen School's student group that supports first-generation students. Previously, I've been involved with Women in Computing as the Outreach Chair and I was an officer of UW's Vietnamese Student Association. I was also a Software Engineer Intern at Microsoft in Summer 2022. In my free time, I like making Spotify playlists, playing Stardew Valley, and looking at pictures of cats online. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about academics, college life, career, or just want to chat!
Lynn Nguyen (she/they)
Hometown: Burien, WA
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Informatics
Hi! I’m Lynn and I’m a senior in the Allen School majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Informatics. As a queer, nonbinary, and first-generation student, I have encountered many educational and social barriers getting to where I am today. Even though my middle school and high school did not offer any computing courses, I discovered my interest in programming in high school through experimenting on Scratch and exploring the field on my own. Outside of the ambassador program, I am an officer for Hey Mentor, a mentorship program helping low-income and first generation students navigate the college admission process. I strive to empower students from under-served communities who might not otherwise have the resources or support to pursue their passions.
During my time at UW, I’ve interned at UPS as a UX design intern and at Microsoft as a software engineer intern. I’ve also done research with the User Empowerment Lab in the iSchool and am officially published in a research journal! As you can see, I’m really interested in the intersection of design and technology.
In my free time, I like to draw, weightlift, watch anime, play games, and build mechanical keyboards. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat!
Anjali Singh
Hometown: Cupertino, CA
Major: Computer Science
Hi everyone! I'm Anjali and I'm a sophomore in the Allen School. As someone who felt isolated in their computing experience prior to college, coming to the Allen School allowed me to not only find a community of supportive and helpful classmates and friends, but also thoroughly enjoy computing through the opportunities and resources provided here. Outside of being an ambassador, I'm involved in several activities on campus — I'm the current high school director for our largest engineering club, Society of Women Engineers at UW, I currently do undergraduate research for the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology, and I'm a writer for The Daily, our school publication. I was also previously involved in the outreach team for Women in Computing and interned as a Summer 2022 Teaching Assistant for AI4ALL, so I clearly have a passion for computing outreach and education. I will forever advocate that no matter what type of person and student you are, you belong in the Allen School. Some fun facts about me are that I'm a big concert fan and I love hiking!
Also: I'm an out of state student so I initially had reservations about moving to an entirely new area, but I've gained so much through the Allen School and I'm thrilled I decided to attend here. Feel free to ask me any questions about being an out of state student in particular as well!
Nancy Jimenez-Garcia
Hometown: Tukwila, WA
Major: Computer Science
Hi everyone! My name is Nancy, and I’m a junior majoring in Computer Science at the University of Washington. Although I’m super excited to be joining the Ambassadors team this year, I’m also just as excited to be a returning Lead Mentor for our Changemakers in Computing summer program! Being in both of these positions at the Allen School has allowed me to express my passion for supporting and aiding those coming from marginalized and underrepresented identities. Especially as a Latina, first-generation, and low-income student, I’ve had firsthand experience of how difficult it can be to thrive in an environment where we do not receive nearly as much support as others may have. With that being said, I hope to support those in similar positions as much as possible throughout this upcoming year! Not to mention, with support from those with passions similar to mine, I was able to obtain an internship at Microsoft over the summer, where I will be returning next summer! Besides school, I love trying new food, drinking boba, and collecting houseplants. Hopefully, we will get to connect and chat about all things soon!
Shelby Chang
Hometown: Bellevue, WA
Major: Computer Science
Hey everyone! I’m Shelby and I am a junior in the Allen School. Prior to college, my only CS experience consisted of attending the Digigirlz Program through Microsoft in the summer of 2019 and taking AP Computer Science A during my senior year of high school. I was always interested in STEM subjects, problem-solving, and technology in general growing up, and I found that computer science was the perfect academic/career path for me! This past summer I was an IT/Software Engineer intern at Trinity Glass in Federal Way, WA, and this was a great way for me to gain experience in industry. A fun fact about me is that I lived in South Korea for 4 years and am fluent in the language! Outside of CSE, I am currently serving as the Secretary of Phi Mu (one of the Panhellenic sororities at UW), and I love volleyball, dance, shopping, and crocheting. If you have any questions about the Allen School, college life at UW, or anything of the sort, I would love to chat!
Nora Medina
Hometown: Quincy, WA
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Gender Women & Sexuality Studies
Hi my name is Nora and I’m entering my third year here at UW studying computer science. I grew up in the “heart of Washington” aka Central Washington (not the university but a small town called Quincy). There I did running start at Big Bend Community College and graduated in 2020. It wasn’t until I got here at UW where I took my first college level computer science class as I had only take intro to CS in high school through TEALs, and done Hour of Codes. Intro to cs & Hour of codes showed me how vast the computer science field was as well as how I wanted to be part of tech by solving complex problems with coding. Outside of classes I have been President & Vice President of College Success Foundation, and work as a Peer Mentor at Big Bend Community College. I also enjoy playing video games and baking!
Mya Baker
Hometown: Lakewood, WA
Major: Computer Science
Hello, my name is Mya! I am currently a sophomore studying Computer Science in the Allen School at the University of Washington! Computer Science was once a mystery to me, as I had never taken a CS course until entering the Allen School! As a first-generation student and minority in tech, I wanted to build a community for students like me within and outside of the UW.
This is how I discovered my love for K-12 outreach through my position as a Society of Women in Engineering (SWE) mentor for female students in Auburn High School! I am also involved with underrepresented communities as a tutor for an educational program called, “Reading Partners,” where Seattle community members volunteer in low-income elementary schools to help youth master basic reading skills.
In my free time, I love to practice art! I often do acrylic paintings, rock paintings, and now anime greeting cards! I am hoping to launch my own online art business soon!
*Please feel free to contact me anytime! I would love to chat about anything from life as an Allen School student to even anime! Hope to connect with you soon!!
Guadalupe Luna
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Major: Computer Science
Hello, I’m Guadalupe! I’m a freshman, studying computer science here at the Allen School and was directly admitted through the Startup Program. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA but moved to Washington a few years ago. I’m a first-generation student from both my mother's and father's sides. As well as the oldest daughter of four children. I enjoy going out and hanging out with friends whenever I have the chance, as well as watching TV shows. My all-time favorite shows are Criminal Minds and Modern Family. I got interested in computer science during my junior year of high school and have been ever since. I’m passionate about creating a world in tech where everyone is able to access and understand the immensities it can offer regardless of any language barriers. I believe that being able to talk and overall bring awareness to these issues is a valuable step we should aim to take. Being a part of the Ambassadors will hopefully give me experience and skills to further pursue my passion in the near future. Besides that I love baking, catching up with family and friends, and traveling. I am hoping to study abroad in my junior year. Overall I would love to connect and chat with anyone about anything!
Sam Deressa
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Major: Computer Science
Hello everyone! My name is Sam, and I am a freshman at the Allen School, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration. My love for coding first developed during the Changemakers in Computing program at UW, which ultimately inspired me to pursue a degree in Computer Science. I chose to be an ambassador to assist first-gen, low-income, or non-coding background students in discovering their passion for Computer Science. On campus, I am involved in various activities, including Intramural Sports, the Brotherhood Initiative, National Society of Black Engineers, and the Allen School Scholars Program. In pursuit of learning more about Computer Science and Software Engineering, I previously interned at Microsoft as a High School Intern, and this summer, I will be interning at Amazon! Outside of the realm of Computer Science, I really enjoy playing basketball, traveling with loved ones, building my shoe collection, and immersing myself in video games. If you have any questions about the Allen School, the UW, or my personal experience, feel free to reach out to me. I am more than happy to share my insights and perspectives with you!
Theresa Tran
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
Major: Computer Science
Hi! I’m Theresa, and I’m a first-year studying Computer Science at the Allen School, minoring in Business Administration. Before entering UW, I had no prior programming experience, but have been really enjoying the courses here and further exploring this field! As a first-generation student, I understand that navigating these new experiences can be scary, and want to be a resource and support for those who are in a similar position. I believe that every person should have an opportunity to succeed, and I am excited to continue supporting this through a technology-oriented lens.
I’m especially passionate about resource accessibility within our generation. Outside of the Allen School, I am a mentor and social media manager at Take on College, a local nonprofit that provides free college counseling to high school seniors, with an emphasis on first-generation, low-income students. I’m also part of DUBvelopers, an RSO that makes websites for local businesses!
In my free time, I enjoy playing and listening to music, going on hikes, skiing, and solving puzzles! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you just want to chat :)
I’m especially passionate about resource accessibility within our generation. Outside of the Allen School, I am a mentor and social media manager at Take on College, a local nonprofit that provides free college counseling to high school seniors, with an emphasis on first-generation, low-income students. I’m also part of DUBvelopers, an RSO that makes websites for local businesses!
In my free time, I enjoy playing and listening to music, going on hikes, skiing, and solving puzzles! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you just want to chat :)
Camila Alvarez
Hometown: Fife, WA
Major: Computer Science
Hello! I’m Camila, a second year computer science student at the Allen School! I come from a non-CS background and had no prior coding experience before coming to UW. As a result, every CS class is a fresh challenge for me, but I find this only adds to the excitement of continuing to learn and progress! As someone from a low-income background and minority in tech, I know firsthand the challenges of navigating this field. That's why I'm excited to be part of the Ambassador team, where I can help other students like me feel less alone in their computing journey. In addition to being an ambassador, I'm also the Chair of Minorities in Tech, an Allen School student group focused on building and fostering support and community for underrepresented minorities within the Allen School!
In my free time, I enjoy exploring various forms of art and creativity, including music, drawing, reading, and different media like shows, video games, and movies. I have a special fondness for animated shows!
If you want to chat about any of my interests or experiences above (I also did running start at Pierce), please reach out!
In my free time, I enjoy exploring various forms of art and creativity, including music, drawing, reading, and different media like shows, video games, and movies. I have a special fondness for animated shows!
If you want to chat about any of my interests or experiences above (I also did running start at Pierce), please reach out!
Minyoung Cho
Hometown: Bainbridge Island, WA
Major: Computer Science
Hi! My name is Minyoung and I’m a sophomore in the Allen School. I am a first-generation student and had no prior programming experience before college, so taking the intro 14X series at the UW was my very first impression of CS. I joined the ambassador team in hopes that I can provide insight and support to those that are facing the same concerns I had prior to the start of college! I am passionate about connecting other students to CS opportunities and topics if they are interested in pursuing it. In the upcoming year, I will be Co-Chair of Husky Coding Project, a tech RSO at the UW that provides team-based programming project experience to help students succeed in future professional software/tech careers. This summer, I will be working at Principal Financial Group as a software engineer intern. Outside of classes, I enjoy watching kdramas, trying out new cafés, and going to concerts!
If you have any questions related to classes at the Allen School, navigating college life at the UW, finding opportunities, or want to chat about anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out!
If you have any questions related to classes at the Allen School, navigating college life at the UW, finding opportunities, or want to chat about anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Mahima Uliyar
Hometown: Woodinville, WA
Major: Computer Science
Hello everyone! My name is Mahima Uliyar and I am a freshman studying Computer Science with a Business minor. Before applying to University, I was lost trying to decide what to do, and ended up choosing Computer Science because of its limitless possibilities! I am happy to say I definitely made the right choice. I had very little Computer Science experience going into UW, and I would love to talk about that experience. Outside of class, I am an executive member of COM2 (Computing Community) who puts on the largest events for the Allen School. I am also a committee member at SWE (Society of Women Engineers), and a singer. Additionally, I am studying abroad this summer in Japan!
Some of my hobbies include playing soccer, listening to music, traveling, and reading. I also like exploring new coffee shops, binging shows, and meeting new people.
If you have any questions at all about CS, UW as a whole, or you would just like to chat, please reach out! I would love to meet you all.
Some of my hobbies include playing soccer, listening to music, traveling, and reading. I also like exploring new coffee shops, binging shows, and meeting new people.
If you have any questions at all about CS, UW as a whole, or you would just like to chat, please reach out! I would love to meet you all.