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.
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
Kristy Nhan
Hometown: Kent, WA
Major: Computer Science & Informatics
Minor: Diversity
Hi! My name is Kristy and I'm a senior double majoring in Computer Science and Informatics with a minor in Diversity. I'm a first-generation, low-income student, and these identities have played a big part in shaping my journey to college and my time here at UW. I remember how difficult it was to navigate the college admissions process and later also feeling lost as I transitioned to college, so I hope I can help students facing similar challenges by sharing my experiences! Community means a lot to me, so throughout my time at UW, I’ve become part of many different groups: I've previously been the Co-Chair of GEN1, the Allen School's student group that supports first-generation students; the Outreach Chair of Women in Computing; and an officer of UW's Vietnamese Student Association. For the past 2 summers, I have been a Software Engineer Intern at Microsoft and will be returning for a full-time position after graduation. In my free time, I like making Spotify playlists, playing Stardew Valley, and watching cat videos. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about academics, college life, career, or just want to chat!
Anjali Singh
Hometown: Cupertino, CA
Major: Computer Science
Hi everyone! I'm Anjali and I'm a junior in the Allen School and one of the lead ambassadors (this will be my second year)! I’m originally from the Bay Area and got into the Allen School as a direct admit. I’m super involved both at the Allen School and the UW — I currently do undergraduate research on using virtual reality to study Parkinson’s disease (a collaboration between the Allen School and the UW Rehab Med Department), I serve on the executive board as VP of Community Outreach in our Society of Women Engineers UW chapter (where like ambassadors, I focus on DEI and inclusivity in the tech/engineering space), and I’m development editor on The Daily, our college journalism publication, among a bunch of other things. I also recently interned as a software engineering intern at The Washington Post for the summer, so I’m really an advocate for applying CSE to outside and interdisciplinary passions and causes I care about. I will forever advocate that no matter what type of person and student you are, you belong in the Allen School, so I would love to chat about anything related, general college/student life, and just get to know you! A fun fact about me is I’m an avid concert-goer! :)
Nancy Jimenez-Garcia
Hometown: Tukwila, WA
Major: Computer Science
Hi everyone! My name is Nancy, and I’m a fourth-year majoring in Computer Science at the University of Washington. I’m super excited to be returning to the Ambassadors team this year, especially since last year was such an incredible experience! As a former CIC Lead Mentor and a returning Allen School Ambassador, I’ve been able 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 two internships (Explore + SWE) at Microsoft, where I will be returning full-time next year!
Outside of school, I love trying new food, drinking boba, collecting houseplants, and taking pictures of my silly cat. Hopefully, we will get to connect and chat about all things soon!
Shelby Chang
Hometown: Issaquah, WA
Major: Computer Science (Data Science Option)
Minor: Business Administration
Hey everyone! My name is Shelby and I am a fourth-year in the Allen School. Prior to college, I had fairly limited experience in the field of computing, but I have been able to learn SO much through my time at the Allen School and am so excited to pursue a future career in tech. 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 worked as a Technical Account Manager Intern for AWS, and this was a great way for me to gain experience in the technology industry and explore alternative career pathways aside from software engineering. 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 love volleyball, dance, matcha, Redbull, crocheting, and being out in nature! If you have any questions about being a student at 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 & I’m a senior studying CS & GWSS. I grew up in a small rural town in the central washington area. There I worked in the agricultural field specifically at my parent’s family business, a nursery for fruit trees :D. In high school I participated in the running start program and even though I had access to college classes I didn’t take my first college level computer science class until I got to UW (aside from a intro to CS taught by TEALs). This past summer I interned at Visa as a software engineer intern in the Bay Area which was a crazy experience because growing up/being in college as a first gen & low income student opportunities like this seemed so out of reach. Through Intro to CS & hour of codes I was shown how vast the computer science field was and how one must be a life long learner which really inspired me to continue and learn more about CS. I’m also a peer mentor for prospective STEM transfer students at Big Bend CC and participate in clubs such as College Success Foundation and MLT (Management Leadership for Tomorrow). Outside of classes I love going to concerts, watching movies (AMC A list member here :p) & playing video games (Valorant).
Mya Baker
Hometown: Lakewood, WA
Major: Computer Science
Hi, my name is Mya! I’m a junior studying Computer Science in the Allen School! As a first-generation student with no prior computing experience, I wanted to build a community for students like me within and outside of the UW. I soon 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 an educator in UW’s Riverway Education Partnership STEM Alternative Spring Break program where UW students create culturally-sustainable curriculums for tribal schools and communities. I am currently a part of the Pinterest Engagement Program, in which I get to work with recruiters and a team to transition into the tech industry. 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! I would love to chat about anything from life in the Allen School to creative hobbies! Hope to connect with you soon!!
Guadalupe Luna
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Major: Computer Science
Hello, I’m Guadalupe! I’m a sophomore, studying computer science here at the Allen School and am now a graduate of the Allen Scholars Program (used to be called the Startup Program). As well as a returning ambassador this year! I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA but moved to Washington a few years ago. I’m a first-generation student. 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 continue to give me the experience and skills to further pursue my passion in the near future. I enjoyed last year's experience as an ambassador, I found it very fulfilling so I’m excited to see what this year will look like! 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
Minor: Business Administration
Hello everyone! My name is Sam, and I am a sophomore 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 and 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
Minor: Business Administration
Hi! I’m Theresa, a second-year at the Allen School. While I entered UW with little programming experience, I had so much fun learning new concepts and developing useful skills over the past year. 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. I am a mentor and marketing lead 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!
Outside of class, you can catch me climbing at the IMA, skiing with friends, or discovering new music! I'm always happy to meet new people - feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat :)
Camila Alvarez
Hometown: Fife, WA
Major: Computer Science
Hello! I’m Camila, a third 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! Last year, I also had the opportunity to work on a research project with the Security and Privacy lab.
If you want to chat about any of my 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 junior 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. I am 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. I also finished a software engineering internship at Principal Financial Group this past summer. Outside of classes, I enjoy trying out new cafés and going to concerts! If you have any questions related to classes at the Allen School, what being a DTM student is like, finding opportunities, or just want to chat about anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Mahima Uliyar
Hometown: Woodinville, WA
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Business Administration
Hello! My name is Mahima Uliyar and I am a Sophomore majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Business Administration. I am involved in UW RSOs such as the Allen School Computing Community and SWE. Last summer, I had the amazing opportunity to go on a study abroad trip in Japan through the UW Honors program. Some of my hobbies include reading, running, and binge watching essentially every show on Netflix. Please feel free to reach out and ask any questions surrounding RSOs, the Honors program, study abroad, CS, and anything else!
Abyan Nour
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Major: Computer Science
Hi, I’m Abyan! I’m a second year computer science student at the Allen School. I graduated with an Associates of Science degree through the running start program in high school. It wasn’t until my senior year that I discovered what majoring in computer science would entail. After taking my first computer science class I fell in love with coding and the possibilities within computing. As an ambassador I want to show other first-gen, low income students in similar situations that a computer science degree is possible. I was previously apart of the Allen School Scholars program and I am now an Allen School Scholars mentor where I am able to assist underrepresented students as they make the transition from high school to the Allen School. Outside of school I love to read, spending time with family and friends, and going on walks.
Crystal Reyes
Hometown: Bremerton, WA
Major: Computer Science
Hello! I’m Crystal, a junior studying computer science at the Allen School. I am the daughter of immigrants from Oaxaca, Mexico, and the first in my family to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. As someone from an underrepresented background in the computing community, I empathize with the adversity that our particular identities afford us. My personal experiences encountering educational and social barriers inspires my commitment to supporting individuals from marginalized communities. Last summer, as a mentor in the Changemakers in Computing program, I had the privilege of guiding high school students from underserved backgrounds in exploring the connection between social justice and computing. I am also part of the web development team for Wordplay, a programming platform with the goal of making computing literacy equitably available to everyone. In my free time, I enjoy watching horror movies, playing video games, and reading :D
Jessica Do
Hometown: Renton, WA
Major: Computer Engineering
Minor: Informatics
Hi there! My name is Jessica and I am currently a sophomore majoring in Computer Engineering with a minor in Informatics. Before coming to UW, I didn’t have any prior coding experience. However, I was always interested in STEM. Through the introductory classes here, I’ve been able to learn more about the computing field, and I have been enjoying my experience so far. Outside of the ambassador program, I’ve been involved in different organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), where I served as an officer this year! In my free time, I am a barista which showcases my love for coffee and boba. Also, I enjoy cooking, dancing, and binge watching any cooking shows. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about computing, student life, coffee even or if you just want to chat!
Michael Ibrahim
Hometown: Bothell, WA
Major: Computer Engineering
Hey! My name is Michael and I’m a second-year studying Computer-Engineering here at the Allen School! I’m also a proud Muslim and Uyghur-American, and try to use my experiences and identities to better myself in work and life. Before the UW, I earned my associates in engineering at Cascadia College in my junior and senior years in high school through the Running Start program. Once at UW, I found great friends and company through various UW and Allen School affiliated clubs and RSO’s including AVELA, Minorities in Tech, and Tau Beta Pi. I also got the opportunity to do full-time research in the SSOL lab this past summer through NASA’s SURP program. Outside of school, I enjoy lifting weights, playing basketball, and traveling across the world. If you have more questions about Running Start, college life, the Allen School/UW in general, or just want to chat feel free to reach out!
Ruhee Rajwani
Hometown: Somerset, NJ
Major: Computer Science
Hi I am Ruhee! I am going into my third year at the Allen School. Although pursuing a Computer Science degree has proved to be fairly challenging over the past few years, I truly love programming and the power it gives me to make a positive impact. I am so excited to be on the ambassador team this year because diversity in tech is an issue that is very near to my heart, especially growing up outside of Seattle where computer science education resources are not as readily available.
Outside of school I have pursued various industry positions, from interning at Meta and Google to serving as a web developer for the College of Engineering. Throughout my time as ambassador, I want to help students realize there are SO many opportunities in tech — especially those geared at students underrepresented in the field.
Last year I had the opportunity to study abroad in Italy. Through this experience I learned so much about the importance of work-life balance and building a life outside of just classes. I have also recently developed a love for the gym, not only for my physical health but working out also helps me keep my head straight.