Meet Danithea Ward, EdS: Chapter Organizer 100 Girls of Code Conyers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danithea Ward, EdS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danithea, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting this nonprofit was to first understand the ‘why’. After attending a coding workshop, I saw the need to teach girls how to think. Once they understood that EVERYTHING in programming required them to ‘think’ of how to get to the next step, or think of how to give explicit instructions, in order to satisfy a command, then, they will see success. Now, back to the why. At the time that this chapter started, there was only one other chapter in Atlanta, which was about 30 to 40 minutes outside of Conyers. So, since the facilitators did not want to travel, I had to start my own. I felt that the girls in the Conyers area should also be able to experience what other girls located West of us were experiencing. I wanted them to learn the foundations of computer programming because most jobs involve programming of some sort. I also figured that if we started the girls early, they would be able to enhance their skills through various workshops, and hope that they would love it so much, that they would pursue a degree in STEM or an area of programming. This was important because you rarely see women of color in these fields. We were grooming them for ‘a seat at the table.’ The final thoughts were to ensure that the workshops weren’t too rigid and that they were fun. It should in no way seem like a Saturday school. Yet, it was to be an opportunity for girls to gather, meet new friends, learn something complex, and have fun while doing it! And adding free food to the mix wouldn’t hurt!    

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
By profession, I am an elementary school educator. I believe that being an educator who understands children, curriculum, engagement, and building relationships sets me apart from others in the industry. In this profession, “life ain’t been no crystal stair” in the words of Langston Hughes. I’ve seen and experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly side of it; however, it has taught me and grown me to be the woman that I am today. I’m appreciative of it all. I had to learn to accept what God allows, and allow him to take me through it, because there will always be light at the end of the tunnel. Throughout my tenure, I am most proud of seeing my efforts come to life in my students. I know when I see the look of “I got it!” or “I did it!”, then I know my planning, or the tossing and turning at night because of overthinking were not in vain. In addition, I am also proud of having become a professional development trainer in the industry. I love getting in front of teachers to share a little wisdom of how to be more successful in their classrooms. What the world needs to ‘know’ about me is that I’m extremely driven. I’m a planner, a teacher’s teacher if you will. I’m a protector of the brand, and an ambassador for education!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The tables would have to turn since my best friend lives in the area. She is the one who gets out more than me. I’ve become a homebody. But, if I had to take them anywhere, it would definitely have to be shopping first. I would also suggest experiencing a wine tasting. Next on the agenda would be to visit some local galleries that have dedicated art to ‘the culture’. Lastly, we’d have to visit some of the newest restaurants that are black-owned in order to give back.    

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
100 Girls of Code Conyers would not be as successful as it has been if it were not for quite a few people and organizations! Let the Shoutouts Commence: First, I have to shout out the Dream Team of female volunteers who have tirelessly devoted their time and offered their expertise to every girl that has ever attended a workshop! The team consists of the following: Carla Hanibal, Amanda Lindsay, Patrice Chambers, Beckie Fischer, Batavia Sumlin, and Katia Eidson! Second, I have to shout out the organizations that have either sponsored or partnered with us over the years: Georgia Pacific Chemicals, Microsoft Atlanta, UPS WLD, Primerica, Country Financial, RSUI, Axis Replay, the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, and Solution Foundry. Third, I’m thankful to Teslie Ash, Shobha Shivaiah, Derrick Hill, and Sharie Rosales for listening and pushing me. As well as, every girl that has attended, every parent for driving near and far, and every other volunteer that has ever said yes to help out in any way. Last, and certainly not least, my family, my daughter, husband, and mom, my biggest cheerleaders.

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