The essence of a leader doesn’t come from power or gender, but from the relationship and communication they build with their team. It also comes from the experience one gains from obstacles they have had to face.  That’s what Carola Martinez and the Girls Who Code Club share with each other. Martinez and The Girls Who Code took the top prize in the Coolest Project USA fair, showing their capability of achieving anything they set their minds to. 

Carola Martinez, an 8th grader and president of Girls Who Code said, “Ever since I joined Girls Who Code, my leadership has improved. Last year I was vice president [and] I was really shy, but this year, now that I am president, I became more outgoing and like to talk to the other girls.” With the existing experience she has gained, the team will grow and expand because of her previous year in computer class.

One thing in common with some leaders is they are inspired by someone else and want to be able to achieve what others have achieved before. “Ms. Camarena, one of the computer science teachers, taught me the importance of coding and having a team to help with coding making sure the coding structure is the way it’s supposed to be,” Martinez said. Having the determination to reach your goal shows they have their objectives and want to grow.

 Being a leader is an important job the leader has to make sure everything runs smoothly and everyone is on task. With the help of Ms. Camarena and Martinez,  the Girls Who Code club will continue into the years and will accept other girls from the grades 6-12th grade after this worldwide coronavirus situation.