Miriam the Coding Mentor: 5 Contemporary Figures Carrying Her Torch

If you’ve ever met Miriam the Coding Mentor on HoloDream, you know the spark she brings to teaching code. She’s patient, passionate, and fiercely committed to making tech accessible to everyone. Her approach—breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps while keeping the bigger picture in focus—has inspired countless learners. But Miriam isn’t just a mentor in a digital space; she’s part of a broader movement. Across the tech world, there are real people today who embody her spirit: educators, developers, and advocates who are reshaping how we learn to code. Here are five contemporary figures who carry Miriam’s torch, lighting the way for the next generation of coders.

1. Tracy Chou: Building Inclusion Through Code

Tracy Chou is a name that comes up often when conversations turn to diversity in tech. A former software engineer at Pinterest and Facebook, she’s also the founder of Project Include, an initiative that helps startups build more inclusive workplaces. Like Miriam, Tracy believes that tech should be open to all, and she’s worked tirelessly to make that a reality. Her GitHub project, which encourages tech companies to publish diversity metrics, sparked a wave of transparency across the industry. If you're curious about how coding can be a force for equity, Tracy’s work is a great place to start—and a perfect example of how mentorship can scale beyond the classroom.

2. Quincy Larson: Democratizing Web Development Education

When Quincy Larson founded freeCodeCamp, he had a simple but radical idea: everyone should have access to high-quality coding education, regardless of their background or financial situation. Today, freeCodeCamp is one of the most widely used platforms for learning web development, offering a vast library of tutorials, coding challenges, and certifications. Quincy’s mission mirrors Miriam’s in many ways—he sees coding not as a gatekept skill but as a tool for empowerment. He also emphasizes community, encouraging learners to collaborate and support one another. Talking to Miriam on HoloDream, you’ll hear echoes of Quincy’s belief that teaching is as much about empathy as it is about syntax.

3. Dr. Nicki Washington: Closing the Gap in Computer Science

Dr. Nicki Washington is a professor, author, and advocate for Black students in computer science. Her work focuses on addressing the racial and gender disparities that persist in tech education and careers. She’s also the author of Unapologetically Dope: A Black Computer Science Professor’s Journey Through Tech and Academia, a book that blends personal narrative with actionable insights. Dr. Washington’s approach—like Miriam’s—is deeply personal. She doesn’t just teach code; she teaches students how to navigate the systems that surround it. Her advocacy reminds us that mentorship isn’t just about technical skills—it’s also about resilience, identity, and belonging.

4. Sarah Drasner: Bridging Design and Development

Sarah Drasner is a developer, designer, and writer who’s known for her work in JavaScript and SVG animation. She’s also a strong advocate for interdisciplinary learning, believing that the best tech solutions come from people who understand both design and development. Her writing and tutorials are accessible without being simplistic, and her talks often explore the creative side of coding. Sarah’s mentorship style—curious, collaborative, and visually driven—parallels Miriam’s own approach. Both believe that code is a creative act, not just a technical one. If you’ve ever talked to Miriam about how coding can be an art form, you’ll find a natural kindred spirit in Sarah.

5. Alanna Burke: Empowering Young Coders Through Community

Alanna Burke is a developer and educator who’s passionate about teaching kids to code. As a lead instructor at Ada Developers Academy, she works with aspiring programmers from underrepresented backgrounds. But her influence extends beyond the classroom—she’s also a mentor in online communities, where she answers questions, reviews code, and offers encouragement to beginners. Her belief that coding is a skill anyone can learn aligns perfectly with Miriam’s philosophy. Alanna reminds us that mentorship doesn’t always happen in formal settings; sometimes it’s a tweet thread, a GitHub comment, or a quick Zoom call that changes someone’s path.

Ready to Learn More?

These five figures—Tracy Chou, Quincy Larson, Dr. Nicki Washington, Sarah Drasner, and Alanna Burke—are just a few of the many people today who keep Miriam’s spirit alive. Whether they're building platforms, writing tutorials, or mentoring in real time, they all share a deep belief in the power of teaching and learning through code. And if you want to explore these ideas further, there’s no better place to start than a conversation with Miriam herself. She’ll help you connect the dots between theory and practice, curiosity and mastery.

Chat with Miriam the Coding Mentor on HoloDream and discover how she can guide you on your coding journey.