Meet Rania Ishoof, a Code/Art alumnus and 2024 high school graduate headed to Babson College where she’ll be studying Data Science and Tech Entrepreneurship. Rania began at Code/Art’s Founding Club at Pinecrest and later became a Club Instructor. She was also a speaker at multiple Code/Art Fests! Read the interview below for insights into her experience with Code/Art programs!

When and how did you get introduced to Code/Art?

I was introduced to Code/Art in sixth grade, around 2016/2017. My mom had heard about it from some friends, so I joined the Pinecrest Code/Art Club, one of the first clubs for Code/Art, and that’s how I got into it. I attended a few meetings and found the lessons fun and engaging. It quickly sparked my interest in coding at a young age, and I also made friends with other young girls who were there, which was really cool!

What were some of your favorite memories that you got from participating in Code/Art’s Club during middle school?

I found it really inspiring to learn from older students at the club. I’m still in touch with some who were my TAs and instructors. I was able to ask them about high school and beyond. Meeting girls from different schools was also great, and it was great not feeling like coding had to be isolating. One standout memory was when a Magic Leap representative came to demo their headset; it was mind-blowing given the tech’s advancements at the time.

How did it feel to be a speaker at Code/Art Fest?

It was an amazing experience, so much fun! Seeing how much Code/Art has grown over the years is incredible. I remember the excitement on the MDC campus in Doral and how many people attended—it was really special. It’s great to see an organization like Code/Art making such a positive impact in the community and beyond.

Let’s talk about some future plans. What university are you going to and what are you planning to study? 

I’m going to a small business school in Boston called Babson College and plan on studying Data Science and Tech Entrepreneurship.

Do you think that Code/Art played a role in your decision to pursue a degree in Data Science and Tech Entrepreneurship?

It provided me with essential foundational skills that are crucial for pursuing a degree in this field. Being part of Code/Art was immensely empowering as a girl in STEM; I never experienced imposter syndrome because I grew up in an environment that actively encouraged and celebrated girls and women in STEM. It was reassuring to be surrounded by peers who shared similar interests and aspirations. With a solid understanding of coding and strong quantitative skills, I felt well-prepared and genuinely interested in pursuing this path. 

How did the Code/Art community support you in your pursuits and STEM-related interests? Were you challenged in any way?

I think Code/Art played a significant role in building my foundational skills. Later on, when facing more challenging coding tasks and quantitative work, I found I had a strong base from what I learned there. When things get tough, I often reflect on why I started this journey in the first place and remember the fun I had at Code/Art with coding, math, and data science. It’s really encouraging and helps me push through those difficult moments.

Considering your experience, would you—when talking to a younger girl— recommend that they take part in a program like Code/Art and if so, why? 

Absolutely, I would recommend Code/Art to any young girl interested in STEM or just exploring new activities. When I started Code/Art, I wasn’t thinking about becoming an engineer; I was simply curious about the Pinecrest coding club and wanted to check it out. Being open to new opportunities and experiences is part of being young, and exploring as much as possible helps you discover what you enjoy. Code/Art is a great way to get interested in STEM because it’s a fun space where you make friends, meet new people, and learn new things through creative coding projects. It’s not like another school class; it’s a place where learning is enjoyable and you create art with your code. So yes, I definitely recommended Code/Art! 

Thank you for sharing your story with us!

~end of interview~