“The Future is being written in lines of code.”

Simon comes from Berlin, Germany. Having studied politics, economics and natural resource management he became conscious of the importance of improving social and environmental conditions and determined that the best way to achieve sustainable, positive change is through the use of technology.

Before joining Founders and Coders Joe spent the past 9 years working in media and digital advertising where he helped build the children’s radio station, Fun Kids, into a national award-winning brand and set up an influencer marketing division for one of the UK’s leading advertising agencies. Having spent most of his career working where technology and young people intersect, Joe is keen to develop technology in a responsible way that will help drive positive, sustainable change.

Michael is the course facilitator for FAC15 and is overseeing the Tech for Better programme. As a former musician and teacher Michael discovered his love for coding through teaching coding to children using Scratch and is keen to use his skills for social impact projects.

Oliver Smith-Wellnitz is an Australian-born international Circus Artist turned Web Developer. After spending twelve years training, performing, and teaching as a trapeze and hula hoop artist, Oliver turned to coding as a means of finding not only more stability, but also opportunities to make a meaningful impact with his work. Founders and Coders, with their peer-driven and community-oriented structure, offered the perfect opportunity to achieve these goals, and Oliver was quick to accept when offered the chance. He is extremely excited to be able to take advantage of the skills learned throughout the course and apply them to projects for Tech For Better clients.

Coming from a background in visual art, Kristina-Talisa Jaggard developed an interest in programming after being introduced to web design through her job within the charity sector. Noting a disparity in online accessibility for those with disabilities, Kristina decided to learn to programme for herself. It was the core values of social impact, inclusion and cooperation that drew Kristina specifically to the Founders and Coders course. Kristina applied to the subsequent Founders Program because she wished to continue to develop her programming skills while working on real-world projects that push for a more inclusive World Wide Web.

Charlie is an English Literature graduate, who started learning to programme whilst living and working in China as an English teacher. He was part of London cohort FAC15, and is the current Course Facilitator for FAC16 and the Tech for Better programme. Charlie is passionate about improving inclusion and access through immediately giving back and sharing newly learned skills!

Dylan is a man who sets his ambitions high and his goals even higher. Born and raised in South Africa he is lucky enough to see the world from two perspectives. Thus, adding fuel to the fire of wanting to make a positive change. He aims, through the use of tech, to have a positive influence on the world around us and make a change that matters, no matter how big or small.

Kate is a dyslexic queer woman who previous to coding was a doctor. She is from the wilderness of rural Ireland so is tough as old boots. Her aims are to gain cyber security skills and make cyber security more accessible to everyone.