About Firme Coding

Bridging the digital divide with dignity, community, and real opportunity

Founded in Los Angeles, we exist to change the narrative for justice-impacted individuals by providing the equipment, instruction, and community support needed to build real digital confidence.

Our Story

Firme Coding was born from a simple truth: justice-impacted individuals face a digital barrier that compounds every other challenge they encounter during reentry.

From job applications that require digital fluency to communication tools that assume basic tech literacy, the modern world moves fast, and too many people are left behind not because they lack ability, but because they lack access and opportunity.

Founded in Los Angeles, Firme Coding exists to change that. We provide the equipment, instruction, and community support needed to build real digital confidence, from understanding AI tools to building iOS applications.

This isn't just about coding. It's about dignity, agency, and pathways forward.

Our Mission

To reconnect justice-impacted individuals with technology through accessible, dignity-centered education in digital fluency, AI fundamentals, and coding, creating pathways to employment, education, and community leadership.

Our Vision

A future where every person, regardless of their past, has the digital skills, confidence, and support to navigate the modern world, pursue meaningful work, and contribute to their communities.

Why This Work Matters Now

The world is rapidly changing. AI is reshaping work. Digital literacy is no longer optional, it's essential.

For justice-impacted individuals, the gap is widening. Firme Coding exists to close it, one fellow, one skill, one opportunity at a time.

Our Values

The principles that guide everything we do

Dignity First

Every person deserves respect, support, and the opportunity to rebuild their relationship with technology on their own terms.

Growth Mindset

We believe in potential over background. Skills can be learned, confidence can be built, and futures can be rewritten.

Community Power

Real transformation happens together. We learn from each other, support each other, and lift each other up.

Real Impact

We focus on practical skills that open doors: digital fluency, critical thinking, and hands-on coding experience.

Our Team

The people making this work possible

Maria D. Martinez

Founder & Executive Director

Founder of Firme Coding and Software Engineer at The Walt Disney Company. Maria leads the organization’s vision, focusing on user needs, digital fluency, and building the Firme Coding website while guiding the development of the Firme Platform and supporting curriculum design.

Brandon Gonzalez

Program, Partnerships & Curriculum Lead

Leads program delivery, partnerships, and curriculum development at Firme Coding. A former fellow, Brandon brings lived experience and technical training to design impactful learning experiences and expand community reach.

Jason Ingram

Instructor & Software Engineer

Instructor at Firme Coding and software engineer contributing to the organization’s digital products, including the Firme Platform. Jason combines technical expertise with mentorship to help participants build real-world skills and confidence.

Lance Gonzalez

Associate Instructor & Technical Facilitator

A reentry advocate and emerging technologist, Lance first trained as a Firme Coding Fellow and now serves as an instructor, technical facilitator, and mentor. He leverages his lived experience to help students build confidence and technical skills while expanding access to tech education for underserved communities.