CSUN MagazineSpring 2026
The Power of Second Chances
By Marquita Brown
Through her nonprofit organization, Firme Coding, Maria Martinez ’22 teaches formerly incarcerated people life-changing computing skills. Apple and CSUN’s Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub have awarded Firme Coding a grant “to expand technology and opportunity within the broad community of Hispanic-Serving Institutions.”
Watch
Hope Through Coding | The CSUN Grads Behind Firme Coding
Jason, one of the CSUN grads behind Firme Coding, and Ivan, a fellow from our 2026 Cohort 3, share their stories. Ivan came home not knowing how to send an email. Now he’s building the skills to show his son how to use tech.