A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Desa spent 10 years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve. She later earned an M.B.A. from Florida International University and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she served as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of International Economic Law. Prior to coming to Zip Code, she was the Assistant General Counsel of Intellectual Property at InterDigital, Inc., where she served as the senior transactions counsel for research and development, technology innovation.

For 30 years, Kris worked at numerous successful startups, including Sun Microsystems, NeXT, and Netscape, centering his technical expertise around networked computing of all kinds. Kris’ coding interest, dormant for many years of management focus, was re-kindled about 10 years ago when he returned to his roots as a computer scientist (Purdue, ’84), writing web apps and mobile apps. He has been working on the idea of digital assets since about 1996.

Working in education for over two decades, Dan oversees both Zip Code’s admissions and its professional development (a/k/a ProDev) curriculum. Along with guiding applicants through Zip Code’s rigorous application process, Dan also co-facilitates its weekly ProDev classes, focused on preparing students for their new careers as software developers and data engineers. In addition to teaching, Dan provides 1:1 mentoring and coaching for ZipCoders as they move through their Zip Code journey and beyond. Along with his extensive background in working with students, Dan has performed and taught improvisation for nearly 20 years.

Mikaila is a Full-Stack Developer and alumnus of Zip Code Wilmington. After completing coding boot camp, Mikaila was a Software Developer at Comcast. While volunteering at Delaware State University’s App Academy, he discovered his passion for teaching. He later decided to combine his love for computer science and his passion for education.

With over 15 years in web and software development, Dolio first gained interest in programming while building a physical therapy device with web connectivity at MIT, where he received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Since then, Dolio has developed software for telecommunications, online learning applications, and e-commerce for various industries and institutions, as well as serving as an instructor and mentor to students of all ages.

Cassie is a seasoned professional with a background in sales and digital marketing. She comes to Zip Code with a wealth of experience and knowledge under her belt. Cassie is now dedicated to assisting students in securing jobs after completion of their bootcamp. Her passion for empowering others in their career journeys shines as she eagerly transitions into the tech industry.

Maryah has a marketing and social media management background and is an all around creative. She has an affection for developing and curating eclectic ideas, concepts & designs. She finds great pleasure in being able to showcase unique perspectives and designs and is thrilled to share her experiences as part of the Zip Code team.

Ben duPont, is a venture capitalist, co-founder and Managing Partner at Chartline Capital Partners. Chartline Capital Partners has 26 portfolio companies.

Jim is CEO of Epic Research and Co-Founder and former President of Juniper Bank, now Barclaycard.

Porter is a partner at Brown Advisory, a leading independent investment management firm with approximately $100 billion in assets.

Teri is the Chief Operating Officer at Provivi, Inc., a groundbreaking science-based company creating scalable, safer insect control technology that will improve the quality of life for all humans and our world. She is also a Director with the American Chemical Society, former President of the Delaware State Board of Education, and has been inducted into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame.

Gary is a Technology Executive at TD Bank currently leading the Canadian Consumer Investments technology organization. He previously served as SVP, Card Issuer Services for Fiserv; and, former Managing Director, CTO at Chase Consumer Lending.

Ayanna “Dax” Hill is the Senior Innovation Manager and Chief Operating Officer at Vanguard Fintech Ventures. Dax is a technology innovator with extensive knowledge of both human capital systems as well as product, data, and strategic management. She is two-time entrepreneur with a track record of driving large scale transformations.

He is the Alumni Committee representative serving on the Board of Directors.

Michael Warthen brings over two decades of experience in technology leadership to his role as the newest Board member of Zip Code Wilmington. Currently, he serves as an advisor to the CEO at Microsoft and previously was the Industry Leader GM, Customer Engineering. Michael leads strategic initiatives that drive digital transformation and innovation, working directly with some of the world’s largest companies to solve their most complex technical challenges including AI adoption.

In his spare time, he enjoys coding and engaging youth in STEM and athletics through various volunteer initiatives. His commitment to fostering growth, creativity, and innovation will make him a valuable addition to Zip Code Wilmington’s Board.