Marianne Smith

CEO

Marianne Smith is the founder and CEO of Code Girls United (CGU), a Montana-based nonprofit redefining access to computer science, artificial intelligence, and business education for girls in rural and Tribal communities. 

An engineer with both BS and MS degrees, Marianne brings more than 35 years of experience across technology, business, and education, including work as a NASA engineer and as an Adjunct Professor of Computer Science at Flathead Valley Community College. She is the architect of CGU’s AI Academy, a rigorous, project-based program that integrates AI literacy, ethical reasoning, real-world problem solving, and entrepreneurial thinking equipping students not only to build technology, but to understand how it becomes products, companies, and solutions in the real world.

A recognized leader in AI and technology education, Marianne is committed to advancing responsible, human-centered AI and preparing girls to become the engineers, innovators, founders, and leaders who will define the future.

Melissa Dunning

Fund Development director

Melissa comes to us from a varied career background in education and non-profit work. Having been a certified English Educator, she taught in the State of Georgia and at Rossyln Academy International School in Nairobi, Kenya before entering the non-profit sector in managerial and development roles with City Year Denver and Boys & Girls Clubs. Though a North Carolina native, she is mother to a Montana native, Asher. They enjoy skiing together and exploring the rivers and wild places in this beautiful state.

kathy eckhart

chief Program officer

Kathy is the Chief Program Officer at CGU, where she leads program strategy, growth, and delivery. During her tenure, she has driven double-digit growth in both program locations and the number of girls served in Montana. 

She brings extensive experience in management, operations, and training. Kathy is passionate about expanding access to emerging technology and business education for Montana girls. She is committed to empowering students for dynamic careers through comprehensive leadership and student mentorship. 

Kathy is energized by building connections, partnerships, and collaborations over a good cup of coffee. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, hiking, and paddle boarding.

caity Dyson

Data systems manager

Caity Dyson is the Data Systems Manager for Code Girls United, where she supports the technology and systems that help the organization run smoothly. In her role, she provides technical support across programs and assists staff with the tools and platforms used to deliver Code Girls United’s educational programs.

She enjoys working behind the scenes to help keep systems organized and functioning well so that instructors and students can focus on learning and creating. Caity brings a practical approach to problem solving and enjoys finding simple solutions that help the team work more efficiently.

Caity is a lifelong Montana resident who appreciates spending time outdoors. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, cooking, exercising, and spending time with her two boys. She values being part of an organization that helps girls explore technology and build confidence in new skills.

Born and raised in Billings, Callen is thrilled to step into the role of Project Coordinator for Code Girls United. After spending the past year as a dedicated classroom volunteer, Callen is transitioning into this position with a deep-seated passion for expanding STEM opportunities in her hometown.

For Callen, this role represents a true full circle moment. Growing up in the Billings school system, she remembers a landscape with almost no computer science offerings. Now, she is dedicated to ensuring that the next generation of girls in those same hallways has access to the high-level tech education she once wished for.

In addition to her work with CGU, Callen is a licensed real estate agent. This background has sharpened her “eagle eye” for detail and made her a pro at high-stakes task management and conflict resolution—skills she uses to keep our programs running seamlessly.

When she isn’t coordinating projects or mentoring students, Callen fully embraces the Montana lifestyle. You can usually find her taking advantage of our local “playground,” whether she’s hiking the Rims, skiing, camping, or enjoying a summer day on the river.

Sue Cheff

Curriculum development 

Sue Cheff joins the team from retirement as a business and computer science teacher. She married her high school sweetheart in Ronan years ago and then went to the U of M:Western for Business Administration. They then ventured to Colstrip Montana where she fell into teaching, taught for 3 years and finished her teaching career in the valley. During the final 10 years of teaching she was able to teach App Inventor, and several other coding languages to high school students. Sue has a business as well in the travel industry, is a mom of 6 kiddos, many grown, and runs a little ranch of Tennessee walking horse, cattle, dogs, and pigs. In her free time, you will find her reading a good book, horseback riding, glamping, shuttling her kids to rodeos, travelling, and kayaking or in the water! She is excited to continue her App Inventing journey with Code Girls United!

crystal evans

Program coordinator

Crystal is Blackfeet and was born on the Blackfeet Reservation in Northern Montana. She is a first generation college graduate. She has an extensive background in clinical psychology, human services, and higher education including both direct instruction and academic research.  During her interview, she confided that she is looking forward to joining an organization that is making a difference in the lives of young women throughout the state. She is excited about being part of such a great opportunity.

Sierrah paul

program coordinator

Sierrah is a recent Montana State University graduate with degrees in Computer Science and Film & Photography. She began her time with Code Girls United by volunteering with one of the CGU classes. She is passionate about making tech education feel welcoming and creative for all.

As a CGU program coordinator, she is excited to further these passions and to make an impact. Sierrah loves hiking, photography, and curling up with a good book.

Shayna comes from a hands-on background rooted in the Beauty world and mechanics. Growing up in an auto academy, and aesthetics Shayna learned how to work on cars understanding how systems and people function, how to troubleshoot problems, and how to build something that actually works.

That same mindset is what led Shayna into the world of technology.

Today, Shayna is passionate about cybersecurity, data analytics, and emerging technologies like AI. Shayna approaches tech the same way Shayna approached mechanics breaking down complex systems, understanding how they operate, and finding ways to improve and secure them.

Whether Shayna is fly fishing in Montana or learning a new coding concept, Shayna is driven by curiosity, problem-solving, and continuous growth. To Shayna, technology isn’t just digital it’s something Shayna builds, refines, and uses to move forward.

sage rohweder

intern

Sage is a high school junior who has been part of Code Girls United for the past seven years. During her time with CGU, she has developed strong technical and leadership skills while pursuing a variety of opportunities in STEM. Her accomplishments include receiving a Montana Women in Technology award, winning the Advanced Class Wearable Electronics and Hardware Design Fashion Show with a micro:bit-powered project, and being a member of three CGU App Challenge teams that placed in the top three. She is also a participant in the prestigious MIT Project Youth Incubator Program.

Outside of technology, Sage enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. In the summer, she can often be found hiking, biking, or kayaking, while winter brings opportunities to play hockey. When she’s not exploring the outdoors or competing on the ice, she enjoys reading and spending time with her dog.

Sage’s dedication to learning, creativity, and innovation exemplifies the spirit of Code Girls United. As she continues to expand her skills and pursue new opportunities, she serves as an inspiration to younger students interested in technology and STEM.

EMMA ANDERSON

intern

Emma Anderson joined Code Girls United in 2019 and has been an integral part of the program ever since, serving as both a student and teacher over the past eight years. A graduating senior at Stillwater Christian School, Emma has grown into an inspiring leader, mentor, and role model for younger girls interested in technology and STEM.

Throughout her time with CGU, Emma has earned numerous awards and scholarships, including the Governor’s Outstanding Service Award, and was a member of a winning team in the Congressional App Challenge. Her dedication, creativity, and commitment to serving others have made a lasting impact on the organization and the students she mentors.

This fall, Emma will attend Montana State University, where she plans to pursue a degree in law. Outside of academics, she enjoys spending time outdoors and soaking up the sunshine. Emma’s journey reflects the leadership, perseverance, and passion that Code Girls United strives to cultivate in every participant, and she continues to inspire the next generation of girls in technology.

isabelle ashley

intern

Isabelle Ashley joined Code Girls United in 2016 during the program’s very first year as a fifth-grade participant. Through CGU, she discovered her passion for computer science and developed skills that helped shape her future goals. Today, Isabelle is balancing her studies at Montana State University in Bozeman, where she is majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Human Development, while also working as a CGU intern and instructor.

Throughout her time with CGU, Isabelle has earned numerous honors and achievements. She received the Governor’s Outstanding Service Award, was part of teams that won the Congressional App Challenge twice, and helped lead a team to victory in the CGU App Challenge. These accomplishments reflect her dedication, leadership, and commitment to using technology to make a positive impact.

As both a college student and educator, Isabelle helps inspire the next generation of girls in STEM by teaching coding and sharing the knowledge and experiences she gained through the program. Her journey from one of CGU’s original participants to a member of the CGU team showcases the lasting impact of the organization and the opportunities it creates for young women pursuing careers in technology.

willow truman

intern

Willow Truman is a homeschooled high school senior and a dedicated member of Code Girls United, having joined the program in 2019. Through her years with CGU, she has developed skills in multiple programming languages while growing into a leader, mentor, and role model within the organization. As a member of CGU’s Advanced Class, Willow also serves as an intern and co-teacher, helping younger students build confidence and discover their own passion for technology.

Throughout her time with CGU, Willow has earned numerous accomplishments, including receiving a Montana Women in Technology award, placing in the C.J. Mott Challenge, and being a member of three CGU App Challenge teams that finished in the top three. She is also a participant in the MIT Project (Youth Incubator Project), further expanding her leadership, entrepreneurship, and technical skills.

Outside of coding, Willow enjoys drawing, writing, and cooking, combining creativity with problem-solving in everything she does. After high school, she plans to pursue degrees in Computer Science and Business, continuing to build on the strong foundation she developed through Code Girls United.

Willow’s journey reflects the dedication, leadership, and passion for STEM that inspire the next generation of girls in technology, and her contributions to CGU continue to make a lasting impact on the students she mentors.