I’m pleased to introduce you to Author, Ronesha D. Dennis. I recently met Ronesha at a bookfair. I know you’ll enjoy reading about her.

Bio

Ronesha D. Dennis is a software engineer, educator, and author from New Orleans, Louisiana, dedicated to making coding accessible and relatable. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Computer Science from Howard University and a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from Boston University.

Currently, Ronesha is the Founder and Lead Engineer at Bergeron-Woodley Company, where she collaborates with clients to develop applications for nonprofits and small businesses.

Her career has seen a rapid progression from Junior Engineer to Lead Engineer, managing projects and mentoring teams across various industries.

Beyond her technical endeavors, Ronesha is passionate about education. She has taught coding to over 150 students, ranging from young children to adults, through organizations like Black Girls Code, Generation Code, and CodePath. This commitment to education inspired her to author the Coding with Cornell series, a collection of children’s books that introduce programming concepts through engaging narratives and relatable characters.

Ronesha’s dedication to bridging the gap between technology and underrepresented communities continues to drive her work, as she empowers the next generation of coders to see themselves in the world of STEM.

Where are you from? I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Where do you get your inspiration for your book? My inspiration stems from my own journey into coding at a young age and my experiences teaching children. I wanted to create a resource that makes coding approachable and fun, reflecting the curiosity and creativity that sparked my own interest in technology.

Tell us about your book(s): The Coding with Cornell series follows seven-year-old Cornell as he introduces his two-year-old sister, Cori, to Python—one of the most widely-used programming languages in the world. Through rhymes and vibrant illustrations, the books break down complex coding concepts like data types, conditional statements, lists, and loops into digestible lessons for young readers. The goal is to build confidence and spark an early interest in coding.

Two more books are available: Data Types and Activity Workbook.

How long did it take you to write your book? Writing the Coding with Cornell series was a rewarding process for me. The initial drafts took only about two weeks, and I attribute that to the fact that I work daily as a software engineer and regularly perform instructional duties with young children. 

Collaborating with my illustrator to bring the vision to life took several months, ensuring the books were both educational and engaging.

What has your publishing experience been like? Opting for self-publishing was both challenging and fulfilling. Coordinating the simultaneous release of the original four books in the Coding with Cornel lseries, along with my Python book for adult learners, Python, the Relatable Way: For the Future Coder Who’s Never Written a Line of Code, required meticulous planning, from formatting and editing to design and distribution. Despite the hurdles, seeing the final product resonate with readers has been incredibly gratifying.

What has been the most challenging for you as a writer? Honestly, writing itself hasn’t been too challenging for me—I’ve been writing since I was 7 or 8; it comes naturally! That said, the tricky part has been taking something as complex as coding and breaking it down into simple, engaging stories that young children can easily understand, all while keeping it accurate and educational. It’s a fun challenge, though, and seeing kids light up when they grasp a new concept makes it all worth it.

Tell us about your favorite place to write and why. I find solace in writing at home. The familiarity and comfort of my own space allow me to focus deeply and let my creativity flow without distractions.

What do you like to do in your spare time? In my spare time, I enjoy exploring new hobbies like cooking elaborate meals and sewing custom dresses. Traveling abroad and immersing myself in different cultures also enriches my perspective and fuels my creativity.

What is next for you as an author? Are you working on other stories? I’m excited about expanding the Coding with Cornell series with longer stories and exploring new, non-coding-related narratives. The journey of storytelling is ever-evolving, and I look forward to sharing more with my readers.

Provide anything else you want readers to know. I believe that early exposure to coding can empower children to become confident problem-solvers and innovators. Through my books, I aim to make coding accessible and enjoyable, inspiring the next generation to pursue their passions fearlessly.

Where can your followers find you? You can learn more about the Coding with Cornell series at www.codingwithcornell.com. Follow us on Instagram and Threads: @codingwithcornell. To connect with me personally, find me on Instagram, Twitter, and Threads: @roneshaddennis.

Feel free to reach out—I love connecting with readers and fellow coding enthusiasts!

Thank you for allowing me to interview you! 

January’s Free Book Giveaway is Maureen from Maryland! Congrats. 

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