Inclusive Coding Event 'Break the Binary' Brings Students Together

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - A Spider-Man-themed coding event held at UCLA's De Neve Plaza Room on Saturday brought together around 100 students from diverse backgrounds to address issues of inclusivity in computer science.

The "Break the Binary: Across the Spider-Verse" event, organized by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), aimed to make coding more accessible and inclusive for everyone. The event featured a fireside chat with professors from historically underrepresented groups, as well as a beginner-friendly puzzle-solving competition designed to test participants' problem-solving skills.

According to Anmol Gupta, a projects officer for ACM-Women, the event was an effort to "open it up" to women and non-binary students who are often underrepresented in competitive programming. The organizers hoped that by creating such an inclusive environment, they could encourage more diverse voices to participate in the field of computer science.

The event included a panel discussion with Professor Sandra Batista and Assistant Professor Yuan Tian, both experts in their fields, who shared their own experiences and advice on overcoming imposter syndrome and achieving success in STEM.

ACM-W, a group dedicated to promoting women's participation in computing, saw significant benefits from the event. "We wanted to create an environment where underrepresented groups feel welcome," said Anmol Gupta. The organization aims to continue this momentum by planning future events that promote inclusive coding practices.

"Break the Binary" participants reported having a stimulating experience with challenging puzzles designed to test their observational skills rather than relying solely on programming knowledge. Despite the initial changes due to postpone plans, organizers managed to create an engaging and approachable atmosphere for all attendees.

The event was resounding in its success, as newcomers and seasoned programmers alike expressed gratitude for the opportunity to build new friendships and connections within the coding community. A first-year computer science student, Tyler Xiao, said, "Do you want a chance to hang out with your friends, connect with people in industry, and get some free food? This is the event for you."