Luis de Mendoza

About Luis de Mendoza

I am a technologist that leads educational technology initiatives at the intersection of strategy, policy, and classroom practice. I have partnered with schools, districts, and state agencies to design and scale computer science and AI programs that expand access and improve outcomes. My work has focused on building and refining statewide curricula aligned to industry certifications and real world application. Whether managing multi state implementations, advising SLED partners, or presenting data driven growth plans to leadership teams, I am most energized when I can translate complex technical vision into systems that serve students and educators at scale.My background spans computer science, physical hardware, and software development through a project/program management context. I have managed software engineering teams, overseen custom development projects, and implemented cloud infrastructure across Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, and Oracle environments. Earlier in my career, I installed and managed hardware systems across multiple domestic and international sites, and later led full school deployments for various technology while supporting mixed Windows, macOS, and BYOD ecosystems. From Python programming and AI integration to mobile device management and ITIL aligned service operations, I bring both strategic oversight and hands on technical fluency.At my core, I am a teacher. I have taught internationally, supported a plethora of different programs, led professional learning communities, and trained educators in everything from flipped classrooms to responsible AI use. I believe strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful work. I build trust quickly by listening first, communicating clearly, and showing up consistently for my colleagues, partners, and students. Whether in a boardroom, a university workshop, or a high school classroom, I care deeply about helping people grow and creating learning environments where curiosity and confidence can thrive.

Experience

1. Smash Curriculum Advisory Board Member

   Kapor Center

   Mar 2024 — Present

   SMASH is committed to increasing racial equity in K-12 computer science (CS) education and the next generation of our workforce by building interest, knowledge, and aspirations in computing among underrepresented identities in the field. After operating for more than 20 years and inspiring thousands of students of color to pursue careers in STEM, the SMASH Board has spent the better part of 20••••23 reimagining SMASH in alignment with educational and economic shifts.In this next phase of the organization, SMASH aspires to engage even more students from underrepresented backgrounds through a more intensively CS-focused curriculum and across a wider variety of formats. Innovative in-person and virtual programs aim to provide early exposure to CS concepts and careers to students of all ages, with deep-impact programming specifically for high school students.

Education

• University of Miami

  Bachelors in Science, Advertising/ International Studies

  2004 — 2007

• Colorado State University Global

  Masters of Information Technology Management, Computer Science

  2020 — 2021

• Florida State College at Jacksonville

  CompTIA Network+

• Florida State College at Jacksonville

  CompTIA Security+ certification

• University of West Florida

  TeacherReady, Education

  2018 — 2019

• Arizona State University

  ServiceNow CSA Certification

Skills

• Apple Aperture
• Command Line
• Customer Service
• Testing
• Git
• Windows
• Excel
• Jquery
• Cloud Security
• Cascading Style Sheets (Css)
• Sql Server
• Database Administration
• Powerpoint
• Html
• Adobe Illustrator
• Cloud Computing
• Online Advertising
• Video Editing
• Javascript
• Computer Hardware
• Video Production
• English
• Google Adwords Professional
• Microsoft Office
• Sqlite
• Sql
• Social Media
• Sass
• Cloud Storage
• Ruby on Rails
• Word
• Writing
• Adobe Photoshop
• Customer Relations
• Xcode
• User Experience
• Github
• Digital Photography
• Ruby