Written by Casey Kuman

College of Business presented guest speaker Sarah Mazzula on Tuesday, October 15. Sarah Mazzula graduated from Columbia College with a BA in Dance and Arts, Entertainment and Media Management. After graduation, she taught ballet, modern, and jazz throughout Chicago. In 2010, she became studio manager of the Visceral Dance Center. This is where she discovered her passion for developing youth programming. She managed all the operational aspects and staff. She then created an Innovative Youth Division which is now for dance classes. From 2015-2018, Sarah was the student services manager at Joffrey Academy of Dance where she worked with over 700 domestic and international students each year.

Joffrey Academy has non-profit programs as well. Sarah taught a class called “JAMS” for children with special needs. She has worked with kids who have Autism, Down Syndrome, Cancer, etc. Sarah emphasized how dance has changed the kids’ lives in many ways. They learn how to behave and how to express their emotions openly. After working for Joffrey Academy, she began a new adventure as the Area Director for Code Ninjas, the largest kids’ computer coding franchise. This is only open in five Chicagoland areas. Sarah explained that learning to code is like learning a second language. Kids who learn this at a young age become more efficient in logic, problem-solving, and creativity.

Code Ninja has about 30,000 kids and it teaches them software skills. They can also learn how to make their own websites. Code Ninja is trying to balance the gender of the children, and they also like to make sure they have playtime. A moment where they can play their favorite video games or make any type of computer game they want. Sarah Mazzula has had many experiences since graduation, and she continues to do great things every day.