For the past few weeks, 7th graders Gracie Hodes and Sophia Vernier–Molinario have spent every Monday afternoon building their coding and creativity skills at the New Orleans Public Library’s Girls Who Code Club.

Growing up, New Orleans-based activist Toni Jones said she always had people to look up to for inspiration, empowerment, and guidance. Now, Jones hopes to do the same for this new generation, which is why she partnered with the Library to present Young Activists Speak Out last July.