At the intersection of creativity and technology lies danceLogic, a unique program that merges the art of dance with the precision of coding. Co-founded by Franklyn Athias, a veteran in the tech industry with over two decades of experience, danceLogic® empowers young women to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in an engaging and innovative way. In this spotlight interview, Franklyn shares his inspiring journey from an accidental entry into tech to his dedication to fostering diversity in STEM through danceLogic®. He reflects on the program’s growth, the impact it has had on participants, and his vision for the future of the initiative. Join us as we dive into Franklyn’s story and the incredible work being done at West Park Cultural Center to shape the next generation of female leaders in STEM.
About Franklyn Athias:
Franklyn Athias, until his retirement last year, was the Senior Vice President of Network and Communications Engineering at Comcast Cable, where he worked for 22 years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology. With a deep passion for giving back to the community, Franklyn co-founded danceLogic® in 2018 alongside Betty Lindley, Executive Director of West Park Cultural Center. The program reflects his commitment to increasing diversity in STEM, particularly for young women of color. Franklyn’s innovative approach combines his love for technology with the arts, helping to inspire the next generation of coders through dance. Before Comcast, he worked with notable organizations like the Franklin Mint, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and J.P. Morgan.
Q: Franklyn, you’ve had an impressive career in technology. Can you tell us a bit about your journey?
Franklyn: My path into technology was a happy accident! I initially wanted to become an airline pilot, but in high school, I took a computer math program that changed everything. I found myself intrigued by programming, and that led me to major in computer science at college. From there, I’ve had the privilege of working with great companies like Comcast, where I spent many years as Senior Vice President of Network and Communications Engineering. But my passion has always been about more than just my career; it’s about opening doors for others, particularly for young women of color in STEM.
Q: What inspired you to co-found danceLogic® at West Park Cultural Center?
Franklyn: danceLogic® came about as a partnership with Betty Lindley, the Executive Director of West Park Cultural Center. I originally wanted to create a program focused on coding, but I struggled to get young people interested. That’s when Betty suggested adding dance to the mix. The combination of dance and coding seemed unconventional, but it works because both involve repetition, patterns, and creativity. Dance became the hook that brought girls in, and coding is what keeps them engaged. Together, we co-founded danceLogic® in 2018, and the results have been incredible.
Q: The program has grown a lot since it started. What are some of the successes you’ve seen?
Franklyn: It’s been amazing to witness the growth of the program. Many of the girls who started with us had little or no experience in coding or dance. Now, we’ve seen participants go on to earn scholarships and internships, which is a direct result of the confidence and skills they’ve gained through danceLogic®. One of the things I love most is watching the girls push through their initial fears—whether that’s coding something new or performing in front of an audience. It’s really rewarding to see them realize, “I can do this.” That moment of self-assurance is powerful, and it’s what keeps the program going.
Q: How do you see danceLogic® evolving in the future?
Franklyn: I see danceLogic® becoming even more collaborative. We’re aiming to foster more peer-to-peer learning, where the girls not only learn from their instructors but from each other. I also want to make the program more challenging. It’s important that we don’t just teach the basics but also advanced coding skills like Python and Java. Eventually, I’d love for danceLogic® to serve as a pipeline for diverse talent in STEM fields—young women who will lead and create change in industries where they’re currently underrepresented.
Q: Representation in STEM is a recurring theme in your work. How does danceLogic® address this?
Franklyn: Representation is key. When young girls see someone who looks like them succeeding in STEM, it shows them what’s possible. We’ve been fortunate to have role models like Leslie Chapman from Comcast who exemplify that blend of art and technology. Our goal is to create an environment where girls feel like they belong in these spaces, where they see themselves not just as coders or dancers but as leaders. This is how we change the narrative in STEM—it starts by showing young people that they have a place in these fields.
Q: What has your involvement in danceLogic® meant for your own personal and professional growth?
Franklyn: I’ve learned so much through this program, both personally and professionally. Teaching coding has made me re-learn a lot of the languages I hadn’t used in years, but more importantly, it’s made me a better teacher. I’ve also realized the importance of giving back. For me, danceLogic® isn’t just about teaching tech skills—it’s about helping these young women grow in every aspect of their lives. Seeing them thrive has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.
Q: What message do you want to leave with the participants of danceLogic®?
Franklyn: I want them to know that everything starts with practice. Both coding and dance can seem intimidating at first, but the more you try, the easier it becomes. There’s no limit to what these girls can achieve if they have the confidence to fail, learn, and keep going. The world is full of opportunities, and I want them to take advantage of every single one.
Through danceLogic®, Franklyn Athias and the West Park Cultural Center are not only teaching the next generation of tech leaders but also empowering them to imagine a future without limits. With a strong foundation of collaboration, creativity, and representation, the possibilities for these young women are endless.
