Sheena Vaidyanathan

Sheena Vaidyanathan has built a multifaceted career spanning technology, education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agriculture. Trained as a computer scientist, she holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science and spent over a decade in Silicon Valley as a technology entrepreneur, including founding and scaling a successful internet startup.

Driven by a passion for education, Sheena transitioned into K–8 computer science teaching, where she developed curriculum, trained educators, and taught thousands of students. She is the author of Creative Coding in Python, a widely used introduction to programming. After 18 years in California public schools, she retired from teaching in 2024 to focus full-time on sustainable farming.

Since 2019, Sheena has been building an organic orchard, gaining hands-on experience in the rewards and challenges of running a small farm business while forming strong relationships with fellow local farmers. She is the founder of Tera Farm, a California nonprofit launched during the pandemic to help farmers sell directly to their communities. Today, Tera Farm connects consumers with local growers and offers educational farm experiences, including customized visits for school groups.