My first AWS re:Invent has truly been remarkable and filled with unforgettable moments.
To start, I couldn’t hold back my tears during the APJC Community Builders meetup when I received beautiful words of appreciation and recognition from Shafraz Rahim , AWS Community Manager for the APJC region. Shafraz is someone I deeply admire, and his recognition meant the world to me.
However, the biggest surprise came later during the EMEA Community Builders meeting, where I received an award for my work advocating for women in tech and inclusion delivered by Gunnar Grosch, principal AWS Developer Relations - responsible for the Nordics, and Thembile Martis, Community Manager for EMEA. I never imagined receiving such recognition just four months after moving to Sweden.
At first, I struggled with the all-too-familiar imposter syndrome and typical self-doubt many women face, questioning if I deserved this honor. Then, I realized that doubting myself wouldn’t be helpful.
Embracing this moment was vital, not for me, but to empower other amazing women worldwide.
Instead, I want to share the steps I’ve taken to contribute to inclusivity and women in tech. Steps you, too, can take to encourage more women:
1️⃣ Become part of your local tech community.
I joined the AWS User Group Skåne as a co-organizer and delivered two talks in different cities. You can start by finding an AWS User Group near you and offering to help. It’s a fantastic way to build community management skills and take your first steps into public speaking in a supportive environment. You can find your closest AWS User Group here.
2️⃣ Volunteer your time to teach or mentor.
I volunteer as a tech teacher at ReDI School of Digital Integration Malmö, helping women with immigrant and refugee backgrounds gain digital skills. I can’t emphasize enough how rewarding volunteering is. You gain so much more than you give! I wrote an article about how volunteering can accelerate your career. Check it out here.
3️⃣ Join Women in Tech initiatives.
I just joined Women In Tech Sweden to support them with their social media. If there isn’t a local initiative in your area, look online! To see why these initiatives are so important, check out the data I shared during the Women in Tech meetup I hosted at AWS re:Invent 2024.
These recognitions and awards prove that I am going in the right direction, and we don’t have to wait to become “senior” to share our knowledge and lift others. You already have so much to offer!
Whether sharing insights, mentoring, or taking small steps to build inclusive communities, you’ll be amazed at the difference you can make. It doesn’t matter what your level of experience is; your insights can inspire and empower those around you.
This recognition isn’t just for me. It’s for all the amazing mentors and friends who’ve supported me and contributed to building who I am. 🥰
Thank you, Marcus Bladh and Jimmy Dahlqvist for inviting me to co-organize the AWS User Group Skåne.
Thank you, Geethika Guruge and Ali Haydar, my incredible former organizer team at the Auckland AWS Tools and Programming group.
Thank you, Derek Bingham, María Encinar, Thembile Martis, Gunnar Grosch, Mark Pergola, Stephen Sennett, Eyal Estrin and so many others who’ve championed me along the way. I’m forever grateful.
To everyone: let’s keep building together. There’s still so much to create, and I’m only just getting started! 💪✨
Note: This article was also published on LinkedIn
