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CodeChix


I have been a member of CodeChix (CC) for two years now and in this time, volunteered as an organizer and led CC's biggest software project to date called OFconnect. I have also represented CC at a hackathon and four technical conferences. In two years, I have gained experiences in managing software projects, leading a team, driving design ground-up, maintaining open source codebases, organizing tech events, and technical speaking.

I often am asked about CC, what we do and how it has helped. I have put my thoughts together here to share.

Why CC and not another women's society, group or meetup?
In early 2013, I scanned the entire landscape of tech clubs, networking events and meetups with a very specific intent: connect with other women engineers who have similar interests and most importantly, build and make software products together. It didn't take me too long to identify CC as the one and only organization where this was possible. Two years later, this still holds true.

CC also does a great job of keeping the work environment separate from recruitment agencies. As an engineer who wants to focus on learning and inventing, I value this hugely as it preserves the spirit of creativity without distractions.

What has been my experience working with CC members?
The membership base of CC has extremely talented and motivated engineers. This meant that a remarkable team came together for OFconnect and stuck it out to the end. The project promised to be fulfilling from a technical learning point of view but demanding on time and energy; and it delivered on that promise every bit of the way. The hacking sessions were productive, creative and fast paced. The online meetings were focused on unblocking each other's issues, much like scrum meetings. In all, the environment was always positive and collaborative.

On other occasions, I have worked with volunteers in organizing events, creating technical content for workshops, and fundraising. The experience has been one of tremendous learning.

What did I learn from CC?
I picked up a lot of experience with CC that my workplace would otherwise have taken quite a bit longer to make available for the grabbing and in some cases, forever. This is fact. I have listed above the range of responsibilities I have been able to explore in two short years. The problem-solving along the way for achieving each target big or small - that's where the joy and the growth lie.

Engage with CC and you'll be surprised how many opportunities you get to explore your interests and potential; be it in the technical sphere or administrative. If you like hands-on learning in a nothing-but-supportive environment, jump right in! All you need is initiative and drive.

How has CC helped my career?
With CC, I am constantly engaging with technology as a hobby and with also other individuals who thrive on it. This has had a direct positive influence on my motivation levels at my career.

CC has helped me keep up with new technologies in a very hands-on way. Be it Openstack, Raspberry Pi, Glass or Arduino. Be it SDN or Python.

And finally, CC makes it possible to bring new ideas to the table and realize them. Just as long as the ideas corroborate CC's mission and vision, the sky is the limit for new technical projects or events.

My work with CC has helped concretely demonstrate to my employer my motivation, initiative and drive, which directly translates to the value I bring to my job. This to me is victory.


Technology moves and fast too. The process of learning and growth is a continuous one and often an accelerating one in order to keep contributing and excelling. CC is a powerful enabler in this journey.