🚀🎢 Join Bhawna's Brag Journal Adventure

Step into my Brag Journal and join me, Bhawna, as I eagerly unveil my exhilarating journey from the very beginning of 2023. Time seems to fly by; it's almost surreal how we find ourselves already at the midway point of this eventful year!

This year has been an emotional rollercoaster, packed with challenges and thrilling opportunities that have both tested and delighted me. 🚀🎢 From engaging in diverse projects to actively participating in hackathons, I've immersed myself in an array of experiences. However, alongside the excitement, I must admit that there have been moments of endless errors and frustrations that occasionally dampened the initial enthusiasm.

But fear not! I invite you to grab your popcorn 🎉 and cold drinks 🔥 as I take you on a journey through some of the most memorable events that have profoundly shaped my path. Join me as I share the ups and downs, the triumphs and tribulations, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Let's celebrate the moments of success and reflect on the challenges that have paved the way for growth and resilience. So, sit back, relax, and embark on this delightful adventure with me in my Brag Journal!

Like many others, I began the New Year by listing down tasks and goals I hoped to achieve. As the year unfolded, I found myself accomplishing several of these aspirations, including becoming a GitHub Campus Expert, securing a mentorship with the Linux Foundation, joining the XROS fellowship, and participating in the MLH Web3 Incubator program.

Let's see this in more details:-

SheBuilds Hackathon

The beginning of 2023 brought with it a whirlwind of excitement and challenges that have truly transformed my perspective on organizing events and public speaking. As someone who has always harbored a fear of addressing a crowd and orchestrating gatherings, the journey I embarked upon has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.

One of the most remarkable accomplishments was spearheading the organization of our very first women-focused hackathon, aptly named "SheBuilds." It was a daunting task, but with determination and passion, we set out to create an empowering platform that would encourage women to venture into the world of technology and innovation.

The response we received was beyond our wildest expectations! Over 2500+ applications poured in from aspiring women tech enthusiasts, each eager to showcase their skills and unleash their potential. The support from the community was overwhelming, with 40+ sponsors, including renowned names like Github, stepping forward to champion this cause with us.

The event itself was a sight to behold, as we welcomed more than 200+ projects brimming with creativity and ingenuity. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as participants collaborated, brainstormed, and put their minds to work on projects that could revolutionize the tech industry.

Central to the hackathon's success were the exceptional mentors and esteemed judges who lent their expertise and guidance to the participants. Representatives from illustrious companies like Google and Red Hat, along with previous GSOC Fellows, generously offered their time to nurture and mentor the participants, fostering an environment of growth and learning.

And the culmination of this thrilling journey was nothing short of euphoric – we achieved a historic milestone by creating India's largest gender-focused hackathon in our very first edition. The impact of "SheBuilds" rippled through the tech community, inspiring women to embrace their capabilities and break barriers that previously seemed insurmountable.

As I look back on those unforgettable moments, I can't help but feel immense pride in the progress we've made and the positive change we've ignited. The glimpses of the hackathon portray an atmosphere of determination, collaboration, and sheer brilliance as women came together to celebrate their passion for technology and innovation.

In retrospect, this journey has taught me that courage, perseverance, and the power of community can bring about transformations beyond imagination. The memories we've gathered serve as a testament to the potential we possess when we dare to step out of our comfort zones and strive for something greater.

As we continue on our paths, I carry with me the invaluable lessons learned from this remarkable experience, fueling my determination to create even more impactful initiatives and inspire others to embrace their full potential. The journey of "SheBuilds" has just begun, and I am excited to see how it evolves and elevates women in tech, empowering them to build a brighter and more inclusive future.

Here are some glimpses:-

Linux Foundation Mentorship

Starting from the 3rd of February, my primary focus was on carefully choosing organizations for the LFX mentorship program, actively contributing to their projects, and establishing strong relationships with them.

After dedicated efforts, I eventually secured a mentorship opportunity with the Harbor organization. This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable guidance and support of Jayegs Sharma sir and Ankit Pal sir. Their mentorship and encouragement played a pivotal role in my success.

The journey throughout the mentorship program was truly transformative, providing me with profound learning experiences that bolstered my skills and expanded my knowledge.

Worked on Cloud-native project for the first time great experience.

GitHub Campus Expert

My journey commenced on the 16th of February when I took the leap and submitted my application for GitHub Campus Expert. Although I had little expectation of making it through this time, fate had other plans.

Then getting this email was changed my life:-

Receiving this email was a turning point that profoundly altered the course of my life.

XROS Fellowship

On the 22nd of February, my journey with the XROS Fellowship commenced. I eagerly applied for this prestigious program, an initiative by FICCI India, backed by Meta (Facebook), and executed by Reskill. The application process involved meticulous preparation and submitting proposals to Powersimple and Ethereal Engine. To my delight, I received interview invitations from both organizations.

Through a series of four technical interviews, I had the opportunity to demonstrate my skills and expertise, which eventually led to me receiving offer letters from both Powersimple and Ethereal Engine. After careful consideration, I decided to move forward with Powersimple, embarking on a three-month fellowship from April to June, which delved deep into the realm of XR (Extended Reality).

The fellowship proved to be an extraordinary experience, brimming with valuable insights and learning opportunities. As an added benefit, I was generously awarded a stipend of 4 lakh rupees, making the journey even more rewarding and impactful.

Day - 1 of fellowship with XROS Mentees

Sharing about India with my mentor and how beautiful the country it is:-

This is what I build during the fellowship:-

MLH- Web3 Incubator Program

Our entry into the Web3 Incubator program was an exhilarating achievement, offering us an incredible and transformative experience.

Let's delve into some details about this esteemed program - the Web3 Fellowship Incubator. Notably, it grants access to $20K in NEAR Horizon Credits, providing an exceptional opportunity to evolve our hackathon project from a mere prototype to a full-fledged product!

Scheduled to run from July 10th to September 29th, the Web3 Fellowship Incubator promises an enriching journey. With monthly sprints, demo days, and invaluable mentorship, the program aims to bolster the development of our project. As participants, we will be supported by esteemed mentors within the Web3 ecosystem, receiving weekly product and technical guidance, alongside project grants to fuel our progress.

Upon completing the Web3 Fellowship Incubator, we will have the privilege of showcasing our project at a pitch and demo day, presenting our creation to the NEAR team and potential investors. This invaluable platform provides us with the chance to gain further recognition and support for our endeavour.

All in all, being part of this program is an exciting opportunity that holds the promise of taking our project to new heights, and we are eager to make the most of this remarkable journey ahead!

Here are some photos around that:-

SheBuilds Meetup

Together with an incredible team, I orchestrated the SheBuild offline Meetup in Delhi, pouring our hearts and efforts into making it a resounding success.

Stepping out of my comfort zone, I took the stage and addressed a sizable audience for the very first time, an experience filled with both excitement and trepidation.

Within this brag journal lies a testament to the incredible opportunities, moments of growth, and invaluable lessons that have defined my journey thus far. Gratitude fills my heart for every experience, regardless of the outcome, as each has played a crucial role in shaping my personal and professional development.

As I eagerly anticipate fresh challenges and embark on new adventures, I carry with me the unwavering spirit of learning and the readiness to embrace every opportunity that crosses my path. Your presence and support throughout this celebratory ride are deeply appreciated. Thank you for joining me on this enriching journey!