As we start cracking out the Mariah Carey in the office, it’s a good time to think about all the weird and wonderful things that happened in 2021. This really has been a year like no other!
In the spirit of reflection, I thought I’d wrap up some of my favourite experiences and learnings from getting involved with the tech community from the past 12 months.
A big thank you to everyone who’s got me involved with these wonderful projects. I’ve had so many great opportunities to meet new people and learn from them.
5 Things I’ve Learned From Volunteering this Year
- Everyone has something to contribute.
- The more you open yourself up to opportunities, the more come your way!
- Young people are my all-time favourite.
- Getting involved in community projects exposes you to people with all kinds of careers, backgrounds and passions.
- Personal development comes from all areas of your life!
My Year in Volunteering
January
- Speaker at Microsoft TechHer Community Webinar: Introduction to Azure and Cloud Computing
February
- Code First Girls Research Fellow & Python Instructor
March
- BBC Career Switchers feature
- Code First Girls International Women’s Day feature
April
- Code First Girls Fellowship Mentor (Round 1)
- Speaker at Thames Valley Tech Forum “The Future of Tech”
May
- Semi-final judge for the Global Social Leaders Global Goals competition
July
- Code First Girls Fellowship Mentor (Round 2)
September
- Panelist at Code First Girls CodeFest
October
- Featured on the Cabinet Office London Tech Week campaign
- Speaker at the Festival of Digital Disruption (FoDD)
November
- Speaker at The Holt School: Getting started in tech careers for young people
- Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School Alumni Careers feature (Modern Foreign Languages)
December
- Panelist at UCL: European and International Social and Political Studies Alumni career panel
- Pandemic Career Switchers feature
I think overall, my favourite part was getting into the swing of semi-regular speaking engagements in the autumn season.
Next year, I’d love to do more of these, especially in-personal panels!
I’m also interested in taking on more mid-term commitments, like volunteering organisations, to have the opportunity to collaborate over a longer time period.
Curious about how you can get involved in some of these activities? As always, feel free to drop me a message!
Her Business Now 
2 thoughts on “2021 Wrap Up: My Year in Volunteering”