"I went to Nepal thinking I would have a unique opportunity to learn about the Nepali people and culture while providing a little bit of value in return; but I came back with endless self reflections, valuable lessons in my field of work, and exposure to opportunities where I can continue to make an impact. Tech2Empower empowered me while enabling me to empower others - I am out of words for how meaningful this program has been for me!"
Tech2Empower Nepal was the catalyst for my growing and evolving relationship with WAKE. Having volunteered globally multiple times, this was the first time I was able to leverage my skills and deliver value in an impactful way that was visible and palpable. As an advisor, I collaborated with two other professionals, Ashley and Diandra, to support the Women Empowerment Centre (WEC), a local organization dedicated to providing pathways to entrepreneurship and employment for mid-aged women through skill-based development programs. Our goal was to develop a strategy to increase WEC's online visibility and funding, as well as to integrate technology into their training programs. The dedication of WEC's CEO, Geetha, and the inspiring commitment of the women in the training programs who attended daily sessions for nine months, left a lasting impact on me. The challenges faced by these women underscored the broader systemic issues in Nepal, where restrictive policies and limited access to global platforms like Etsy and digital payment systems hinder economic mobility. Finding channels to navigate these obstacles allowed me to apply my creative and analytical skills in a way that brought meaningful change.
The program was further enriched by our Day for Girls at Kathmandu University that aimed to bring valuable workshops and dialogue to young women studying computer science, a panel discussion with influential leaders in Nepal working with or in the government, and curated local experiences to build lasting relationships with the advisor cohort.
Reflecting on my experience, I gained a deeper appreciation for the work I am doing back home and the importance of inclusive design in policymaking. My time in Nepal not only broadened my perspective on global issues but also fueled my commitment to fostering economic empowerment and access to opportunities. In fact, I was so in awe of WAKE’s exceptional orchestration of the program that I have participated in two more Tech2Empower programs since as well as joined the WAKE Advisory Board. I recommend doing at least one Tech2Empower program for anyone on the fence, it will truly inspire change in your life. I continue going back to listen to Trish’s heartfelt and warm introduction on day one of each program.
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