From Neural Networks to Community Engagement
My (MVP Gavita Regunath) fascination with technology started during my final year at university, when I worked on a project to develop a neural network that could detect leukaemia cells. It might sound intimidating, and it certainly felt that way at first, but I soon realised there was something magical about using lines of code to tackle real challenges. It opened my eyes to the power technology can have in making life better for so many people. My passion for community engagement came later, thanks to a few brilliant directors at Advancing Analytics named Simon and Terry who showed me how leadership can be both ambitious and compassionate. However, my children were the real spark that pushed me to visit local schools and show children that coding is not terrifying at all. I often compare it to building with Lego pieces, only you do not have to crawl under the sofa to find the missing bits. In my mind, technology is for everyone. It is not just for the stereotypical people you see in films tapping away at futuristic screens. Challenges and Triumphs I wish I could say my journey was all smooth sailing and celebratory takeaway nights, but being a woman in tech sometimes feels like being a very small fish in a very big pond. Early on, I had moments when I felt I was shouting to be heard, yet I kept reminding myself why I loved this field. It was the thrill of bringing new ideas to life and the support from kindred spirits who believed in me. One of my proudest moments was seeing my team members blossom into community champions in their own right. It is amazing to watch them share what they have learnt and inspire others in turn. That beautiful cycle of growth and support is the main reason I still leap out of bed every morning, excited to see what is next. Motivation and Values If I had to sum up what drives me, it would be a keen appetite for learning and a rather competitive streak that helps me aim for success. I like to think I use that competitiveness for good rather than evil. Every challenge is a chance to acquire new knowledge, and every milestone reached feels like hitting a hidden treasure in a quest. More importantly, I love sharing every insight I gain, because there is no point being the only person in the room who has all the answers. I also believe deeply in empathy and collaboration. The best solutions appear when people feel safe speaking up, and when every perspective is valued. I always say we are only as strong as those around us. If we help each other, we can create an environment where curiosity and creativity thrive, and no one ever feels silly for asking a question. Community Engagement and Belonging For me, community is all about open and honest conversation. I enjoy giving talks in schools, online forums and in person, because I remember what it was like to feel a bit lost when I was starting out. If I can make technology more approachable for someone else, I have done my job. A moment that truly made me smile was when a former student told me they had gone on to study AI after attending a small coding workshop I had helped organise. It was only a few hours out of my day, yet it set off a chain reaction that shaped their future. It is moments like these that remind me how one small act of sharing knowledge can grow into something much bigger. Lifelong Learning and Keeping Up to Date Technology never stops evolving. One day you are reading about a new AI breakthrough, and the very next day there is an update that makes it seem outdated already. I keep up by reading articles on the Microsoft Tech Community site, joining AI groups and following interesting people on LinkedIn. You have to sift through a bit of fluff now and then, but you also come across some genuine gems of wisdom. One of my favourite pieces of advice is this: if you really want to master something, teach it. When you explain a concept to someone else, it forces you to understand it on a deeper level. You realise where your own gaps are, and it encourages you to fill those gaps so you can pass on accurate information. Personal Growth and Future Plans When I look ahead, I see many ways to keep encouraging and supporting thriving tech communities. I have a few ideas in mind, such as building more formal mentorship programmes that give newcomers a guiding hand, working with schools so children can see coding as a chance to be creative, exploring more international collaborations and diving deeper into the ethical questions around AI. The expansion of AI in daily life excites me the most. I believe future generations will grow up treating AI as quite ordinary, just as we treat smartphones today. If I can help them view AI as a helpful tool rather than a mysterious black box, I will have accomplished one of my main goals. Final Thoughts So that is my story in a nutshell. I hope it encourages you to see how powerful technology can be, but even more importantly, how amazing it feels to build a community around it. My wish is that you might feel inspired to start sharing your own knowledge and experiences, whether you are teaching a child how to code or collaborating with a global network of scientist. Each of us has something unique to offer, and when we pool our talents, wonderful things happen. If you ever want to chat or exchange tips and ideas, please reach out. I am always happy to connect. Thank you so much for reading, and here is to many exciting adventures in tech for all of us. MVP Gavita Regunath
The .NET Conf Student Zone is Back!
We are excited to announce the return of the .NET Conf Student Zone at this year’s .NET Conf 2023. The Student Zone is beginner-friendly, virtual event where experts will teach you how to build amazing projects – all using C# and .NET! This year, our experts will walk you through building mobile apps, AI applications, APIs, frontend web apps, and gaming projects.Hack Together! AI + Power Platform = ❓❓❓
From September 14th – 28th, Hack Together: The Power Platform AI Global Hack will be in full swing! This is your chance to get skills in AI and low-code/no-code tech that will bring your ideas to life in no time! Get signed up, it's free! This event isn’t just for AI and Power Platform pros, this is a chance for people to come and get a handle on the latest AI and low-code/no-code tech with the support of our Microsoft community! If this is your first time, come on in!Watch out, Nairobi! Microsoft is coming to the PMI Africa Conference - Student Edition!
On Saturday, September 9 th (yes, this Saturday!), the PMI Africa Conference Youth Edition will be hosted at the University of Nairobi. The conference will be a chance for university students to explore the theme “The Africa We Want: Together We Can”. Our Microsoft squad is excited to be onboard to join in the excitement and share some inspiration, skills, and free resources with you! Read more to get hyped for the event, as well as get some free resources that will help you to make change! (Which you can use whether you’ll be at the event or not!)
