Founded and led the first chapter of the Google Developers Student Club of Western Michigan University
🕰 May 2022 - Apr 2023 I’m incredibly proud to have been selected as the first lead for the Google Developer Student Club (GDSC) at Western Michigan University (WMU). Our chapter was founded with a clear vision: to create a diverse, supportive community that bridges the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge while fostering a space for growth, exploration, and connection.
As the leader of GDSC WMU, I’ve had the privilege of hosting over 15 technical workshops, networking sessions, and collaborative community projects. These events have allowed students to expand their skills and build lasting relationships with industry leaders, innovators, and peers. Some of our events included:
Event | Description | Collaborators |
First Flight with Flutter | Beginner-friendly Flutter workshop | Roman Jaquez, Google Developer Expert |
Where in IT with VMWare | Roundtable discussion on the topic of exploring the different roles in Tech |
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Western in the Wild | Roundtable discussion with WMU alumni on life after graduation |
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Busters Bolt Mini Hackathon | Mini hackathon on the theme 'Aid College Students' | |
Solution Challenge: Hope in the Zoo | Local solution challenge | Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes |
Git into it, Yuh! | GitHub workshop | Kedasha, GitHub |
Common Accessibility Pitfalls: Climbing Out, When You Fall In | Workshop on Web Accessibility | Chris DeMars, Google Developer Expert |
Breaking Into FinTech | Roundtable Discussion on transitioning into a career in FinTech |
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Google Cloud Platform Workshop | An introductory workshop on Cloud Computing and GCP | Lukas Karlsson, Google Developer Expert |
Android Workshop | An introductory workshop on developing Android apps | Sierra O'Bryan, Google Developer Expert |
Snyk Peek | A workshop on Code Security, with a focus on Code Monitoring tools, Snyk and Terraform | Alan Andres Haro, Google Developer Expert |
Bioinformatic Tools in the Genomics Era | A workshop exploring the realm of technological tools used in the Biological Sciences industry | Dr. Andrew Thompson, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University |
2023 Overview of AI/ML on the Google Cloud Platform | An in-person presentation on the era of Machine Learning Operations and Trends of 2023 | Jeremy Wortz, Google |
To enhance the efficiency of our operations, I initiated a series of collaborative projects, including the development of a "Linktree" Flutter app to consolidate and showcase all our essential links. Additionally, I led the creation of an automation tool to streamline the membership onboarding process, making it more seamless and accessible. To foster a culture of growth and collaboration, I also launched a mentorship program where experienced members could share their expertise in specific areas of interest. This program led to several key achievements, such as publishing biweekly newsletters and offering personalized guidance to help members grow both professionally and personally.
One of my proudest achievements has been building the organization from the ground up. This included developing our core values and mottos, which I view as the foundation of our chapter's identity. I drew inspiration from my summer internship, where I learned the critical importance of a well-organized internal process. This experience shaped how I approached the structure of the club, ensuring alignment with our mission and establishing clear documentation and wikis. I also implemented efficient workflows, including regular stand-up meetings to realign our schedules and goals, fostering a collaborative and goal-oriented environment.
Leading GDSC WMU has been an incredibly fulfilling journey, filled with both challenges and triumphs. While I've encountered my fair share of ups and downs, one regret that stands out is simply not having enough time. Despite these challenges, I will always cherish the moments spent building this community and witnessing its growth. As I move forward, I continue to wholeheartedly support and cheer for the future success of the organization.