Contributing to Airbnb’s Open Source!

Today, on this beautiful Monday in Pakistan, I have an exciting thing to tell. Yesterday, on Sunday, I made a significant contribution to the Airbnb/javascript open-source project. Yes, you read it right! I had the incredible opportunity to showcase my skills and expertise to a global tech giant like Airbnb.

Growing up in Pakistan, I witnessed a gender gap in various fields, including technology. However, fueled by my passion for coding and programming, I was determined to break stereotypes and make a difference. With limited resources but unlimited determination, I embarked on my journey to become a woman in tech.

Airbnb: A Global Platform of Opportunity:

Airbnb, a renowned name in the tech industry, has always been a symbol of innovation and diversity. Their open-source projects allow developers from around the world to contribute their expertise and collaborate with a talented community. When I stumbled upon the Airbnb/javascript repository, I saw an opportunity to showcase my skills and contribute to the open-source community.

I believe every contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to make a significant impact.

Today, I received the news I had been eagerly waiting for — my pull request was approved! The feeling of seeing my contribution merged into a project used by developers worldwide. It was a notable milestone in my journey, not just as a developer but also as a woman in the tech industry.

I am proud to say that I am part of a movement striving to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. Let’s continue pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and inspiring change. It doesn’t really matter where you come from; what truly matters is your passion, dedication, and the impact you can make in the world of technology.

Over the past couple of years, I have had the privilege of crossing paths with some truly amazing individuals from different corners of the world. I met wonderful people from the United States and France, who have had an impact on my personal and professional journey. In particular, my boss from France played a vital role in shaping my tech career, and for that, I will be forever grateful to him.

- Khadija Gardezi