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Throughout her academic career, she has been actively participated in extracurricular activities, taking on leadership roles and engaging in initiatives that have allowed her to develop her skills and contribute to the community.
During my undergrad and postgrad years, she had the opportunity to serve as a class representative. In this role, I represented my peers and communicated their needs and concerns to the faculty and administration. Jessica attended regular meetings and advocated for student interests, working collaboratively with other class representatives to organize events and initiatives that fostered a sense of community on campus.
In addition to my role as a class representative, she served as secretary for the Maths Club at UWC, where I helped to organize events and activities that promoted Mathematics and problem-solving skills among students. As Vice President for the Golden Key chapter at UWC, I had the opportunity to represent the three pillars of leadership, service, and academics. I led the personal and professional development cluster within Golden Key, organizing events and workshops that aimed to develop the skills and knowledge of members.
One of my most significant accomplishments was the development and leadership of the Google Developer Student Club (GDSC) at UWC. As the lead, I provided opportunities for the community to learn and grow in the field of technology. I facilitated workshops and events that exposed students to new technologies and encouraged collaboration and innovation.
Currently, I am a Women TechMaker (WTM) Ambassador, working to close the gender gap in the technology industry by encouraging and motivating women to enter the tech space. Through this initiative, I organize events and workshops that provide resources and support for women in technology, helping them to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
As a Google Crowdsource Influencer, I share resources and knowledge about AI and ML, encouraging others to contribute to the platform and providing information about its benefits. I have successfully hosted two events this year, building a community of individuals interested in technology and helping to promote learning and collaboration.
Overall, my involvement in these initiatives has allowed me to develop my skills in leadership, communication, and collaboration. Through these experiences, I have been able to contribute to the community and make a positive impact on the lives of those around me.
- Organisation: University of the Western Cape
- Role: GDG Cape Town Organizer, Crowdsource Influencer for South Africa, Women Tech Maker Ambassador , Women in Tech member, Girl Code Ambassador, Community Lead for Africa’s Talking, Golden Key Member
Jessica's Biography
Jessica Randall has made outstanding contributions and leadership in various initiatives that have positively impacted her community. Her dedication to advocating for the needs and concerns of my peers as a class representative, promoting Mathematics and personal and professional development as the secretary of the Maths Club at UWC, and supporting women in technology as a Women Techmakers (WTM) Ambassador are just a few examples of my exceptional commitment to serving others.
Her most significant accomplishment as the leader of the Google Developer Student Club (GDSC) at UWC showcases her exceptional leadership skills and passion for technology. Through her facilitation of workshops and events, she has created opportunities for students to learn, grow, and collaborate in the field of technology, thus promoting innovation and helping to bridge the digital divide.
Furthermore, as a Google Crowdsource Influencer, she has shared her knowledge and resources on AI and ML, encouraging others to contribute to the platform and providing information on its benefits. Jessica's commitment to building a community of individuals interested in technology has resulted in the successful hosting of two events this year, showcasing her exceptional skills in event planning and execution.
Her leadership, commitment, and dedication to making a positive difference in her community makes her an excellent candidate for the class of 2023. She has inspired others to get involved and make a positive impact on their community, and my contributions have helped to promote collaboration, and innovation, and bridge the gender gap in the technology industry. She is indeed, true leader and a shining example of what it means to make a meaningful impact on the world around us.
Throughout her journey, there have been countless moments that she would consider highlights. However, for her, the greatest highlight has been the opportunities she had been had to connect and network with other professionals in the tech industry. For her, lifelong learning is all about listening to others and gaining insights from their experiences and perspectives.
Over the years, she had the privilege of attending numerous conferences and events, where she has had the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the greatest minds in mathematics, software engineering, and design in Africa. For instance, at the 65th SAMS Congress, she was able to network with other professionals in her field of mathematics and gain valuable insights from experts in the room. The event was truly enlightening, and she left feeling inspired and motivated to continue pursuing her passions.
Similarly, at the SSA Summit last year, she had the chance to meet a diverse range of individuals, including GDG Organizers, GDEs, Women Tech Maker Ambassadors, and fellow regional community managers for SSA. The event was a treasure trove of knowledge, and I was able to learn a great deal about what makes developers and designers so amazing. The ability to create with code is truly a remarkable talent, and she was in awe of the applications that were being developed by these talented individuals.
However, what truly stands out to me about these experiences is the opportunity to meet amazing individuals who are passionate about their field and who are eager to share their knowledge and expertise with others. The sense of community and collaboration that she has witnessed at these events is truly inspiring, and believes that it is through these connections and partnerships that we can achieve the greatest success in our careers and in the tech industry as a whole.
Favourite Quote
I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious. - Albert Einstein
Dear South African Geeks,
It's time to celebrate our geekiness! Despite the historical negative connotations associated with the term "geek," we're fortunate to live in a time when being a geek is celebrated as a positive and empowering identity. Being a geek means having a deep passion for a particular subject and being unapologetically enthusiastic about what you love.
South Africa has a strong community of geeks who are proud to embrace their interests, pursue their passions with dedication, and inspire others to do the same. As a community, we are redefining what it means to be a geek in our culture, and we're showing the world that geeks are celebrated for their unique perspectives, creativity, and innovation. At the heart of the geek identity is a love for learning and a desire to explore the world around us. As South African geeks, it's important to embrace our passions and share them with others in a responsible and respectful manner. By doing so, we can inspire others who share our interests and help to create a community of like-minded individuals who are proud to be geeks. So, whether you're into coding, gaming, comics, or any other niche interest, embrace your geekiness and represent South Africa proudly with your passions. Let's continue to build a community of respectful and inclusive geeks who are unapologetically themselves. Stay Curious, Stay Passionate: Embrace the Endless Possibilities!
- Jessica Randall