Women@SheLovesData
Venetia SK Ho
Global Operations Specialist
Edited by Rasyida Paddy
As a millennial, I’m very conscious of how I contribute and give back to society. I’m
extremely grateful to be surrounded by people who inspire me to grow and be a better
person every single day.
When I came across She Loves Data back in 2020, I was super impressed by what the organization stands for, its mission and the way the community operationalized itself to inspire more women to pursue careers in data. As a data enthusiast, I knew I wanted to be part of this community. And that was how my story as a volunteer in the global operations team at She Loves Data started in July 2020.
Two years in, and I’ve learnt so much from my fellow team mates and other volunteers. During my time with She Loves Data, I am happy to have met and worked together with members from various parts of the world. Leadership and crisis management are the biggest areas of growth for me. Keeping a community engaged during the pandemic when we had
to go fully virtual was no mean feat. The fact that we persevered on and continued running the programs that we did during this period shows the level of passion and commitment from every single volunteer we have in this organization.
Like many fellow volunteers, I’ve had to learn to juggle my time and. One of the challenges about volunteering would have to be dedicating the right amount of time and energy to deliver quality work, while balancing time between families, friends and a full-time job. That said, knowing that I’m giving my time towards a worthy cause helps keep the fire burning, as
I know I am spending time meaningfully to learn and grow with a like-minded community.
Joining She Loves Data has helped me overcome some of my fears, which I encountered earlier on in my career – which include a fear of negotiation. Thanks to the experiences I have gained both from my full-time job and volunteering work, I have also learnt to be courageous and to seize opportunities to practice my skill to be a better negotiator.
So what advice do I have for other young women like myself looking to find their breakthrough in their careers and life in general? Find your tribe. I’ve truly gained so much by giving back. There is strength in community, and I know I am not alone.
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