A Personal Perspective
I’m back! 😊
Yeah, I know I’m not expected to be this hyped, considering it’s just me and you here. But hold on—this year, I can feel it—a couple of folks will join us. So, I’ve had this article drafted for about eight months now and haven’t quite wrapped up my unsolicited advice on what a community should be about. While you never asked for my opinion, kindly follow through, just as you always do.
Community has been a cornerstone of my tech journey. What started as a quest to absorb knowledge transformed into a deeper understanding of the immense power of active contribution and collaboration. Whether in technology or beyond, most of us belong to communities—be it professional networks or faith-based organizations—and contribute to their growth and vitality.
The Strength of a Community
The true strength of a community lies not just in its numbers but in the active contributions of its members. Passive participation can lead to stagnation, akin to those WhatsApp groups we often leave behind because they no longer provide value. To avoid being a “leech,” it’s essential to focus not only on what you gain but also on what you give back. This ethos transforms a collection of individuals into a thriving, impactful ecosystem.
A thriving community isn’t just a group of people; it’s an ecosystem where collaboration, inclusivity, and purpose intersect. For me, a community should embody these essential qualities:
Shared Vision and Purpose
Inclusivity & Diversity
Active Participation
Support & Mentorship
Flexibility & Adaptability
Empowerment via knowledge sharing
Passing Down Values Across Generations
Communities preserve values, knowledge, and culture across generations. For instance, I’ve noticed how children today still sing rhymes and play games that we enjoyed as kids, even amidst the digital age. This underscores the timelessness of certain traditions that preserve our identity.
Growing up in Nigeria, I learned the value of collective effort through cultural practices like communal farming and celebrations. These traditions ingrained in me a deep appreciation for shared responsibility—something I bring to every community I join.
In an ideal society, shared experiences create a safe haven where younger generations are shielded from past hardships yet carry forward the stories and lessons of those who came before them.
A popular Yoruba saying, “Ti ọmọ kò bá mọ̀ ẹ̀tan, a bá àrọba,” roughly translates to “If a child does not learn history, they will inherit fragments.” This highlights the importance of passing down knowledge and stories to preserve cultural and historical continuity.
It’s an issue that has plagued many communities, and while I could write an exposé on this, that’s a story for another day. For now, I believe my message is clear.
The Power of Giving Back
Giving back is foundational to any community survival; it's like feeling up a tank after use and shouldn’t feel like charity but rather a sense of responsibility. For me, this has been a journey of self-discovery and growth. Initially, I found it easier to express my thoughts through writing, such as documenting my experiences with a particular stack or tool. Public speaking, on the other hand, felt like torture.
However, initiatives like AWS's Voices in STEM helped me reframe this challenge as an opportunity to amplify my voice and enable others within my communities. While I still occasionally wrestle with nerves, I now see public speaking as essential for fostering connection and driving impact.
Building a vibrant community is not without challenges. For example, when I co-led an initiative to provide tech mentorship in underserved areas, we initially struggled with low participation due to limited internet access. We adapted by offering offline materials and creating opportunities for in-person meetups, ensuring that no one was left behind.
My First Community: Family
Community begins on the smallest scale—family. I vividly recall my mother teaching me long division in third grade or my father helping me recite mathematical concepts. They were my first teachers, nurturing my growth and shaping my curiosity.
Now, the dynamic has evolved. I find myself giving advice—on cybersecurity, technology, and more—to my parents, creating a reciprocal flow of knowledge. This reflects how communities, even familial ones, thrive through shared growth and mutual contributions.
My Tech Communities
As a member of diverse tech communities—Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors, AWS Community Builders, Ingressive for Good, Black in Tech, and Black in AI—I’ve experienced the tremendous benefits of active participation. These networks have provided mentorship, access to cutting-edge tools, and exposure to groundbreaking ideas.
However, the true essence of these communities isn’t just the opportunities they provide but the collective goal of scaling their impact. Beyond individual growth, communities like Black in AI have empowered underrepresented groups by democratizing access to knowledge, creating pathways to opportunities, and fostering belonging in fields that often feel exclusive.
When we contribute to a community, we refine not only its structure but also ourselves. By helping others grow, we foster innovation, collaboration, and a better world.
One of my most profound experiences in school was being hosted by MLSA. It felt like a retreat you never wanted to end—fun, engaging, and transformative.
Why Join a Community?
While benefits like networking and resources are appealing, the real motivation for joining a community should be its essence: collaboration, learning, and contribution. A thriving community is where diverse voices come together to solve problems, inspire growth, and create lasting change.
Looking ahead, I aspire to establish a global tech community that fosters innovation in areas like quantum computing and AI ethics. By uniting diverse perspectives, I hope to create solutions for pressing global challenges while mentoring the next generation of tech leaders.
By giving back, we ensure these communities remain potent and impactful for future generations. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, let us all strive to actively contribute to the communities that shape us.
A community also offers a refreshing time-out from an exhaustive work-life or academic schedule—whether it’s a bowling league or a church group.
Where to Start From
Joining a vibrant community can significantly enhance your personal and professional growth. One such community I highly recommend is the AWS Community Builders program. This initiative offers technical resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to AWS enthusiasts and emerging thought leaders passionate about sharing knowledge and connecting with the technical community.
Benefits of Joining AWS Community Builders:
Access to AWS Product Teams: Engage directly with AWS product teams to gain insights into new services and features.
Mentorship: Learn from AWS subject matter experts through weekly webinars covering a variety of topics.
Resources: Receive AWS promotional credits and other helpful resources to support your content creation and community engagement.
Networking: Connect with like-minded developers and expand your professional network.
How to Apply:
Prepare Your Application: Visit the AWS Community Builders page to understand the program's expectations and gather the necessary information.
Showcase Your Contributions: Emphasize your passion for AWS and highlight any content you've created, such as blog posts, videos, or presentations that contribute to the AWS community.
Submit Your Application: Complete the application form available on the AWS Community Builders page. The application process is open to AWS technical builders worldwide, and all interested individuals are welcome and encouraged to apply.
The application deadline for the 2025 cohort is January 20th, 2025. Don't miss this opportunity to join a community that fosters collaboration, learning, and growth.
For more insights and tips on the application process, you can send me a message.