“That’s an hour I’ll never get back,” said no volunteer ever – especially if you’ve devoted your energies toward something you’re passionate about. Weary from a day at work, you step into your “other self” and suddenly find new energy. At VMware, those passionate personal projects are encouraged – they are a part of our EPIC values and a core tenet of our Citizen Philanthropy philosophy. Most often these efforts are rewarded with the satisfaction that comes from participating; public acknowledgement is not the objective.
For VMware Engineer Rupa Dachere, passionate investment in CodeChix guides her “other self.” CodeChix is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization founded by Rupa and dedicated to the education, advocacy and mentoring of women engineers in industry and academia. From coaching and mentoring to conferences and training, CodeChix delivers. Through CodeChix, DevPulseCon and the behind-the-scenes efforts of Rupa and other dedicated volunteers, more than 800 people benefit every year.
To say she is passionate about CodeChix would not do Rupa justice. For nine years, Rupa’s been the founder, executive director and leader of everything at CodeChix. Last week her dedication, commitment and passion were rewarded: she is one of five nominees for the Women in Open Source Community Award sponsored by Red Hat, which is now open for voting!
Now in its fourth year, the Women in Open Source Awards honor women who make important contributions to open source projects and communities, or those making innovative use of open source methodologies. There are two categories:
- Academic: open to women who are enrolled full-time, earning 12 or more credit hours, in college or university.
- Community: open to all other women contributing to projects related to open source.
Winners will be selected by popular vote and announced at Red Hat Summit 2018, May 8-10 in San Francisco. Voting is open until February 21, so be sure to vote now!
“My fellow nominees for the Women in Open Source Awards are all phenomenal — I am beyond honored to be considered to be in their league,” Rupa adds. We think so, too, Rupa. But we also think you are phenomenal as well, and wish you the best of luck! May the code be with you!
For more information on CodeChix, including how to join and participate, visit their website and read Rupa’s blog post. And be sure to vote for Rupa for the Women in Open Source Awards by clicking here.
