My Journey as a Google Developer Student Club Lead: Building a Thriving AI Community

Stepping into leadership is never just about taking on a title—it’s about impact, growth, and paving the way for others. When I was selected as the first female Google Developer Student Club (GDSC) Lead at my university, I knew it was more than just a role. It was an opportunity to build a thriving community, empower others in tech, and bridge the gender gap in AI and software development.

Becoming the First Female GDSC Lead

When I applied for the GDSC Lead position, I had no idea I would be making history as the first woman in my university to hold this role. I’ve always been passionate about tech, leadership, and community building, but this was a chance to create something bigger than myself.

At first, I had moments of doubt. Would I be able to lead effectively? Would I gain support? Would I inspire others, especially young women, to see tech as a space where they belong? But I reminded myself: Leadership is not about knowing everything—it’s about learning, growing, and creating opportunities for others.

Building a Thriving AI Community

One of my biggest goals as a GDSC Lead was to expand the conversation around AI. AI is shaping the future, and I wanted to ensure that students at my university weren’t just learning about it from the sidelines but actively participating in it.

Here’s how we made it happen:

✅ AI & Machine Learning Study Jams – We hosted hands-on sessions where students could explore AI fundamentals, train models, and build real-world applications.

✅ Women in Tech & AI Initiatives – As the first female lead, I made it a priority to encourage more women to join our AI learning journey. We launched mentorship programs and workshops to help break barriers for women in AI.

✅ Hackathons & Coding Challenges – We organized events that challenged students to think creatively and build AI-driven solutions to real-world problems.

✅ Industry Speaker Sessions – Bringing AI professionals and Google Developers into our sessions helped students gain insights into the latest trends and career opportunities.

Overcoming Challenges as a Leader

Leading a tech community comes with its challenges. Balancing my studies, projects, and GDSC responsibilities required strong time management and a deep commitment to the mission. There were moments when engagement was low, or organizing an event felt overwhelming, but perseverance and teamwork kept me going.

One of the biggest lessons I learned? The power of collaboration. A leader is only as strong as their team, and I was fortunate to work with dedicated students who shared the same vision.

Why This Role Matters for Women in AI

Representation matters. When young women see other women leading in tech, they realize that they belong here too. As the first female GDSC Lead at my university, I hope I have opened doors for more women to step into leadership, explore AI, and break barriers in STEM.

AI is the future, and we need diverse voices, perspectives, and talents to shape it. If you’re a woman thinking about leadership in tech, go for it. You are more than capable, and the world needs your contributions.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next?

My journey as a GDSC Lead has been an incredible learning experience. From building a strong AI community to empowering the next generation of developers, I’ve seen firsthand how leadership is about serving, inspiring, and making an impact.

As I continue my journey in AI and software development, one thing is certain—I’ll keep advocating for inclusivity, innovation, and community-driven learning.

To all future tech leaders: Keep learning, keep building, and keep breaking barriers. The future of AI needs you!