I’m Aisha, a 2nd Year Computer Science student at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao. My fascination with technology began at a young age, and I learned my first programming language, Small Basic, at 13. This early exposure ignited my passion for coding. As I dove into robotics and joined competitions, the reality hit hard—I was the only female around. Hence, I felt compelled to shatter the gender gap and demonstrate that women are just as capable in the field of tech.


In 2019, I was awarded a scholarship to study in Japan through the Asia Kakehashi Project by AFS Intercultural Programs and MEXT Japan. While I have always been academically inclined, this exchange program broadened my horizons, fueling my passion for technology, community service, and sustainable development. I engaged in river clean-ups and donation drives, proudly representing Mindanao and the Philippines. Upon returning home, I was determined to contribute to my community in Davao.

During my senior high school years, I broke new ground as the first female president of our programming club. At 18, I was honored with the JCI Youth Leadership Excellence Award, recognizing my dedication and leadership abilities. In college, I continue to lead by example, heading the Google Developer Student Clubs Mapúa-MCM as their Lead and CEO, and co-founding the Association of Proactive Innovators – MMCM, where I serve as External VP. Through these roles, I organize workshops on Machine Learning and App Development, offering students practical knowledge beyond the classroom. Additionally, I am the Externals Lead for Google Developer Group Davao and a volunteer at DevCon Davao. Internationally, I represented Mindanao and the Philippines in the ASEAN Seeds for the Future program by Huawei and the ASEAN Foundation.

Driven by a fervent commitment to sustainability, I am dedicated to crafting tech projects that are not only innovative but also sustainable. Currently, I am immersed in the development of a pioneering Computer Vision project aimed at advancing Sustainable Farming practices. I am confident that this initiative will significantly benefit Mindanao and beyond.

Today, my mission extends beyond coding and competitions. I am dedicated to empowering women in tech, serving as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of female tech enthusiasts. Contributing my skills, time, and knowledge to benefit the community brings me immense joy and fulfillment. This stems from my belief that there is no greater purpose than service for others.

Stepping into the world of technology felt like diving into an ocean without seeing land. In my small town in Davao Oriental, the tech scene was almost non-existent. With no community to help me or mentors to guide me, my journey began alone, surrounded by coconut trees and the sound of waves. Every day, I sat in front of my old laptop, learning from online resources, tutorials, forums, and coding challenges. Despite my efforts, I felt alone and wondered if my dreams of becoming a tech professional would ever come true.

Everything changed when I went to DevFest 2022. It was like finding a hidden world where everyone shared my passion. The energy was exciting as I walked into the busy event filled with tech enthusiasts. I met community leaders who were not only skilled but also dedicated to helping others. Their stories of hard work and building inclusive tech communities inspired me deeply. I realized that I could be more than just a watcher; I could help make changes. With new motivation, I returned to the University of Southeastern Philippines with a mission: to nurture a growing tech community as the lead of the Google Developer Student Clubs chapter in our university.

Following the idea of “Control C and Control V”—taking inspiration from great leaders and applying their lessons to our situation. My goal was simple: to create a space where everyone felt welcome and empowered to learn and grow. The first few events were small, but as word spread, our community began to grow. The change was amazing. From starting alone to leading a tech community, I learned that while the path may start alone, it is the connections we make and the communities we build that truly matter. Through the spirit of “Control C and Control V,” we can take inspiration from great leaders in our community so that we can become leaders ourselves, and ensure that no one else has to walk this path alone.

I want to explore more possibility and help others.