Stories
Together, we can do this!
Anastasia Florentis
I’ve spent the last year and a half diving headfirst into the tech world, learning new languages, trying to be faster, and getting ready for what feels like endless interviews. Most of the time, I ended up feeling... alone. As one of the few women of colour (and a queer woman at that) in the room, I often wondered if I’d ever really find my place. There were so many days when I thought about giving up, convinced that maybe I just wasn’t cut out for this.
Then I heard about this hackathon and thought, “What’s the worst that could happen? Let’s give it a try” And honestly, I’m so glad I did. From the moment I joined, I felt something I hadn’t in a while, a sense of community. A group of people who understand the struggles, who are here to help each other grow, and who genuinely want to see everyone succeed. I realised I wasn’t alone after all.
So, thank you to everyone here for reminding me that I’m not just some lonely coder trying to break in. I’m part of something bigger, a community that's got each other's backs. Together, we can do this!
I'm already looking forward to the next one!
Selina Fischer
Participating in the hackathon was both exciting and eye-opening! It was my first time, and I didn’t expect such a collaborative and fast-paced environment. I learned how to turn ideas into prototypes quickly and connected with amazing people from different backgrounds. It was truly inspiring to see so many talented women come together in such a short space of time to produce professional and creative ideas. The experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I’m already looking forward to the next one!
Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
Maryam Irekeola
This wasn’t my first hackathon, but it was definitely one of the most unexpectedly exciting ones.
I walked in thinking about ideas and execution, but I walked out with connections, confidence, and a whole new way of thinking. We got to brainstorm at high speed, navigate challenges as a team, every moment felt like unlocking a new level of problem-solving.
One of my favorite moments is meeting someone I had followed for a while on Linkedln, without realising it was her at first! It was a full-circle moment that reminded me why I love spaces like this, where ideas, opportunities, and people come together in ways you never expect.
HuddleHive wasn’t just about building solutions. It was about pushing boundaries, rethinking what’s possible, and creating something that actually solves a real problem. And the best part is I wasn’t just part of a team, I was part of a community.