Nikita Tripathi
Nikita is a scalable vector existence…
which may be described as somewhat of a material world version of SVGs: adaptable and accurate. She came up with this original tagline after making incredible amounts of original SVG designs.
Today, you will find her as a software engineer, but her journey in tech began as a mechanical engineer at IIT Roorkee. Nikita gained experience in open-source and design by working as the Outreachy 2022 summer intern with the Fedora Project and later as a consultant with Software Freedom Conservancy. She has brushed upon the field of FinTech in the past as a part of J.P. Morgan Chase Quant Research Mentee and became the top team from India in WorldQuant Alphathon 2022. She had interned at Cisco, India as a Technical intern in the summer of 2023 and continued with them as a full time software engineer for the IoT team.
Her creative spirit lies with her art and music. She plays the Sitar, Flute or keys sometimes and also likes to work with all forms of art from sketching to sculpting; from digital to physical. Being an INTJ, she is a detail-oriented person and likes to organize & plan her tasks out. She has been described as ‘Monica’ more often than not, even though she has never watched the show ‘FRIENDS’. Her drive lies in exploring new fields and picking up new skills.
@nekonya:matrix.org
Session
Mentoring in open source is a powerful catalyst for change—it not only fosters individual growth but also strengthens communities and builds tomorrow’s leaders. This talk will explore the crucial role of mentorship in the open source world, going beyond simply sharing technical skills. It's about guiding contributors, cultivating collaborative spaces, and creating ripple effects that resonate far beyond a single project.
Through personal stories, real-world examples, and practical advice, you'll learn how mentorship can bridge gaps, inspire new talent, and drive innovation. We will delve into what mentoring is—and isn’t—shedding light on the misunderstandings and highlighting the true essence of a successful mentor-mentee relationship.
Outreachy is conducted by Software Freedom Conservancy and it provides internships in open source and open science. Over the years, there has been an explosive reach in the public about this program. As a Outreachy intern in the summer of 2022 for the Fedora Badges Design Project and eventually becoming the general Fedora mentor for the 2024 summer cohort, I want to highlight how it works for both the mentors and the mentees. Taking inspiration from experience, I want to discuss best mentor practices and what all changes can we bring to make the Fedora Outreachy experience better.
Attendees will discover the dual impact of mentorship: it benefits not just the mentees but also enriches the mentors by helping them learn, lead, and leave a legacy. We'll cover how to find the right mentor, how to be one, and why it matters in the open source ecosystem. You'll gain insights into fostering an inclusive, supportive culture that encourages growth, promotes diversity, and empowers contributors to excel and, eventually, become mentors themselves.
Whether you’re a newcomer eager to learn or a seasoned contributor looking to give back, this talk will equip you with the tools and mindset needed to make a lasting impact. By mentoring, you’re not just teaching; you’re shaping the future of open source—and the universe.
Join us for a session that will inspire you to engage, mentor, and make a difference in ways that extend beyond code and into the heart of the open source community.