Project WoAH (Women of AngelHack). It’s a movement. One led by the amazing Women of AngelHack, who have stories to share. And share we will! Check out the intro below, and tune in LIVE on December 17th (5pm PST) to check out and ask questions during our WoAH Livestream.
Name: Sheetal Magan
Role: Operations Assistant
Been With AngelHack: Since June 2014
Works Out Of: Mohali, India
What do you do at AngelHack?
I assist primarily with research tasks, and sponsor research for the global series. Making sure many of the logistics are taken care of.
Can you tell us about your toughest day on the job?
Having a team back out of the HACKcelerator twice, even though we had a number of coworking spaces willing to partner up in their area.
AngelHack is a global company, requiring frequent travel. You must have had some memorable experiences. Give us one!
I was able to go to our Delhi hackathon last year. The event was so cool.. got to meet many people. The young participants were so energetic and hardworking. No sleep for 36 hours and only coding, they had awesome ideas. Was just amazed to see how everything was organized so well by the hard work of our virtual team spread over the world.
Has there ever been a time you felt discriminated against as a women? Explain.
Our society assumes women to be the primary caregivers at home. By assuming women are going to be the primary caregiver, and by setting policies to support that assumption, society is forcing women to choose between having a brilliant career and a homemaker. Also, females are often taught to “be nice” and “people pleasers”, which can lead to seeking the approval of others. Subsequently, women can have a harder time saying “No”.
What challenges have you faced because of being a female at a hackathon or in business?
There aren’t many challenges in the nature of my business. Its really blissful to be able to work efficiently remotely and give proper time to family as well. Working from home can either liberate you or weigh you down.. it’s all about how you do it. I’ve learned what works and what just creates more work.
What about the startup culture do you like?
Flexibility of deciding my own work routine. I just can’t imagine not having that.
What about the startup culture do you dislike?
I sometimes dislike the lack of structure that can occur with being so dispersed. I also sometimes dislike not having set working hours / a set routine due to working from a different timezone and having AngelHack so intertwined in my daily life. In other words, I sometimes find it difficult to shut off completely from work and live life.
How does it feel that 80% of your community is male based?
I typically view a client as just that: a client, be it a man or a woman. Having said that, I do usually get excited when I work with a woman in tech (especially when she is in a high position) because my initial reaction is “wow, this woman must be extremely smart and passionate to have overcome the gender barrier in this industry”.
It also makes me feel that we, at AngelHack, are superstars for being a successful, predominantly female team.
Personal Life:
I am a dedicated person. I never give up after deciding to accomplish a task. I like to go on vacations with my family. I enjoy live music, beaches and nature.
What do you love about working for AngelHack?
AngelHack has an awesome atmosphere. Everyone is friendly, motivating, and hard working. I also love AngelHack for its innovative nature and its bend towards women empowerment.
What’s your spirit animal?
Dolphin. Their gentle natures reminds me to look for the good in everyone and strive to bring peace to our lives and those around us.
What’s one word you would use to describe yourself?
Resolute.
What’s your favorite thing in the world?
My hometown where my parents live.
Biggest fear?
Losing a loved one.
What’s your definition of success?
Recognition in my field of work.
The stage is set, December 17th at 5PM PST. Submit your questions ahead of time using #ProjectWoAH or through the YouTube LIVE chat on December 17th. Mark your calendars, and make sure you tune into the livestream!s
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