We think of technology and the algorithms that enable digital ecosystems as neutral overlords, but they are far from it. Technology is built by humans, and embeds the biases, prejudices, likes, and dislikes of its individual human creators. Through courses in web development, database design, human computer interaction, as well as social entrepreneurship: I learnt not only about how culture intersects with technology, but also how to use those insights towards business building.

But even greater than this strong academic experience was the personal and cultural experience of not only living alone in a foreign country, but facing the Covid-19 pandemic alone. 

Do you know what it is like to go four months without physical human contact? I do. 

Do you know how to respond and react to micro-racisms? 

How we can differentiate between a tokenistic diversity versus what it means to bring about a complete transformation of mind and heart? 

It's the learnings in these areas that made my time in the USA exponentially valuable, setting me on a path of growth, humble learning, and confident execution.