DEV Community: Lupe 🇧🇴

De la imillaDev a la imillit.ai

Lupe 🇧🇴 — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:26:25 +0000

La siguiente historia puede que sea ficción, puede que sea verdad. Al final no existe una sola verdad, solo puntos de vista personales, y la realidad la construimos todxs.

Hace varios años el 2019 viví el mes más feliz de mi vida en Cochabamba. Acababa de regresar de Nueva York, donde pasé un año en mi primer trabajo como ingeniera de software. Nueva York fue la primera ciudad que visité fuera de Bolivia; una ciudad mágica, enorme y diversa. Todavía guardo en mi corazón a lxs amigues que hice allá, pero esa ciudad también me reveló cosas de mi misma que me incomodaron.

Sentir que vas lento en una ciudad que viaja a la velocidad de la luz era mi constante y eso con el tiempo llegó a ser muy desgastante. Viví allí una de mis depresiones más grandes. Pero me salvó la danza. Descubrí un espacio “liberated movement” donde daban clases de danza basadas en donaciones. En ese lugar aprendí a moverme como si nada más importara, dándome permiso de habitar un espacio y un momento de completa libertad donde bailar bien no era el objetivo, donde hacer el ridículo no existia, y donde podias escuchar a tu cuerpo y dejarte sorprender con la manera en la que se puede mover. Cuando regresé a Bolivia, lo primero que le dije a mi papá cuando me recogía del aeropuerto fué: "Jamás en la vida voy a volver a trabajar en tech". Él no dijo nada; solo miraba el horizonte mientras seguía conduciendo por la autopista bajando de El Alto a La Paz.

El refugio en el convento

Buscando una forma de decir con el cuerpo lo que no podía expresar con palabras, descubrí Leche (su última versión se llama Vía Láctea): una residencia para proyectos artísticos de perfiles poco convencionales. Osea alguien como yo, que sabia de tecnología, que le interesaba bailar pero no era bailarina, que no tenía ni idea de que significaba hacer un “performance”.

Allí conocí a la Sha, mi compañera de aventuras y vecina de habitación. Éramos 4 artistas de La Paz los que habitamos durante un mes una iglesia donde se formaban futuros sacerdotes. No sé cómo lograron esa alianza, pero le daba un toque irónico y divertido a nuestros procesos creativos. También recuerdo que comíamos increíble, teníamos el mejor buffet de almuerzo en un restaurante en Cocha... ¡ush, no! Quiero volver a ese lugar solo por la comida, Cocha siempre tiene la mejor comida!

El diálogo con la máquina

Originalmente, mi proyecto iba a tratar sobre cómo las redes sociales generan depresión y ansiedad. Imaginaba una coreografía teatralizada de cinco minutos, ya quince minutos exagerando. Sin embargo, en la residencia nuestros temas eran constantemente cuestionados. Fué así que terminé hablando de algo mucho más profundo: mi relación como mujer ingidgena y programadora con la tecnología.

Me di cuenta de que entre la tecnología y yo todavía había mucho que dialogar. Fue el arte lo que me devolvió las ganas de volver a escribir lineas de codigo, todo el tiempo les mostraba mis nuevos descubrimientos como si fueran juguetes nuevos a mi mis mentores y compas en la residencia. Mi pieza, “De la URL a la IRL: Jornada de una imillaDev”, me catapultó en direcciones que sospechaba podían pasar pero que no sabía exactamente cómo se materializarían.

Decidí llevar el proceso de esta obra a una exposición en "Latinity", la conferencia más grande de mujeres en tecnología, para contar lo que significaba para una imilla como yo (una mujer aymara de El Alto) relacionarse con la tecnología desde un lugar que habita el futuro teniendo presente su pasado. Hay una expresion en aymara para eso que le escuché decir a la Silvia Rivera: Qhip nayr uñtasis sarnaqapxañani (mirando atrás y adelante al mismo tiempo).

El factor memorable

Esta obra fue, creo yo, la razón fundamental por la que conseguí una entrevista en una de las compañías de tecnología más importantes del mundo. Cuando la gente se entera de esto me preguntan cómo lo logré, y aunque hubo muchos factores (el inglés, haber trabajado ya en USA, el carisma, el trabajo previo en comunidades tech), el factor definitivo fue este performance (o al menos eso creo yo).

Mirar y pensar la tecnología desde un lugar poco convencional me hizo memorable. Si tuviera que darle un consejo a alguien, sería este: obsesionate con lo que de verdad te intriga, lo que te emociona o te molesta y no te deja dormir. Eso es lo que te hace sobresalir.

Volver a casa

Trabajar en esa gigante tecnológica me permitió, hasta el día de hoy, vivir mi vida con tranquilidad al menos finacieramente. Y cuando esa etapa terminó, volví a mi espacio seguro: mi Bolivia del alma, mis callecitas, mi gente y mis caseras de las ferias que hacen reir.

Es una vida rara la que tengo ahora. Te preguntas qué quieres hacer cuando ya no "tienes" que trabajar por obligación. Se desatan nuevas crisis existenciales, empiezas a crear nuevas obras, inicias una segunda carrera (Cine) y terminas presentando este video porque es tu tarea de montaje.

Mis "amoríos" con el arte se están formalizando. De vez en cuando, mi compañera de siempre, la tecnología, sabe que voy a volver a ella y me deja jugar. Es una relación de amor y odio constante, de ansiedad generalizada, pero al final te das cuenta de que no son ni la tecnología ni el arte los que causan esos estreses y ansiedades, eres tú misma. Y empiezas a habitar esos espacios con más calma, preguntándote si es realmente lo que quieres hacer.

Persona: El espejo

Sobre la obra en el video: intentaba usar las técnicas de identidad y crisis de Ingmar Bergman en su película *Persona*. Este archivo volvió a mis manos hace poco gracias a la Sha. Volverme a ver ha sido refrescante; sé que el corazón de esa imilla sigue en la misma dirección, haciendo las mismas preguntas y cuestionando los sistemas de los que forma parte.

Hacer esta obra/performance dolía demasiado, por eso solo tuvo dos presentaciones una ingaugrando un festival internacional de cuerpo y tecnología el 2019 y otra el mismo año en un evento tech llamado "Hackmeeting". Pero después de ver el material, me dieron ganas de volver a presentarla o crear nuevos remixes audiovisuales, la verdad el tema que está tocando con los asistentes personales de IA hoy más que nunca es super relevante. Y estoy orgullosa de que mi yo del pasado lo estuviera cuestionando desde hace muchos años. Quisiera contarle lo que va a pasar y decirle que va por el camino correcto, que por allí es, que no dude tanto, que vale la pena escuchar a su intuición, y que nada malo va a pasar.

Si llegaste hasta aquí, gracias por darte el tiempo de leer. Como no creo que muchxs vayan a leer todo, si me mandas un DM con lo que más resonó contigo te invito una galletita y te acepto una salida por un cafecito para hablar más y contestar las dudas que tengas.

¿Que te imaginas al leer esto, o al ver este pequeño video? ¿Hacia dónde debería ir este remix?

The Week I Danced with Martha Graham and Unleashed AI Magic at RC!

Lupe 🇧🇴 — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 21:45:48 +0000

¡Hola mi gente! It's your Bolivian girl here, ready to spill the beans on my wild ride through week 4 at Recurse Center. I've been dancing through code, tangoing with Martha Graham, and cha-cha-cha-ing with AI - it's been a fiesta of learning and emotions! Let's salsa our way through the highlights, challenges, and takeaways. 💃🕺

The Accomplishments: ¡Look at Me Go! 🚀

Martha Graham Chats: I deployed a webapp chat with Martha Graham herself! And guess what? She told me I can call myself a dancer.

NextJS Mastery: I learned NextJS like a boss, thanks to their live tutorial. Who said coding can't be a dance? 💻💃
Blogging Brilliance: I wrote not one, but TWO spicy blog posts! One about week 3 at RC, and another about ChoreAI - the result of failing in a hackathon. 💃📝
OpenAI Tutu-torial: I nailed a tutorial on Freecodecamp about using OpenAI with ReactJS and adapted it to use NextJS. Time to dance with some AI-powered moves! 🤖💃
Generative AI for Artists: I even wowed the crowd with a presentation about Generative AI for artists. Watch out, Marthita! 🎨🎭

Challenges: When the Rhythm Stumbles 😅

Time Tango: Dancing with time can be a struggle. It's hard to start coding at 10 am when the goal is unclear. But hey, even dance steps can be tricky to get right sometimes! ⌛💃
Prioritizing Paso Doble: So many things to learn, but prioritizing can be a bit of a clumsy salsa for me, swinging between "okay" and "meh." Let's tango our way to better prioritization! 💃🕺
Dancing Outside RC: Life outside of RC is one big dance party! I'm juggling a public panel, dance performance help, and even grooving in a parade. It's a dance marathon! 🎉💃🎭

Takeaways: ¡The Salsa of Wisdom! 🌟

Cumbia Towards Clear Goals: Clear goals make you move forward, even if you end up doing the Electric Slide instead of the Cha-Cha Slide. Keep moving! 🚀💃
Self-Prioritization Merengue: Prioritize yourself, take care, and have fun! You deserve to feel sparks when you dance through life. 💃💕
Emotional Tango: I found a supportive group for feelings check-ins. Emotions can be as unpredictable as dance partners, but learning from others helps us salsa through them. 💃🕺

Key Moments: A Dance of Emotions 😊😢🤩

Awesome Rumba: The presentation about generative AI for artists stole the show! A standing ovation, please! 🎉👏🎨
Meh Lambada: My app still has bugs. Dance moves and code steps - both require some fine-tuning! 🤷‍♀️💻
Sad Samba: I thought I'd finish my chat app on Tuesday, but nope, life had other plans. Still, I kept on dancing! 😢💃
The Excitement Tango: Choreo AI is the Rhythm of My Heart! 💓💃

My heart's pounding like the beat of a bombo 🥁! I'm ecstatic about creating Choreo AI, busting moves and generating new dances. Who knows, maybe I'll add some AI-generated music for the ultimate dance party? It's not just about the app, but the dance of discovery and learning! 🎶🕺💃

The Flow-State: When Time Danced Away 🕰️💃

When I'm in the flow, the rhythm takes over! Finishing my app with specific next steps had me flowing with ease. Maybe it's time for more planning with my code sessions! 💻💃

Self-Discovery: The Rhythm of My Soul 🎶💃

I realized I have a thing for patterns, like the steps in a salsa. Structured weeks and timely meals made everything click, even when the dance floor got a little bumpy. I'm proud of myself for moving, even if it's just baby steps! 👣💃

Next-Week Mambo: New Moves, New Me! 💃🎉

Next week, I'll help fellow dancers with their projects, perfecting my understanding of their moves for the coming performance. And you bet, I'll take care of myself better - earlier bedtime and a digital detox to keep those dance moves groovy! 💤💃📵

Successful Strategies Bachata: A Decalogue of Wins! 🎉🎉

Can you believe it? I managed not one but TEN winning strategies! Let's dance our way through them: 💃🕺

🧘 Early bird yoga at 6 am for a stretchy start to the day.
🍱 Prepared lunch and breakfast like a pro - I've got the mealtime moves!
🌃 Shutting down digital screens an hour before bedtime, a tango with relaxation.
👯 Sister bonding before bedtime - a heartwarming way to end the day.
🗓️ Pre-planned weeks - choreographing life like a dance performance.
📅 Coordinating calendars for a synchronized dance with time.
🎟️ Virtual events with clear goals - let's tango our way to participation!
🤝 Reaching out to RC faculty for some mentoring salsa.
⏳ Tracking time with toggle for some dance-worthy productivity.
📝 Check-ins like a pro, writing down my dance moves and progress!

Signing Off: ¡Hasta pronto! 👋🤗

That's it for this week's spicy tale of code, dance, and AI. Keep moving through life, prioritize your groove, and remember, we're all learning as we cha-cha our way forward. ¡Un abrazo fuerte! 🕺💃

*Disclaimer: This blog post has been co created with the help of ChatGPT, the facts are mine, but I am still learning to prompt engineering and also to write better, until then ChatGPT are my little helper wheels

Fueling Success with Failure: The Rise of Choreo AI from the Ashes of the Google Vertex AI Hackathon

Lupe 🇧🇴 — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 21:44:01 +0000

Introduction 🎢

Hola! Buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster ride as I spill the beans on my electrifying experience at the mind-blowing Generative AI Hackathon hosted by the awesome LabLabAI. Picture this: a whirlwind weekend of diving headfirst into the deep end of Google Cloud's Vertex AI, all in the name of bringing my wildest creative ideas to life. And boy, it did teach me some priceless lessons about resilience, stepping out of my comfort zone, and the beauty of embracing failure. So, hold on tight as we dive into the juicy details!

The Vision 🌟

From the get-go, I had this brainwave of creating an app that would whip up mind-boggling images and texts to showcase an out-of-this-world concept. But hey, reality hit hard when I realized that time was against me and setting up Vertex AI was trickier than a Rubik's Cube on steroids. Despite my valiant efforts, it became crystal clear that transforming my initial idea into reality within the given timeframe was like chasing a unicorn. Undeterred, I decided to pivot and take a different path. 🔄

The Pivot 🚀

Sunday arrived, and with the clock ticking like a time bomb, I made a gutsy call to switch gears with my project. I set my sights on developing a chatbot that would engage users in meaningful conversations with badass choreographers. But let me tell you, this shift came with its own set of hurdles, like trying to crack Vertex AI's authentication methods. Time slipped away faster than my dreams of becoming a synchronized swimmer, and doubts started to creep in. But hey, I was determined to submit something, no matter how humble, to symbolize my indomitable spirit. 💪

The Power of AI Assistance 🤖

To give my project that extra oomph, I enlisted the help of AI generators. These miraculous tools became my sidekicks, helping me mold and refine my vision. With their magical touch, I conjured up a mesmerizing description for my app, injecting it with a captivating essence that surpassed my wildest imagination. The generated description painted a vivid picture of "Choreo AI" showcasing its mind-blowing ability to tap into the genius of the world's top choreographers. Imagine folks, accessing their wisdom and expertise right from the cozy confines of your home! The description highlighted how "Choreo AI" would offer personalized feedback and guidance, catering to dancers of all levels and aspirations. Talk about dancing your way to self-improvement and growth! 💃🔥

Inspired by the AI-generated description, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm. It fueled my determination to present my idea in the most engaging way possible. So, I dove deeper into the AI pool and turned to Tome AI to create a series of eye-popping slides that would take my pitch to another dimension. Trust me, these slides were a visual feast, showcasing my idea in a way that would make Leonardo da Vinci jealous! 🎨📊

But, hold your horses! When it came to creating the pitch video using Synthesia, I hit a snag. I told myself, "Hey, we're not quite ready for AI-generated pitch videos." I wanted to capture the raw passion and authenticity behind my project. With a mix of excitement and nerves, I grabbed the camera myself (no AI tricks this time!) to showcase the application's features and take you on a journey through my hackathon adventure. Although the app itself didn't quite deliver all the bells and whistles promised in the AI-generated description, it sure did pack a punch! 📹😄

Embracing Failure and Growth 🌱

Sure, my application may not have reached the stratosphere of my grand vision, but I look back on this experience with a sense of fulfillment. It's a constant reminder of the promise I made to myself—to put myself in situations where failure is a possibility. It's through these failures that we stretch beyond our comfort zones, learn, and blossom. "Choreo" may not have become a full-fledged superhero during the hackathon, but this journey has ignited a spark within me. With more time and dedication, who knows what the future holds for this electrifying idea? 🚀💡

Conclusion 🎭

As I ponder my participation in the Generative AI Hackathon, I'm filled with gratitude for the mind-blowing opportunities it dished out. This hackathon was a firm reminder that the road to success isn't always a straight line and that failure can be the stepping stone to jaw-dropping triumphs. I emerge from this adventure with a deeper understanding of resilience, the importance of adapting to unexpected twists and turns, and the infinite possibilities that arise at the exhilarating intersection of creativity and technology.

So, here's to embracing failure, venturing beyond our comfort zones, and pushing the boundaries of what we believe is possible. Join me on this adrenaline-fueled journey as we continue to explore the uncharted realms of technology, creativity, and personal growth.

¡Hasta la próxima! Stay bold, challenge yourself, and keep rewriting the rules! 💥🎭

Lost in Time: Reflections on a Tumultuous Week 3 at Recurse Center

Lupe 🇧🇴 — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 19:18:32 +0000

Hola! Welcome back to my journey at Recurse Center as I recount the ups and downs of Week 3. This week was a rollercoaster ride of challenges, self-reflection, and unexpected detours. So grab a cup of your favorite cafecito and join me as I share my experiences and lessons learned.

Navigating Challenges and Time Management

Week 3 presented me with its fair share of obstacles, leaving me feeling like I had accomplished almost nothing. Each day brought new challenges that seemed to grow increasingly difficult to overcome. Time management became a significant struggle, and I found myself unsure of where my time was disappearing. Despite my efforts, my goals remained elusive, and I felt a sense of frustration.

Moments of Personal Success

Amidst the challenges, there were still moments of personal success worth celebrating. I prioritized my health and that of my family by visiting the doctor together. It's crucial to acknowledge the importance of self-care and supporting loved ones during such times. Additionally, I had an engaging meeting with fellow artists to discuss dancing and explore the creation of our customized chatbots. These moments of connection and collaboration remind me of the power of combining passions and creativity.

Cultural Exploration and Literary Escapes

This week, I made time to enjoy the rich tapestry of my local culture. I went out multiple nights, including two special outings with my mom to the theater for the Bienal of Sound. It was a delightful experience that allowed me to immerse myself in the arts and savor the beauty of our local traditions. Additionally, I had the pleasure of finishing a book called "Love in Color," adding a literary escape to my week's adventures.

Meaningful Connections and Shared Experiences

Amidst my journey, I had the opportunity to connect with a fellow Recurser who is working on creating her own LLMs. Our coffee chat provided a sense of solidarity as we discussed the overwhelming nature of working with AI and the constant influx of information. It was a comforting reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that finding a starting point can be a challenge in itself.
The moments of connection with my peers and the support we offer one another is what I enjoy the most from RC. These interactions provide a sense of camaraderie and encouragement, reminding me that I'm not alone in my journey.

Reflections and Lessons Learned

Looking back on this not-so-productive week, I've gained valuable insights. It became evident that a lack of organization, my ADHD, a dip in motivation, and some skill gaps acted as blockers. Additionally, external factors such as hospital visits further complicated matters. However, these challenges have provided clarity on the importance of self-care and setting realistic expectations. Resting on weekends, free from responsibilities, and indulging in personal enjoyment will be key to maintaining balance.

Moving forward, I am determined to plan my weeks ahead, setting both weekly and daily goals. I also recognize the need to track my time better, as it seemed to slip away unnoticed. While I missed participating in the "Impossible Day" event, I've come to understand that many aspects of coding, although not impossible, require time, patience, and perseverance to master.

As Week 3 comes to a close, I find solace in knowing that a fresh start awaits in Week 4, brimming with new possibilities and opportunities.

Join me next time as I embark on a renewed journey, determined to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and continue embracing the beautiful chaos of Recurse Center.

¡Hasta la próxima!

Code, Café, and Dancing: A Latina's Triumphs in Week 2 at Recurse Center

Lupe 🇧🇴 — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 02:12:53 +0000

Hola! Welcome to a recap of the exhilarating Week 2 at Recurse Center, where I embarked on a journey of growth, discovery, and self-reflection. This week was filled with exciting accomplishments, valuable lessons, and inspiring interactions that have shaped my coding adventure. So, let's dive right in!

Accomplishments to be Proud Of

Looking back at Week 2, I can't help but feel a wave of pride for what I achieved. One of the highlights was setting up a web application to ask questions to top choreographers using the OpenAI API. It was an exhilarating experience to apply the knowledge I had just learned in this new technology. I dedicated more time to coding, allowing me to make significant progress and push my boundaries.

Fun with One-on-One Conversations

This week, I had the pleasure of engaging in more one-on-one conversations, and it was an absolute blast. These intimate interactions provided me with unique insights, new perspectives, and an opportunity for growth. In fact, I discovered that one-on-ones can even be used for pair programming, making collaboration even more effective and enjoyable.

Blockers and Takeaways

While it was an exciting and productive week, I encountered some challenges along the way. Time management continued to be a blocker, as the chaotic nature of my schedule made it challenging to allocate dedicated hours for coding. Additionally, working on my web application involved diving into machine learning and AI concepts that were relatively new to me, leading to additional time investments. However, these hurdles became valuable lessons, emphasizing the importance of setting aside focused time for coding and the need for further exploration and understanding of key concepts.

Valuable Interactions and Shared Spaces

The interactions I had with fellow learners this week were truly inspiring and enriched my experience at Recurse Center. I learned that many individuals are working with technologies I am interested in, providing an opportunity for knowledge sharing and collaboration. Moreover, I discovered that we all share similar fears and concerns, such as the fear of not being able to finish reading this blog (don't worry, you made it!). Additionally, engaging in discussions about our sabbatical years shed light on the importance of defining our goals and finding ways to make a meaningful impact while being kind and patient with ourselves.

Discovering Flow State and Self-awareness

During Week 2, I made an interesting self-discovery. I found that having a clear understanding of what I wanted to accomplish or a well-defined picture of the next steps helped me slip into a flow state more easily. This realization provided me with a valuable tool to optimize my productivity and focus during coding sessions. Furthermore, I learned more about myself and my needs, such as the importance of resting or finding a darker place when my eyes start to itch—a small but crucial piece of self-care in the coding journey.

Looking Ahead and Setting Intentions

As I eagerly anticipate the adventures of the upcoming week, I am excited to delve deeper into exploring different models and expand my horizons by connecting with more individuals. Building upon the lessons learned, I am determined to make some changes in my routine. I plan to code in the mornings, allowing me the flexibility to engage with others' projects and conversations later in the day. Additionally, I aim to incorporate a daily yoga practice, which will provide me with a sense of freedom and balance throughout the day.

In conclusion, Week 2 at Recurse Center was filled with accomplishments, growth, and self-discovery. From setting up the web application to engaging in meaningful conversations and learning valuable lessons, this week has propelled me further on my coding journey. As I embrace the challenges and celebrate the milestones, I am excited to see what the next week holds in store. Stay tuned for more adventures, laughter, and insights from Recurse Center!

¡Hasta pronto!

From Zoom Tales to Code Fails: A Latina's Recurse Center Rollercoaster

Lupe 🇧🇴 — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 22:21:06 +0000

Hola! Welcome to my chaotic journey through the magical land of Recurse Center. I'm a proud Latina girl with a passion for code, and I decided to embark on a 12-week adventure at this programmer's paradise. Grab your cafecito, sit back, and let me tell you all about my first week at Recurse Center.

Day 1: Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!

As a newbie in this place, my mission was to forge connections and mingle with new faces. I eagerly jumped into countless Zoom calls, determined to make an impression. Little did I anticipate the bunch of errors that awaited me. From my chaotic calendar to constantly searching for the right link, it was like a labyrinth of virtual meetups. But amidst the chaos, I stumbled upon some incredible individuals who sparked my creative fire. Their passion and talent inspired me to dream big and unleash my own potential.

Day 2: Cracking the Code... or Not!

Alright, I said to myself, let's take a break from Zoom calls and dive into some serious coding action! With a steaming cup of café con leche by my side, I eagerly embarked on my first coding project. Little did I know, I was about to face a challenge of mythical proportions. The pair programming workshop, where we took on the ambitious task of creating a Python application for the board game "Mastermind." Oh boy, did we take complexity to a whole new level! Our solution worked... sometimes. It was like attempting to crack the code to the universe, only to find ourselves tangled in a web of logic and conditional statements. The code I contributed during the workshop became an embodiment of my struggles, a testament to my ongoing journey of growth in the coding world.

But you know what they say, every mistake is a lesson in disguise. I may not have emerged as a coding maestro, but I gained invaluable experience, a few laughs, and a newfound respect for the intricate dance of programming. The road to coding greatness may be paved with errors, but hey, at least I'm giving the code gods a run for their money!

Day 3: Jack of All Trades, Master of None

They say you can learn a lot at Recurse Center, and boy, were they right! I spent the day diving into different topics and learning about things other people were interested in. Turns out, Recurse Center is like a melting pot of knowledge, with everyone bringing their unique passions and curiosities to the table. One minute, I'm learning about the latest deep learning techniques, and the next, I'm taking a crash course in creating command line interfaces. Who knew coding could be a gateway to so many weird and wonderful worlds?

Day 4: Unleashing Creativity

Avoiding my coding project like a pro, I stumbled upon this incredible space for non-programming talks. Can you believe it? I got to unleash my inner dancing queen and share my love for bachata. We traded coding jargon for dance steps, and let me tell you, it was like a virtual dance party on steroids!

But wait, it gets better. In my quest for creative coding glory, I conjured up a metallic snake that blended artistry with cutting-edge technology. It was like Picasso meets The Terminator, and I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer awesomeness of merging creativity and code. Who said coding can't be an art form?

And hold on tight, because the career switcher groups were an absolute game-changer! I dived headfirst into these vibrant communities, soaking up priceless tips and insights on navigating the treacherous job hunting landscape. Armed with my newfound knowledge and a touch of humor, I embarked on a mission to conquer the job market. Watch out world, here I come!

Day 5: Hasta La Vista, Frustration!

After a week of ups and downs, the Recurse Center transformed into a showcase of courage and creativity in their weekly showcase event. Many talented individuals fearlessly showcased their projects, and I couldn't help but admire their bravery. In just the first week, they had already accomplished so much. It was a reminder that success isn't always measured by flawless code, but by the sheer determination to put oneself out there.

Moreover, I discovered a safe space within the Recurse Center community. A space where I could freely express my feelings, share my challenges, and receive support from fellow learners and mentors alike. It was refreshing to have a platform where vulnerability was celebrated, and where we could all learn and grow together.

In the midst of this enriching experience, I found solace in the act of journaling. I dedicated time to pour my thoughts onto paper, capturing the essence of my journey at Recurse Center. The power of writing allowed me to reflect, process, and express my thoughts and emotions. It became an essential companion on this rollercoaster ride.

So, while my coding skills might still be a work in progress, I've come to realize that the true essence of Recurse Center lies in the connections forged, the emotions shared, and the personal growth experienced. It's a reminder that success isn't solely defined by lines of code, but by the joy and fulfillment found in the process of learning and connecting with others.

Join me next week as I navigate the wild world of coding, share embarrassing Zoom call stories, and maybe, just maybe, crack the code of my coding challenges. Until then, keep coding, keep laughing, and keep embracing the beautiful chaos of Recurse Center!

¡Hasta pronto!

Global Diversity CFP Day en La Paz

Lupe 🇧🇴 — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 21:44:43 +0000

Alerta de spoiler: Esta publicación tiene muchos sentimientos ;)

Hay un montón de cosas que están pasando por mi cabeza justo ahora, después de este sábado donde hemos realizado la primera versión de del evento Global Diversity CFP Day en la ciudad de La Paz, y siento que ha sido un éxito!

Han participado 30 personas aproximadamente, creo que la mitad fueron mujeres y la otra mitad varones :)

Y pensar que todo ha empezado con algunos tweets, primero algunos tweets de parte del @gdcfpday para que te animes a organizar un evento en tu ciudad, luego algunos tweets de otras comunidades en otras ciudades que estaban organizando el evento, luego el preguntarle a mi comunidad @nucleognulinux si podríamos ser capaces de organizar este evento, al principio lo dudaron pero eso no me detuvo así que decidí registrar mi ciudad (just in case you know), después de eso un nuevo tweet (https://twitter.com/luucamay_/status/1212021403513475083?s=20) hizo que sintiera que la cosa se puso seria.

Fue entonces que recibí el apoyo, aliento e interés de personas de la comunidad para que esto pase, entre las primeras personas que me ayudó a pensar mejor el evento estuvo @JhanelMartinez, después de nuestra primera reunión nos pusimos manos a la obra y contactamos a los primeros mentores.

También me contactó para apoyarme con este evento @crisloma con quién no pudimos llegar a algo concreto, debido a que yo todavía no tenía claro el formato del evento, y siento que cuando trabajas con ella las cosas se hacen serias, de todos modos muchas gracias por querer apoyarnos :)

Al final el equipo de organización con el que he trabajado ha sido increíble @JhanelMartinez, @melany_marisol, @pattty_mamani, @JesusIzurieta, @yongt9412, David y la Fundación Aydha, obvio hay cosas que pudimos haber hecho mejor, siempre se puede mejorar :)

Lo que rescato de este evento es que: “es de esos únicos eventos que me ha tocado organizar en donde he tenido incluso la oportunidad de disfrutar del evento como tal, y ser una participante más al igual que todo el equipo de la organización e incluso algunos mentores”. Siento que el resultado que tuvimos con solo 3 semanas de organización ha sido bastante bueno! Escuchar a los mentores y saber que se han sentido bien con este formato, que han podido escuchar más de cerca a las personas que estaban mentoreando, ha sido muy genial.

Ha sido mucho más increíble escuchar a gente que nunca había visto antes decir que ahora sí sienten que se van a animar a dar una charla en algún Meetup local o en alguna conferencia internacional. Ver esa sinceridad de los participantes me ha hecho sentir cosas muy bonitas en el corazón.

También durante el conversatorio hemos compartido algunas experiencias que hemos tenido como speakers, futuros speakers y organizadores de eventos. Cuando pude escuchar a uno de los mentores compartirnos que también le daba miedo a veces a aplicar para dar una charla en una conferencia tech, fue en ese momento en el que entendí que a todos nos hacía falta un evento como el que tuvimos donde nos apoyamos y alentamos para mejorar la calidad de charlas que damos, un evento donde también les hacemos notar a los organizadores de otras comunidades que a lo mejor hay que mostrar una apertura hacia los nuevos speakers.

Una de las cosas que me encantaría mejorar para una siguiente oportunidad de este evento es que toquemos un poco más fuerte los temas de diversidad, también necesitamos conseguir una forma de llegar a grupos en situaciones de vulnerabilidad. La Paz es un lugar diverso, donde migrantes de muchas partes se encuentran, donde los colectivos LGBTQ+ tienen mucha fuerza, así como los colectivos feministas.

Mis luchas obviamente no están en todos lados, no soy la representante de ninguno, porque nadie tiene el derecho a representarnos. Por eso hicimos este evento, para que podamos darle voz a sectores normalmente no representados en tecnología.

Me ha emocionado tanto el resultado de este evento que quiero que llegue a más personas, al principio se me ocurrió la idea de realizar este evento con el mismo formato pero para más personas en un espacio más grande, algo así como una especie de mega evento, esa idea no está descartada del todo, a lo mejor para el siguiente año hacemos algo así.

Pero lo que ahora siento es que este tipo de evento es una necesidad urgente, que el número de personas que han participado ha sido ideal para el conversatorio (donde charlamos todos en horizontalidad), y el ideal para manejar la cantidad de mentores adecuada. Me encanta la idea de repetir este evento una vez al mes, pero no se que opinan, a lo mejor conocen espacios donde quieran llevar a este evento, estaría bueno hacerlo, mandame un mensaje por Twitter a @luucamay_

Igual por mi cuenta voy a ver medios para realizar este evento con más frecuencia, a lo mejor podemos tener un capítulo local de @WriteSpeakCode ;)

Gracias equipo de organización del evento!

También les quiero agradecer profundamente al equipo de mentores:

Y muchas gracias si participaste de este evento y si tú charla fué aceptada en algún lugar celebra con la comunidad de @gdcfpday!!!