In latest entry in our Women in Mobility Spotlight series, highlighting members of our Women in Mobility Peer Group. , we connected with Mehakdeep Kaur, a self-employed freelance web developer.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi, I’m Mehakdeep Kaur, a passionate web developer who loves staying up to date with the latest trends in the tech industry and learning new programming languages. I’m dedicated to creating innovative web solutions that enhance user experience, and I’m always eager to explore new technologies and expand my skill set.
What does ‘mobility’ mean to you?
“Mobility” to me means the freedom to interact, grow, and pursue new possibilities. It’s about being capable to traverse many environments—physical, social, and professional—while making important connections and extending my network. In a larger sense, mobility allows me to adapt to shifting circumstances, accept new experiences, and grow both personally and professionally. It pertains to remaining open to new chances that will help me improve and widen my horizons.
What motivated you to pursue a career or interest in the mobility industry?
My desire to work in the mobility business derives from my enthusiasm for new technologies and the limitless chances it provides to learn and improve. The fast improvements in my industry fascinate me because they always challenge me to keep current with trends, learn novel talents, and push the limits of creativity. Every project provides an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s a revolutionary technology or a novel approach to an established problem. This ongoing growth is what keeps me interested and driven in this field.
What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on in the industry or classroom?
My favourite project was designing the iTaxWindsor website, which allowed me to work on a real-world project that entailed creating and improving a fully operating website. It was a great learning opportunity since I collaborated together with the others to bring the client’s idea to reality while guaranteeing a smooth user experience. This assignment allowed me to practice my technical talents and showed me the value of good communication, cooperation, and adjusting to real-world issues in web development.
Going back to what ‘mobility’ means to you, what do you think is the biggest challenge or obstacle facing the industry today?
I feel that the most difficult task in the mobility market today is venturing beyond of your comfort zone, whether it means networking with new people or being flexible to quick technology changes. Overcoming my reluctance to interact with others and grow my network has been a huge challenge. Furthermore, keeping up with the rapid evolution of new technologies and being able to learn and adapt swiftly is both a challenge and a must for success in an ever-changing sector.
How do you see the role of women evolving in the mobility industry in the future, and what changes would you like to see?
I see women’s roles in the transportation business improving positively, but it remains hard. While we’ve made strides, there’s always a need for more representation and support for women seeking leadership positions. I’d want to see more women step forward and prioritize their careers in this industry, breaking down the customary obstacles that frequently keep them back. Creating a culture that encourages women to embark on ambitious initiatives, accept leadership chances, and thrive in a male-dominated sector is critical for future growth.
Can you share any personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the mobility space?
My volunteer experiences at Gurudwara Khalsa Prakash have underlined the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in the mobility sector. While planning events, I saw firsthand how varied origins and opinions can improve a community, encouraging cooperation and understanding. Bringing together people from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds enabled us to meet a variety of needs and preferences, illustrating how inclusive methods improve problem-solving and generate creativity. I believe that increasing diversity in the mobility business results in better goods and services because teams with varied viewpoints are better able to comprehend and address the diverse demands of their consumers. Finally, embracing inclusion enriches our communities and accelerates progress toward a more equal and accessible transportation scene.
What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing a career in mobility and/or tech?
My recommendation to young women interested in a career in mobility or technology is to focus networking and cooperation with other like-minded women. Creating a strong support network may bring motivation, inspiration, and vital connections. In addition, work to improve your talents as much as possible, whether through formal schooling, online classes, or hands-on initiatives. The more you put into your personal and professional growth, the more confident you will be in your talents. Embrace chances to learn, ask questions, and share your expertise with others; this approach will enable you to succeed in the field.
Are there any specific resources, organizations, or networks that have been valuable to you in your professional journey within the mobility/tech industry?
Yes, there are various resources and organizations that have been extremely beneficial to my career development in the mobility and technology industries. St. Clair College has given me a solid foundation in web development and access to a variety of networking possibilities. Additionally, the We Tech Alliance has been an excellent resource for networking with local experts and learning about industry trends. I’d also want to thank the Women in Mobility group for their wonderful support, which has provided a friendly platform for women to share their stories, cooperate, and encourage each other. These networks have been extremely beneficial to my professional advancement.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and advancements?
I keep up with the newest industry trends and breakthroughs mostly via LinkedIn and GitHub. LinkedIn is an excellent site for networking with professionals, following industry leaders, and engaging in conversations about upcoming technology and trends. It keeps me up to date on the latest developments in transportation and technology. GitHub, on the other hand, allows me to discover new projects, work with others, and learn how various technologies are used in real-world applications. Engaging with these platforms not only enhances my knowledge but also helps me build a strong professional network.
What is one thing that you wish more people knew about the mobility industry, and why?
One thing I wish more people understood about the mobility sector is that it values many cultures and respects people at all levels equally. The industry is committed to ensuring that different communities are represented and that everyone has access to transportation options that fit their requirements. This dedication to inclusion promotes a sense of belonging and strength, as well as fostering innovative thinking that takes into account other views. Recognizing that everyone deserves equal mobility possibilities allows us to build a more fair and accessible environment for all, eventually enriching our communities and improving cross-cultural collaboration.
Connect With Mehakdeep on Social Media
Check out more Spotlights in our Women in Mobility Spotlight series, highlighting members of our Women in Mobility Peer Group, as well as our Women in Tech Spotlight, that highlights women in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent tech community.
