At Believe in Me, we are fortunate to have a team of dedicated volunteers who contribute their time, skills, and passion to further our mission of empowering underprivileged children. Among these incredible individuals is Rahulya Potla, a volunteer software developer whose exceptional work has profoundly impacted our organization. In this blog, we celebrate Rahulya’s journey, her contributions, and the incredible value she brings to our cause.
Early Life and Influences
Rahulya Potla’s story begins in the vibrant state of Telangana, India, where she spent her formative years. From a young age, she was deeply engaged in various extracurricular activities, from science fairs to debate clubs and cultural events like dance and drama. These experiences taught her invaluable lessons in teamwork, leadership, and creative thinking—skills that have become the bedrock of her career in software development.
Growing up, Rahulya was surrounded by a close-knit group of friends who shared dreams of great accomplishments. The story of Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin to go to space, was a significant inspiration for her and her friends. Rahulya dreamed of becoming an astronaut, a goal that fueled her curiosity and drive to aim high. The discipline and teamwork she learned through sports further solidified the qualities of perseverance and collaboration that continue to guide her today.
Journey into Software Development
Rahulya’s passion for technology was ignited during a school project that involved creating a story and accompanying illustrations. Her group’s entry not only won the competition but was also transformed into animations with the help of their Computer Science teacher. This project was a pivotal moment for Rahulya, sparking her interest in software development and the creative possibilities that technology offers.
Her academic journey took her to UNC Charlotte, where she pursued a degree in Computer Science. During her time at UNC Charlotte, she held various leadership roles, including serving as a teaching assistant and a Dean’s Office Ambassador. These experiences deepened her technical knowledge and helped her develop strong leadership and communication skills, laying a solid foundation for her future career.
Professional Journey
Upon graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Rahulya embarked on her professional journey, starting with roles in startups like Arcadis IBI Group and Planon, a product-based company. These positions provided her with invaluable industry experience and allowed her to hone her technical skills.
Recognizing the need to broaden her perspectives and enhance her professional growth, Rahulya decided to pursue a master’s degree abroad. While at UNC Charlotte for her master’s, she actively participated in campus events and interned as an application developer with Arch Mortgage Insurance. After graduating in May 2024, she was eager to apply her skills to new opportunities. When her friend Aishwarya introduced her to Believe in Me, Rahulya saw it as the perfect chance to contribute to a meaningful cause while continuing to grow professionally. Volunteering with Believe in Me has been a fulfilling way for Rahulya to apply her skills and give back to the community.
Overcoming Challenges
Rahulya’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Moving to a new country for her master’s program, far from her home in India, was a significant hurdle. Adjusting to a new culture and lifestyle, being away from family and friends, and navigating life independently all posed challenges. However, Rahulya’s resilience shone through. She focused on building a supportive network and immersed herself in her new environment, participating in campus events and engaging with fellow students. These experiences helped her integrate into the community, form new connections, and ultimately thrive in her new surroundings. Her resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.
Achievements and Personal Triumphs
One of Rahulya’s most significant achievements was winning the Pearl Hacks hackathon at UNC-Chapel Hill in two categories. Her team developed a project aimed at addressing civic issues, allowing citizens to report and manage various community concerns. This recognition was particularly meaningful for Rahulya, validating her hard work and innovation in tackling real-world problems. It was a proud moment that underscored her commitment to using technology for social good, a dedication that is truly inspiring.
Rahulya’s Philosophy and Professional Approach
Rahulya’s professional approach is deeply influenced by the personal challenges she has faced. She has always believed in working diligently toward her goals and giving her best effort while leaving the results to fate. This philosophy was reinforced during her preparation for the Mission RND program, where senior engineers from major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Adobe mentored her. The discipline and commitment she developed during this time have become central to her professional approach, driving her continuous growth and success in the tech industry.
Passions and Interests
Outside of work, Rahulya’s passions include sports, dance, and cooking. She has been active in these pursuits since childhood and continues to find joy and fulfillment in them today. Additionally, Rahulya has a deep interest in Indian history and heritage. She enjoys exploring India’s majestic forts and palaces, each telling its unique story. These travels satisfy her curiosity and provide a profound connection to her cultural roots, enriching her understanding of history and offering a delightful blend of adventure and learning.
Advocacy and Vision
Education is a cause that Rahulya is particularly passionate about. She believes that access to quality education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for empowerment and social change. Supporting educational initiatives and contributing to projects that enhance learning opportunities are important to her. In her role at Believe in Me, Rahulya is committed to using her skills to advance the organization’s mission. Her vision for the organization’s software development efforts is to create innovative and effective technological solutions that maximize our impact, helping us provide vital educational opportunities and support to deserving children. This vision for the future is something that we can all be excited about.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Rahulya hopes to achieve several key goals in her role at Believe in Me. She aspires to contribute to developing high-quality, impactful software that addresses real-world challenges. Additionally, she plans to deepen her expertise in emerging technologies and methodologies, enabling her to drive innovation and improve project outcomes. Rahulya also hopes to take on leadership responsibilities, mentoring and guiding team members to foster a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
Inspiration and Motivation
Rahulya stays motivated and inspired in her work through a combination of continuous learning, setting personal challenges, and connecting with peers and mentors. She actively seeks out opportunities to explore new technologies and trends, keeping her skills sharp and her work exciting. Setting achievable goals and celebrating milestones helps her maintain a sense of accomplishment and drive. Her advice to aspiring software developers is to focus on mastering the fundamentals, continuously practice by building projects, stay curious, and engage with the developer community. She emphasizes the importance of problem-solving, strong communication skills, and resilience in overcoming challenges.
Celebrating a True Tech Champion
We are incredibly grateful for Rahulya Potla’s contributions as a volunteer software developer at Believe in Me. Her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to our mission have significantly impacted our organization and the children we serve. Her journey, achievements, and vision for the future inspire us. Rahulya’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and the desire to make a difference. We are honored to have her as part of our team and look forward to seeing the incredible things she will continue to accomplish.
Visit our website to learn more about Believe in Me and how you can support our mission.
