In fall 2025, I joined the SWE Ignite Leadership Program with one simple goal: to grow. Not just as a software engineer, but as a leader, and also rebuild the confidence to speak up, show up, and lead with purpose.
What I didn’t expect was how profoundly the experience would reshape how I see myself, my voice, and my career path.
Just weeks after completing the program in December 2025, I was promoted to senior software engineer. While no single program defines a career, I know that Ignite played a meaningful role in helping me step into that next level with courage.
Leaning Into Discomfort
One of the most impactful aspects of Ignite was the focus on leading self, which helped me realize that leadership begins internally. Through the SWE Leadership Competency Model and self-assessment exercises, I gained a deeper understanding of my strengths and the areas I wanted to improve upon.
As an international student studying abroad, navigating differences in culture, values, and communication styles was challenging, which often held me back. Along the way, different circumstances contributed to impostor syndrome — especially when it came to speaking up, sharing ideas, and engaging confidently with others. Over time, I lost some of the confidence I once had to grow, explore opportunities, and pursue what I loved.
Ignite helped me pause, reflect, and rebuild. I realized that one of the most essential skills for growth is the ability to communicate clearly and openly — to share your opinions, ask questions, and take up space at the table. To do that, we must step out of our comfort zones, push ourselves, and intentionally create opportunities to connect with others.
One mindset shift that stayed with me is this: when you feel unsure of yourself or doubt your ability, the best way to grow is often to say “yes” before hesitation takes over. Leaning into discomfort instead of avoiding it is something I’m actively trying to practice as I continue moving forward with courage and confidence.
Valuing Emotional Intelligence
One of my biggest takeaways from Ignite was learning how to advocate for myself with confidence. The program emphasized emotional intelligence and how essential it is not only for career growth, but also for personal well-being. That message made it clear that I needed to grow in this area. Through reflection, I realized that after many ups and downs in life, I had become emotionally softer and more vulnerable, and at times even gullible, in ways that were holding me back. I often prioritized others over myself, carried unspoken stress, and pushed through burnout instead of addressing it. This affected my confidence and growth.
Ignite helped me see that emotional intelligence is not about suppressing feelings, it’s about understanding them, setting boundaries, and leading yourself with intention. I began to realize the importance of standing strong, being bold in my choices, and prioritizing my own growth and happiness. I learned to seek advice, but also to trust myself and move forward with clarity and purpose.
Ignite is not just about individual learning — it’s also about learning in community. The peer coaching circles and live sessions created space for reflection, mutual growth, and support. Engaging with other professionals committed to growth made the experience motivating and grounding. Talking with peers, sharing experiences, and supporting one another created a space of trust and shared purpose where we learned, encouraged each other, and grew together. Through those conversations, I built confidence in speaking, expressing my ideas, and participating more fully.
One of the most meaningful outcomes of that circle was that one of my peers naturally became my mentor — someone who has continued to support my personal, professional, and SWE journey to this day. Their guidance has been crucial in helping me navigate challenges, stay focused on growth, and show up more confidently.
Looking Ahead
I’ve now stopped waiting for opportunities to come to me — I started looking for them instead. I began initiating conversations, raising my hand for projects, and seeking ways to contribute beyond my role. I started taking the lead on the work I was involved in and advocating for my own growth and for the growth of other women. I’ve become more intentional about supporting women’s education and health.
In a nutshell, Ignite taught me that leadership is a journey shaped by continuous learning, reflection, self-discovery, and purposeful action. The program has helped me take meaningful steps forward. It has shaped not only how I work, but also how I believe in myself. Ignite helped spark the motivation I needed to reconnect with myself and move forward with confidence and impact.
Interested in participating in the Ignite Leadership Program? Check out the program homepage to learn more.
