Judith Traore 

“We are a big family, there is no big sister or little sister, we are all together. A big family trying to do the best for the world.”

Who Am I?

My name is Julie Traore, I am originally from Burkina Faso, Africa, I am an IT science engineer, an avid traveller, mother and volunteer.

Why I Volunteer at Hakili 

Personally, volunteering is part of how I define myself and I do it for my friends and family. I enjoy how volunteering allows me to meet new people and contribute ideas for new programs and discuss topics focused on children and poverty. 

How I Balance Volunteer Work, My Family and My Career

With my current job and two young boys, I am often very busy and it is hard at times to give my full energy to my volunteer work. I enjoy each aspect of my life and my family will always come first. However, I give everything that I can towards Hakili, even though I want to do so much more. I want to help people improve and develop many more programs-especially regarding cybersecurity and IT. Overall, it is not easy but I’m trying. 

Most Rewarding Part of Volunteering 

Despite everything that is going on in the world, at home and in our own personal life. Hakili is a place where you can confirm yourself, share what you are thinking, develop your thoughts and realize that your concerns are normal. You are reminded that you are trying your best and that everyone else is doing their best as well. It is somewhere you can feel comfortable expressing yourself. 

I can also see my personal growth since I began volunteering here. I feel motivated to see young children succeed; especially through the coding program that Hakili offers. We are preparing kids for tomorrow’s work in the world. 

How Volunteering Has Helped My Mental Health

Hakili’s mission is natural and can be a part of everyone’s vision. Every idea, project and topic comes from the volunteers which has helped me to feel a part of something important. My mental health has improved because everything that I learn and experience at Hakili changes and impacts my daily life. 

My Advice to Future Volunteers

If you are thinking about volunteering just try, don’t stop yourself, don’t say no. Come and see and you will have the opportunity to decide if you want to be part of the family, don’t stop yourself, you will love it.