Chapters Corner: From Finding Community to Building It: Supporting ACM SIGCHI Chapters Committee

In 2021, I moved to the United States from India to pursue a master's degree in product design. Since then, I have been building my path both personally and professionally. There were times when I wondered how others found their place, their mentors, and supportive communities. It took me time and persistence to build my foundation, but I quickly realized how much professional growth depends on finding the right people and building a meaningful professional network. Since then, I've been passionate about helping others find community and resources that took me so long to find. Not long after arriving, I started volunteering with a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia that supported international students like me. Little things like hosting coffee meetups, organizing guidance calls, and helping people find local resources made a meaningful impact. These experiences showed me that small, community-driven efforts can significantly improve how people navigate new environments. It taught me that when people feel welcomed into a community, they're more likely to be involved and support each other.