Inspired by @Latika_Malhotra’s post Celebrating Women in Our Community with a New Tag and More and the inspiring story of Googler Xinmei shared by @Julie_A Meet Googler Xinmei – Engineering Director, Google Maps, many Local Guides came forward to spotlight the journeys of remarkable women achievers. This interview is also a result of the motivation drawn from these empowering posts.
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A true champion of women empowerment[1], Isha (@Globe_trotter_Ish) made her mark during the 10th Anniversary celebrations by being the first to spark a dialogue through her powerful post Let’s Inspire on Connect - Beyond Women Allied Spotlight Series. She is the only Indian Women to be recognised twice as ‘Guiding Star’.She is also the first women Connect Moderator from India. She is an Accessibility Champion and Meet-up Champion. She is a part of #OneAccessibility team that focuses on promoting and supporting the cause of Accessibility globallly.
To learn more about her journey and insights, explore her inspiring story in her own words[2].
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Your Connect ID, “Globe_trotter_Ish,” is intriguing. Is there a special story or meaning behind it, or is it simply a result of a spontaneous thought?
[Isha] - It was a spontaneous thought earlier but I think the name ‘Globe_trotter_Ish’ suits me because I am always on the move ! In my leisure time I love to travel and my work too sometimes needs me to travel to new places / countries ! So you will see me trotting across the globe Hence the profile name ! -
How long after becoming a Local Guide did you discover Connect? And how did you first come across it?
[Isha] - I became a Local Guide in 2019 and 2020 I first came across ‘Connect’. I have always been someone who loves knowing different cultures, their traditions and I love trying different cuisines too. Connect also helped me connect with like-minded individuals who were passionate about supporting noble causes like Accessibility , Sustainability , etc. I have met some of the best people around the globe here on Connect and this platform that make my life so much better and I know I have their love and support for life now ! -
On January 24, your post, Let’s Inspire on Connect - Beyond Women Allied Spotlight Series, was featured on Connect. It was also the first post on women empowerment during the 10th Anniversary celebrations. In the post, you encouraged Local Guides to nominate women Local Guides who have made notable contributions in various fields. What kind of response did your post receive? If you’d like, feel free to share a brief story about your hard work and how it led to your success.
[Isha] - I always wanted to have a forum to feature the women Local Guides who are contributing in the background on Maps / Connect and may or may not have the time to be much active on Connect or be known for their contibutions but their inputs on Maps and in our Community are worth mentioning. I discussed with the Google team in our October 2024 Google office Connect Meet in India and there the idea was concieved! I was so happy to kick-off the idea then ! In Jan , I shared the post on Connect to get inputs from women globally. So far the response has been amazing and the number of inputs received just prove how much of this was needed ! I am glad to kick it off and also thankful to all the Connect Moderators globally and the Google team for supporting this initiative ! -
On 8th March, International Women’s Day, you shared the post ‘Celebrating and Supporting Women,’ featuring a heartwarming video with special messages from 25 women Local Guides and a stunning collage showcasing 27 women Local Guides from across the globe. Could you provide some insights into the process behind creating this post? Additionally, how many days did it take to bring this thoughtful and impactful project to life?
[Isha] - The process of collecting photos (ofcourse with consent) from women all over the globe took lots of efforts and follow-ups from not just me but my fellow Connect Moderators and many Local guides too who helped me get the videos in time. Although the editing effort was mine , I am glad women came forward and supporting me in getting the videos in the first place ! See, its a combined effort. This is the magic of this platform - when you try to do something good , like-minded folks will come together and help out selflessly and try to uplift each other ! I am lucky to have such fellow Local Guides who are like my extended family that helped me selflessly , some helped even without me asking so I feel am blessed that way ! -
On March 8, you shared your second post Women & Allies Series - Let’s Inspire on Connect & Beyond, where you mentioned that contributors would receive a Connect Badge. Could you explain the criteria for awarding this badge? If there’s a link to the badge, please feel free to share it.
[Isha]- Everyone who participates in the challenge would get a special badge on Connect. I am thankful for the Google team’s support for this. The criteria is already mentioned in the post. Thanks! -
At present, you’re in Mumbai, but on January 5, 2025, you hosted the “Blue Pottery Artisan Meetup” in Jaipur. Would it be fair to conclude that you have a deep appreciation for Blue Pottery?
[Isha] - I loved the blue pottery experience and even make a ceramic plate there. As a matter of fact , I love locally handmade items too as I feel they are eco-friendly and more sustainable. Also, I would never miss a chance to promote locally made handicraft items since they not only support Local businesses and artisans but also help share that country’s cultural heritage. I am lucky to be born in a country like ours where each state has something unique to offer in terms of local art and craft ! -
A former Google contributor mentioned in her post Meet a Connect Moderator - Isha, dated November 2021, that you could play the harmonium, piano, and drums, and at that time, you were learning the ukulele. It’s wonderful to learn about your talents, and I assume you can now play the ukulele as well.
[Isha] - Yes, I have a love for art and music ! Its something my parents and my family has instilled in me since childhood. My first meet-up on Connect was music related . The best part was Local Guides across different continents came to the meet-up , enjoyed, contributed and I was amazed to see the diversity the Google Local Guides program community has ! -
You reside in Mumbai, yet your posts on Connect highlight places in Dubai and the UK as well. How many countries have you explored so far?
[Isha]- Like I said , I keep travelling and love to share my thoughts in the form of my contributions on Maps. So whenever I visit a place locally or globally , you will see my contributions on Connect and maps. I have been to many countries but have posted on Connect about just UAE , England , Scotland and India so far! I post only when time permits. -
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
[Isha] - I would like to conclude by saying that ‘Every contribution matters and counts’ so keep contributing -
She has highlighted the inspiring journeys of several incredible Local Guides, including @cecilita and @Jesi from Argentina, @indahnuria and @AnikSetyawati from Indonesia, @preciousimo and @BeingSarahh from Nigeria, @Shrut19 and @aleena1 from India, @Yulia_Tikhanycheva from Lithuania, @rosanabtl from Brazil, and @Bere_Marichi from Mexico.
Links to the posts featuring these amazing Local Guides can be found in the first comment.
A heartfelt thank you to Isha for taking the time to share her insights through this interview. Her words continue to inspire and empower many.
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