Hello Local Guides
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to @Gouri.PS from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 
. Gouri is a passionate B.Tech student. she’s an active Level 7 Local Guide contributing meaningfully to Google Maps through reviews, photos, and local insights.
Outside of her studies, Gouri enjoys dancing and drawing, expressing her creativity in vibrant and meaningful ways. Her curiosity drives her to explore new places, support local businesses, and share her experiences to help others navigate the world around them.
Being part of the Local Guides community has helped her grow, stay connected with diverse cultures, and empower others by sharing helpful information one contribution at a time.
When and how did you become a Local Guide?
My journey as a Local Guide began with my love for travelling and exploring new places, restaurants, shops, and hidden gems around me. One day, I came across a YouTube Shorts video where someone proudly showed off a badge they received from Google Maps. I was instantly inspired and a little obsessed! I wanted to earn that badge too, and that simple urge sparked my curiosity.
That’s when I started learning more about the Local Guides program and began contributing reviews and photos on Google Maps. What started as a goal to earn a badge soon turned into a passion for helping others discover places and make informed choices through my contributions.
What inspires you to contribute to Local Guides Connect?
I’m constantly inspired by the amazing posts shared by other Local Guides. Seeing their experiences, the thoughtful content they create, the likes they receive, and the badges they earn really motivates me to stay active and keep contributing.
What is your favourite type of contribution? Why?
My favourite type of contribution is adding photos.I am not a social media person I don’t even have an instagram account so for me the only way to know about a place was Google maps.If I want to go to a restaurant or to can check whether the restaurant is good or bad photos are the best option.
How do you define leadership, and what does it mean to you?
To me, leadership means working as a team, building new ideas, and having a clear plan to achieve goals. A true leader should also have resilience and adaptability, especially when facing challenges. It’s about guiding others while growing together.
In what ways do you lead or make an impact outside of Local Guides Connect?
I dedicate my time and energy to the causes I care about and try to use my voice to drive positive change in my community. Like a horigallu (a resting stone that offers comfort), I strive to be a good listener supportive and non-judgmental for those around me. Sometimes, simply being there for others can make the biggest impact.
What keeps you motivated to lead and contribute?
As I mentioned earlier, my senior Local Guides are very supportive, and seeing their dedication truly inspires me. I aspire to be like them, and that keeps me motivated to lead, contribute, and grow within the community.
Who inspires you the most, and why?
My parents are my greatest inspiration. They have always been my biggest support system, standing by me through all my ups and downs. Their unwavering encouragement, guidance, and love have shaped me into the person I am today.
How do you think we can inspire more women to be a part of our community?
I believe organizing meet-ups to support women-owned businesses and introducing them to Local Guides Connect and the benefits of contributing to Google Maps is a great way to inspire more women. It creates a space to connect, learn, and support each other, which helps build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Have you faced any challenges? How did you overcome them?
Even though we live in the 21st century, many stereotypes still exist especially in India. Some uneducated people believe that a woman should stay within the four walls of the house, take care of her children, and lead a life obeying her husband.
I’m very grateful that my parents have always been supportive, so I haven’t faced major challenges personally. However, I know many teenage girls my age who have dreams and wishes but are not allowed to pursue them simply because they are girls. This motivates me even more to contribute, lead, and help create a more equal and encouraging environment for all.
What barriers do you face to contribute in the community as a woman, and how do you overcome them?
I feel very lucky to have found a wonderful group of friends in this community. They are all incredibly supportive and helpful, which makes it easier for me to contribute confidently and overcome any barriers I might face as a woman.
What message would you like to share with women around the world?
Be brave. Be bold. Speak up and lead from the front. You are a star beautiful, smart, and capable. Never doubt yourself or put yourself down, because you are the best. Keep smiling, ladies, and believe in your power. May God bless you all!
Gouri’s journey as a Local Guide shows how passion, creativity, and community support can come together to create meaningful impact. Through her contributions, she not only helps others discover new places but also inspires women everywhere to lead with confidence and kindness. As she continues to grow and share her voice, Gouri reminds us all that leadership is about lifting others up and making a difference one contribution at a time.
Discover more empowering journeys from women around the world in the She Leads series 
Introducing She Leads: Celebrating the Remarkable Women Who Enrich Our Community
