Hello, Local Guides!
Today I am super excited to shine the She Leads spotlight on @SwetaDhondoo a Software Engineer from the beautiful island of Mauritius. She loves exploring her country and sharing its hidden spots and rich culture as a Level 8 Local Guide.
A creative person who enjoys crafting, solving puzzles, photography, movies, and music. She’s also a big fan of board games and often joins game nights with Board Gamers Mauritius, where she has fun and enjoys friendly challenges.
She gives back by being a voice donor and supports causes that help others.
When it comes to sports, she is passionate about cricket, swimming, and badminton. In her downtime, she likes keeping her mind sharp with Sudoku puzzles or immersing herself in captivating novels and insightful documentaries.
When and how did you become a Local Guide?
It all started around 7 years ago with my love for photography and sharing glimpses of life through short reviews and beautiful pictures, whether it was delicious food, stunning places, or lively festivals. Back then, I didn’t even realize I was contributing as a Local Guide. But reaching Level 4 and earning that Local Guide badge made a difference. Discovering that I could earn different badges at each level made the journey even more exciting. It became a rewarding adventure, filled with the joy of unlocking new badges. At that time, I never anticipated that, over time, the badges would fade into the background and no longer be my main focus.
What inspires you to contribute to Local Guides Connect?
Over time, I’ve come to realize that while the badges were exciting at first, they are no longer what truly matters. My journey as a Local Guide has evolved into something far more meaningful. It’s about making a deeper impact, connecting with people, and contributing in ways that truly resonate. The real reward now lies in the purpose behind it all.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, I embraced this passion with renewed focus and a stronger drive to make a difference. Seeing my reviews featured was a great boost, and the positive feedback on my photos and contributions fueled my desire to share even more enthusiastically. The true turning point came in 2024 when I became an Accessibility Champion. Realizing that my efforts could help improve accessibility for others gave my journey as a Local Guide a deeper and more purposeful meaning.
What is your favourite type of contribution? Why?
Sharing about my birthplace is one of my greatest joys. I love shining a light on the vibrant culture and rich diversity of Mauritius, a rich multicultural paradise. From our delicious Mauritian cuisine like dholl puri to breathtaking spots such as the natural multi-coloured sand dunes, Chamarel’s Seven-Colored Earth, the sacred lake with serene atmosphere Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) etc; there’s so much to celebrate.
I take great pride in highlighting our vibrant festivals, such as Cavadee, Eid, Divali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Chinese New Year etc., each reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of our island.
It’s all about celebrating diversity, telling unique stories, and inspiring others to explore the beauty of our world. The greatest reward comes when people comment on my posts, saying they had no idea Mauritius existed or that they now want to visit. It fills me with such happiness to connect with others, help them discover new places, and make information accessible to everyone.
How do you define leadership, and what does it mean to you?
Leadership is the art of inspiring, guiding, and empowering others to achieve a shared goal. It’s not just about holding authority, it’s about fostering influence, demonstrating empathy, and leading by example.
To me, leadership is about embodying the qualities we want to see in others, providing clear guidance to overcome challenges, and fostering collaboration within the team to achieve collective success. It’s a journey we take together, where the leader is both a guide and an active contributor. By living the values we wish to in-still, we encourage and inspire others to walk with us toward growth and meaningful achievements.
In what ways do you lead or make an impact outside of Local Guides Connect?
I strive to make a positive impact by sharing my knowledge and experiences across my community and networks. For instance, I actively promote cultural awareness by participating in events that celebrate diversity, such as multicultural festivals. I also contribute by writing articles that highlight the unique characteristics of different cultures and destinations, inspiring others to explore and learn through my YouTube channel.
On Google Maps, I support local entrepreneurs by helping their businesses gain online visibility, enabling them to connect with a wider audience. By merging creativity, technology, and community engagement, I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
What keeps you motivated to lead and contribute?
What keeps me motivated is the opportunity to make a positive impact and connect with others. The joy of sharing knowledge, exhibiting unique aspects of cultures, and helping others discover something new inspires me to keep contributing. Seeing the results of my efforts, whether it’s helping a local entrepreneur gain visibility, inspiring someone to explore Mauritius, or fostering cultural understanding, fuels my passion and keeps me going.
Who inspires you the most, and why?
The person who has inspired me the most in connection to online contribution is undoubtedly @KashifMisidia He is a true master of his craft, consistently excelling in what he does. His dedication, expertise, and ability to lead by example are truly commendable. Beyond that, he has been an incredible source of support and mentorship since the beginning, always guiding me and inspiring me to strive for excellence. Also, when I see the incredible work others are doing, it often makes me feel like I could be doing more, and this motivates me to stay committed and contribute actively.
In my personal life, my elder sister Minta holds that special place of inspiration. She has been my enduring role model, a pillar of strength and wisdom. Her guidance and example have deeply influenced the person I have become, and I truly hope I’ve made her proud.
I would like to seize the opportunity to sincerely thank both of them, as well as everyone else, for their invaluable contributions to my life. Their support, inspiration, and guidance have profoundly shaped who I am, and I remain deeply grateful for their impact.
How do you think we can inspire more women to be a part of our community?*
Women often juggle incredibly busy schedules, balancing professional responsibilities and personal commitments. In my opinion, to engage them in meaningful ways, the approach should be simple, effective, and flexible, allowing them to participate at their own pace without adding too much to their plate.
Here are some ideas:
- Interactive Social Media Campaigns: Create easy-to-follow challenges or prompts that they can complete and share in minutes, such as highlighting their favourite local dish or hidden gem.
- Flexible Participation: Organize activities that don’t require fixed schedules, such as sharing tips or feedback online that they can do at their convenience
- Supportive Tools and Resources: Offer simple guides or templates for contributions like writing reviews, uploading pictures, or crafting short, impactful articles.
- Recognition and Motivation: Highlight their contributions in community posts or newsletters to show appreciation and inspire others, making their efforts feel valued without demanding extra time. By keeping things straightforward and adaptive, women can feel empowered to contribute without feeling overwhelmed.*
Have you faced any challenges? How did you overcome them?
The life of a woman is, by default, filled with challenges, but we are fighters by nature. I’ve faced my share of personal and professional hurdles, as most do. The approach that has always worked for me is staying positive, half the battle is won with the right mindset!
One lesson my father imparted to me was to always remember that in every difficult situation, things could have been much worse. So be thankful, stay grateful, and move forward!
That wisdom struck a chord with me and continues to guide my journey. It helps me let go of lamenting and approach life’s challenges with gratitude and a positive outlook.*
Something else that deeply resonated with me is his saying “Jo kuchh hamari iccha ke anusaar hota hai, woh acha hai. Aur jo nahi hota, woh aur bhi acha hai, kyunki woh Bhagwan ki marzi hai.” (Whatever happens according to our will is good, and if not, it’s even better, as it’s God’s will). This reflects a mindset of trust in a higher power, embracing outcomes, whether they align with our desires or not, as part of a greater divine plan. It’s a beautiful way to find peace and gratitude in life’s uncertainties.
What barriers do you face to contribute in community as a women and how do you overcome them?*
As mentioned earlier, women often face challenges such as balancing demanding schedules and societal expectations. Personally, my greatest challenge arises from my own pace, the physical distance (time zone) associated with attending online meetups and events, which can sometimes make it difficult to stay connected with everything happening around me. I choose to focus on my own rhythm and priorities rather than comparing myself to others or trying to match their pace and efforts. By leaning on the support of my family and committing to meaningful yet manageable contributions that align with my strengths, I am able to stay grounded.
What message would you like to share with women around the world?
You are stronger and more capable than you realize. Chase your dreams, honour your journey, and never allow anyone to control you, harm you, whether verbally or physically ,or diminish your worth. Respect yourself, as self-respect lays the foundation for earning the respect of others. As the saying goes, ‘When someone treats you like an option, help them narrow their choices by removing yourself from the equation.’ You deserve love, dignity, and the freedom to shine unapologetically in your own light.
To all the women out there, keep embracing your strength, uplifting one another, and shining in your own unique way!
Thank you, Sweta, for sharing your inspiring journey, your deep passion for community, and your unwavering belief in making a difference one review, one voice, one story at a time. Your commitment to creativity, accessibility, and cultural awareness is truly powerful. You remind us that leadership isn’t always about titles, it’s about heart, purpose, and the quiet impact we make in the lives of others.
We’re grateful to have you as part of the Local Guides community. Keep shining, keep leading, and keep inspiring! 
Kudos to you for championing all these inspiring stories 
for getting published and keep inspiring other women local guide too.
Your messages are filled with so much kindness. Your encouragement reinforces my belief that true impact goes beyond numbers; it’s about connection, purpose, and shared experiences.
