The Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) is an international non-profit focused on promoting and enabling Open Data and Free Software for disaster responders and humanitarian aid organizations. The Outreachy program facilitates three-month paid internships with free and open-source software projects, aimed at those typically underrepresented in such projects.

Moriah Ellig, HOT’s Outreachy intern in 2016, was tasked with redesigning HOT’s official website. As the lead of HOT’s website, I mentored Moriah through this process. We collaborated extensively with HOT’s board, communication, and website groups to design and implement a new, responsive website layout.

In an interview with Mapbox, the internship’s sponsor, Moriah shared:

“I have had great help from my mentor, Felix Delattre, as well as graphic design guru Katja Ulbert. They have generously shared their time and expertise with me throughout the project, and enthusiastically supported my first contribution to the FOSS world.”

Working with HOT gave me insights into some of the ways in which technology can be leveraged to improve lives. My Outreachy internship with HOT significantly increased my confidence in my ability to contribute to FOSS projects, and I want to keep up the momentum. I recently participated in my first hackathon, a local “civic” hackathon, and you will find me exploring other ways FOSS can be used to assist with people-oriented problems!"

Thank you, Moriah, for your outstanding contributions and best wishes for your future endeavors!