The Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) is an international non-profit promoting and enabling Open Data and Free Software for disaster responders and humanitarian aid organizations. The Outreachy program organizes three-month paid internships with free and open-source software projects for people who are typically underrepresented in those projects.

Moriah Ellig was HOT’s Outreachy intern in 2016. The task was to redesign HOT’s official website. As HOT’s website lead I was Moriah’s mentor and supported her during the design process. In close collaboration with HOT’s board, communication and website group we designed and implemented a new and responsive design for HOT’s website.

Moriah told Mapbox, the sponsor of this internship:

“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 the excellent work and wish you all the best in your career!