When Linda first joined the Girl Develop It Hackathon, she was searching for direction, confidence, and a place to grow her skills. What she found was so much more—a community that helped her discover her professional passions and the courage to build her own company.
Today, Linda is the founder of Chatta LLC, a startup born directly from her GDI Hackathon experience. She’s returning to share her story and insights in our upcoming workshop, From Hackathon to Leadership: Level Up Your Skills.
In this engaging session, Linda will show participants how hackathons can become powerful stepping stones for leadership, collaboration, and career growth—even if you don’t come from a coding or design background. You’ll learn how to identify your “hidden leadership” skills, communicate effectively within a team, and translate your hackathon experiences into real-world career wins.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not technical enough to join a hackathon,” this class is your sign to jump in. Linda’s story proves that stepping into the unknown can lead to incredible opportunities.
Q&A with Linda: From Imposter Syndrome to Chatta LLC Founder
Why Did You Decide to Join the GDI Hackathon?
"When I first joined the GDI Hackathon in 2022, I was a junior UX/UI Designer simply looking to build my portfolio. I was completely new to the experience and honestly felt that nagging imposter syndrome—I wasn't sure my skills were good enough. But I knew I couldn't sit still!
My first project, Shybye (a social anxiety gamification website), was a huge learning curve. It taught me about my passion for healthcare technology and the critical importance of a smooth handoff to developers. I came back in 2023 with a specific goal: to win 1st Place. My partner Marita and I went in with an idea focused on online education, and that drive led to the creation of ClassConnect."
What Impact Did the Hackathon Have on Your Professional Journey?
"Participating in the GDI Hackathon twice was transformative. It didn't just add projects to a portfolio; it helped me pinpoint my professional passions: EdTech and Healthcare. More importantly, it was the ultimate proof that I could lead and be my own boss.
The success of ClassConnect gave me the confidence to take a huge leap. Marita and I decided to officially launch our own business. It's a tough, persistent learning process, but we are absolutely committed to scaling our company and turning our vision into a six-figure success story."
Tell Us More About Chatta LLC!
"Chatta LLC was officially established in August 2024. Our core product is ClassConnect, a community and platform designed specifically for online students who often feel isolated and lack support. We are focused on bridging the communication gap in online learning, making remote interaction more fun and engaging.
Right now, our work is focused on growing the ClassConnect community through social media and our newsletter. We are also actively partnering with colleges and hackathon organizers to share our journey—how a simple hackathon project evolved into a real business—by hosting workshops and talks."
What Should People Know About Joining Your Class and the Hackathon?
"My biggest takeaway is this: Don't go it alone. It can be incredibly hard to build a successful project by yourself. Hackathons, challenges, and competitions are the perfect environment to collaborate with talented people. My work with Marita proves that having a dedicated team, even for a short weekend, is essential.
My final piece of advice is to keep in touch with your hackathon teammates. Those are the people who share your drive and passion, and they might just be your future business partners!"
Linda’s journey from imposter syndrome to founder is exactly what the GDI Hackathon is all about—creating a supportive space where new ideas, skills, and confidence can thrive.
✨ Join Linda’s class, From Hackathon to Leadership: Level Up Your Skills, and see how your own hackathon experience can spark something extraordinary.