Kanwal Jehan Co-Founder of Open Source MentorSHOP, a new mentorship program for developer career transitioners who have graduated from bootcamps

I am the Co-Founder of Open Source MentorSHOP, a new mentorship program for developer career transitioners who have graduated from bootcamps. We have monthly events that get junior developers connected with senior developers in the tech space to receive the guidance they need. It’s a curated event to which more than 200+ developers apply, only 25 get accepted. I am truly passionate about this mentorship program because it lets me give back to my community in a truly authentic way.

What is the most surprising thing about being a female entrepreneur?

The surprising thing about being a female entrepreneur is that men in business really don’t take you seriously! I used to hear from successful female entrepreneurs how hard it was/is to be a women in business and I finally understand now. Even the men who are your friends and mentors will show you their true colors once you get into business with them. Again, as they say “it’s just business baby, it’s just business”!!!

Is it important to have mentors and mentor other people? Why?

Yes, it’s very important to have mentors and mentor other people. Ever since college, I have been mentored by professors, co-workers, friends and family members. Because of their guidance and wisdom, I am where I am today! I could not have done it without them. That’s why I created Open Source MentorSHOP, so developers can find caring mentors who will guide them towards their dreams. Mentors are needed to question you, challenge you and show you your true self. When you don’t see who you are and who you can become, your mentors guide you through their words, insights and life-experiences.

What part of your personality helped you the most with your entrepreneurial journey?

“Determination” keeps me going in my entrepreneurial pursuits. I just don't give up!

Someone once said that you can’t tell your big dreams to small minded people. Do you believe that it’s a true statement? Why do you think that people close to us don’t often believe in our dreams / don’t understand what we are trying to accomplish?

I think people close to us don’t often believe in our dreams is because we still have yet to show our true potential to them. It is not a negative thing! It should energize you and give you more of a reason to prove them wrong. Even if you don’t prove them wrong, you did everything in your power to get closer to your dreams and that’s all that matters.