Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career at GoDaddy.

I’m Athira, a Software Developer based in Kirkland, Washington. I’m originally from Kerala, a small state in India, and I moved to the U.S. to pursue my master’s at Arizona State University. Today, I work on the Front of Site team, focusing on Add to Cart and Pricing.

I recently completed five years at GoDaddy, and it’s been an incredible journey of growth. When I moved to the U.S., I wanted challenges, learning, exposure, and the chance to meet people from different backgrounds. GoDaddy has given me exactly that. I have learned new technologies, worked with teams across the company, understood how our Add to Cart flow works end‑to‑end, and gotten hands‑on experience with the pricing logic and rules that shape customer experience.

A big part of my growth at GoDaddy has come from our Employee Resource Group, GoDaddy Women in Tech (GDWIT). I first joined as a member, then moved into the Leadership Council. Today, I’m proud to serve as the Co‑Vice President of GDWIT. I have been actively involved with the GDWIT mentorship program since it launched in 2023, and it’s something I still care deeply about. And if you have ever used the GDWIT Valentine’s Slack workflow that pops up every February – yes, I’m one of the co‑creators of that fun little tradition!

GDWIT has given me a community, a sense of belonging, and so many opportunities to connect with incredible women across the company.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the tech industry?

For me, it started with solving problems. Like many engineers, I get a certain happiness from debugging something or figuring out a tricky issue. Over time, that joy turned into wanting to build things that make people’s lives easier or more enjoyable.

Technology keeps evolving, and there is always something new to learn. That constant change, the creativity behind building solutions, and the thrill of learning something new, that’s what inspires me.

Who is one mentor or public figure that has influenced your professional journey?

I have had many great mentors in my career, and there are public figures I admire, as well. However, the person who consistently influences me the most is my husband. He has been a steady pillar in my life. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, he helps me break down problems that seem huge into smaller, manageable pieces, and then we tackle them together.

Having a supportive partner can make a big difference in your professional life. And since he is also an engineer, it’s always fun to talk through challenges, joke about agile ceremonies, and laugh at all the corporate jargon we secretly enjoy using.

What’s the most challenging yet rewarding thing you’ve worked on at GoDaddy?

Challenges always feel huge when you are in the middle of them, but once you have gotten through them, they don’t seem so intimidating anymore.

During my second year at GoDaddy, I led a large project to modernize the legacy Add to Cart service. It required migrating everything from an old system to a new one, making major code changes, coordinating with a team, and working with contractors. There were definitely moments when I thought: “This is too much.”

But finishing that project taught me so much. And now, if you asked me to do the same thing again, I wouldn’t find it nearly as overwhelming. It’s one of those moments that helped shape my confidence as an engineer.

What advice would you give to employees who want to get involved in GDWIT?

If you are looking for community, connection, or a sense of sisterhood, GDWIT is the place to be. You don’t have to take on a big role to get started – just show up. Attend a fireside chat or panel, join conversations in Slack, or even drop a few reactions in the #gdwit channel.

Small steps lead to bigger connections. And before you know it, you will feel part of the community.

What’s your motto or personal mantra?

Keep the curiosity alive. Keep learning. Keep stepping outside your comfort zone. That’s where growth happens.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Career Page

 

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career at GoDaddy.

I’m Athira, a Software Developer based in Kirkland, Washington. I’m originally from Kerala, a small state in India, and I moved to the U.S. to pursue my master’s at Arizona State University. Today, I work on the Front of Site team, focusing on Add to Cart and Pricing.

I recently completed five years at GoDaddy, and it’s been an incredible journey of growth. When I moved to the U.S., I wanted challenges, learning, exposure, and the chance to meet people from different backgrounds. GoDaddy has given me exactly that. I have learned new technologies, worked with teams across the company, understood how our Add to Cart flow works end‑to‑end, and gotten hands‑on experience with the pricing logic and rules that shape customer experience.

A big part of my growth at GoDaddy has come from our Employee Resource Group, GoDaddy Women in Tech (GDWIT). I first joined as a member, then moved into the Leadership Council. Today, I’m proud to serve as the Co‑Vice President of GDWIT. I have been actively involved with the GDWIT mentorship program since it launched in 2023, and it’s something I still care deeply about. And if you have ever used the GDWIT Valentine’s Slack workflow that pops up every February – yes, I’m one of the co‑creators of that fun little tradition!

GDWIT has given me a community, a sense of belonging, and so many opportunities to connect with incredible women across the company.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the tech industry?

For me, it started with solving problems. Like many engineers, I get a certain happiness from debugging something or figuring out a tricky issue. Over time, that joy turned into wanting to build things that make people’s lives easier or more enjoyable.

Technology keeps evolving, and there is always something new to learn. That constant change, the creativity behind building solutions, and the thrill of learning something new, that’s what inspires me.

Who is one mentor or public figure that has influenced your professional journey?

I have had many great mentors in my career, and there are public figures I admire, as well. However, the person who consistently influences me the most is my husband. He has been a steady pillar in my life. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, he helps me break down problems that seem huge into smaller, manageable pieces, and then we tackle them together.

Having a supportive partner can make a big difference in your professional life. And since he is also an engineer, it’s always fun to talk through challenges, joke about agile ceremonies, and laugh at all the corporate jargon we secretly enjoy using.

What’s the most challenging yet rewarding thing you’ve worked on at GoDaddy?

Challenges always feel huge when you are in the middle of them, but once you have gotten through them, they don’t seem so intimidating anymore.

During my second year at GoDaddy, I led a large project to modernize the legacy Add to Cart service. It required migrating everything from an old system to a new one, making major code changes, coordinating with a team, and working with contractors. There were definitely moments when I thought: “This is too much.”

But finishing that project taught me so much. And now, if you asked me to do the same thing again, I wouldn’t find it nearly as overwhelming. It’s one of those moments that helped shape my confidence as an engineer.

What advice would you give to employees who want to get involved in GDWIT?

If you are looking for community, connection, or a sense of sisterhood, GDWIT is the place to be. You don’t have to take on a big role to get started – just show up. Attend a fireside chat or panel, join conversations in Slack, or even drop a few reactions in the #gdwit channel.

Small steps lead to bigger connections. And before you know it, you will feel part of the community.

What’s your motto or personal mantra?

Keep the curiosity alive. Keep learning. Keep stepping outside your comfort zone. That’s where growth happens.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• TikTok
• Career Page

 

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Quiet acts of service often speak the loudest, and that kind of generosity can ripple outward to help strengthen entire communities.

At Aflac’s annual sales conference, six independent Aflac sales agents were recognized for their community efforts that reflect a deep commitment to helping others through support for local families, disaster relief, youth programs and other grassroots initiatives. Each of these Agents of Care winners were nominated by their peers and received a $10,000 contribution from Aflac to further the causes they champion.

Below are the heartfelt and impactful ways these Agents of Care help to make a difference in their communities.

Leading with compassion in times of crisis

Aflac District Sales Coordinator Tamara “Tam” King and Agent Sierra Mason have a reputation of leading with intention, empathy and a deep sense of responsibility — both at work and in their community.

When a tornado struck the St. Louis area in 2025, Tam and Sierra pivoted into action, helping to support a grassroots relief effort with the NAACP St. Charles Chapter that raised more than $10,000 for victims. This initiative helped ensure that families facing sudden displacement had the resources necessary to begin rebuilding their lives.

Their commitment to community wellness extends into consistent, long-term support, including a fundraising initiative that raised more than $10,000 in professional haircare products and the personal distribution of more than 150 hygiene packs for underserved communities, in partnership with the NAACP St. Charles Chapter, The Adventist Community Service Center and Our Lady’s Inn.

Community champion helps drive lasting impact

Aflac Regional Sales Coordinator John Karr successfully co-chaired the first two annual American Cancer Society Tulsa Golf Classic and Tee Off Dinners, where his leadership helped raise more than $180,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Beyond his work with the ACS, he has become a fixture in local growth and education initiatives in Bixby, Oklahoma. Through his leadership within the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce and participation in the Bixby BBQ’n Blues Festival, he helped raise vital funds for high school scholarships and the local food bank — all while earning a second-place culinary trophy in the process.

A legacy of service, leadership and commitment

John’s commitment to his neighbors is perhaps best seen in his long-standing partnership with the Bixby Outreach Center. To help combat food insecurity during the holidays, he spent several years personally donating and smoking dozens of turkeys to be distributed through a local church for families in need.

Aflac Agent Mark Jurgensen was nominated largely due to a lifetime of service that began with his military background as a combat lifesaver. His foundation led to more than 25 years of service in public safety, including seven years as a volunteer EMT and 17 years as a volunteer paramedic.

His leadership extends into his household, where he helped guide a fundraising initiative alongside his sons for their Eagle Scout projects, ultimately raising $120,000 to create and expand a local veterans memorial in their hometown. To this day, Mark’s family personally maintains the memorial site year-round to help ensure the community’s veterans are properly honored.

In addition to his veteran advocacy, Mark and his wife foster community spirit by hosting a popular annual haunted house, helping to provide a safe and festive Halloween environment for more than 300 local families each October.

The Agents of Care recognition serves as a testament to the exemplary leadership exhibited by these agents who are living Aflac’s mission to be there for their policyholders when they need it most and exemplifying the culture of care that lies at the heart of the organization.

Interested in a purpose‑led career journey? Click here to learn more about Aflac’s sales positions.

Aflac agents and benefits advisors are independent contractors and are not employees of Aflac.

Aflac | WWHQ |1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2600157

EXP 3/27

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Quiet acts of service often speak the loudest, and that kind of generosity can ripple outward to help strengthen entire communities.

At Aflac’s annual sales conference, six independent Aflac sales agents were recognized for their community efforts that reflect a deep commitment to helping others through support for local families, disaster relief, youth programs and other grassroots initiatives. Each of these Agents of Care winners were nominated by their peers and received a $10,000 contribution from Aflac to further the causes they champion.

Below are the heartfelt and impactful ways these Agents of Care help to make a difference in their communities.

Leading with compassion in times of crisis

Aflac District Sales Coordinator Tamara “Tam” King and Agent Sierra Mason have a reputation of leading with intention, empathy and a deep sense of responsibility — both at work and in their community.

When a tornado struck the St. Louis area in 2025, Tam and Sierra pivoted into action, helping to support a grassroots relief effort with the NAACP St. Charles Chapter that raised more than $10,000 for victims. This initiative helped ensure that families facing sudden displacement had the resources necessary to begin rebuilding their lives.

Their commitment to community wellness extends into consistent, long-term support, including a fundraising initiative that raised more than $10,000 in professional haircare products and the personal distribution of more than 150 hygiene packs for underserved communities, in partnership with the NAACP St. Charles Chapter, The Adventist Community Service Center and Our Lady’s Inn.

Community champion helps drive lasting impact

Aflac Regional Sales Coordinator John Karr successfully co-chaired the first two annual American Cancer Society Tulsa Golf Classic and Tee Off Dinners, where his leadership helped raise more than $180,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Beyond his work with the ACS, he has become a fixture in local growth and education initiatives in Bixby, Oklahoma. Through his leadership within the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce and participation in the Bixby BBQ’n Blues Festival, he helped raise vital funds for high school scholarships and the local food bank — all while earning a second-place culinary trophy in the process.

A legacy of service, leadership and commitment

John’s commitment to his neighbors is perhaps best seen in his long-standing partnership with the Bixby Outreach Center. To help combat food insecurity during the holidays, he spent several years personally donating and smoking dozens of turkeys to be distributed through a local church for families in need.

Aflac Agent Mark Jurgensen was nominated largely due to a lifetime of service that began with his military background as a combat lifesaver. His foundation led to more than 25 years of service in public safety, including seven years as a volunteer EMT and 17 years as a volunteer paramedic.

His leadership extends into his household, where he helped guide a fundraising initiative alongside his sons for their Eagle Scout projects, ultimately raising $120,000 to create and expand a local veterans memorial in their hometown. To this day, Mark’s family personally maintains the memorial site year-round to help ensure the community’s veterans are properly honored.

In addition to his veteran advocacy, Mark and his wife foster community spirit by hosting a popular annual haunted house, helping to provide a safe and festive Halloween environment for more than 300 local families each October.

The Agents of Care recognition serves as a testament to the exemplary leadership exhibited by these agents who are living Aflac’s mission to be there for their policyholders when they need it most and exemplifying the culture of care that lies at the heart of the organization.

Interested in a purpose‑led career journey? Click here to learn more about Aflac’s sales positions.

Aflac agents and benefits advisors are independent contractors and are not employees of Aflac.

Aflac | WWHQ |1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2600157

EXP 3/27

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Quiet acts of service often speak the loudest, and that kind of generosity can ripple outward to help strengthen entire communities.

At Aflac’s annual sales conference, six independent Aflac sales agents were recognized for their community efforts that reflect a deep commitment to helping others through support for local families, disaster relief, youth programs and other grassroots initiatives. Each of these Agents of Care winners were nominated by their peers and received a $10,000 contribution from Aflac to further the causes they champion.

Below are the heartfelt and impactful ways these Agents of Care help to make a difference in their communities.

Leading with compassion in times of crisis

Aflac District Sales Coordinator Tamara “Tam” King and Agent Sierra Mason have a reputation of leading with intention, empathy and a deep sense of responsibility — both at work and in their community.

When a tornado struck the St. Louis area in 2025, Tam and Sierra pivoted into action, helping to support a grassroots relief effort with the NAACP St. Charles Chapter that raised more than $10,000 for victims. This initiative helped ensure that families facing sudden displacement had the resources necessary to begin rebuilding their lives.

Their commitment to community wellness extends into consistent, long-term support, including a fundraising initiative that raised more than $10,000 in professional haircare products and the personal distribution of more than 150 hygiene packs for underserved communities, in partnership with the NAACP St. Charles Chapter, The Adventist Community Service Center and Our Lady’s Inn.

Community champion helps drive lasting impact

Aflac Regional Sales Coordinator John Karr successfully co-chaired the first two annual American Cancer Society Tulsa Golf Classic and Tee Off Dinners, where his leadership helped raise more than $180,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS). Beyond his work with the ACS, he has become a fixture in local growth and education initiatives in Bixby, Oklahoma. Through his leadership within the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce and participation in the Bixby BBQ’n Blues Festival, he helped raise vital funds for high school scholarships and the local food bank — all while earning a second-place culinary trophy in the process.

A legacy of service, leadership and commitment

John’s commitment to his neighbors is perhaps best seen in his long-standing partnership with the Bixby Outreach Center. To help combat food insecurity during the holidays, he spent several years personally donating and smoking dozens of turkeys to be distributed through a local church for families in need.

Aflac Agent Mark Jurgensen was nominated largely due to a lifetime of service that began with his military background as a combat lifesaver. His foundation led to more than 25 years of service in public safety, including seven years as a volunteer EMT and 17 years as a volunteer paramedic.

His leadership extends into his household, where he helped guide a fundraising initiative alongside his sons for their Eagle Scout projects, ultimately raising $120,000 to create and expand a local veterans memorial in their hometown. To this day, Mark’s family personally maintains the memorial site year-round to help ensure the community’s veterans are properly honored.

In addition to his veteran advocacy, Mark and his wife foster community spirit by hosting a popular annual haunted house, helping to provide a safe and festive Halloween environment for more than 300 local families each October.

The Agents of Care recognition serves as a testament to the exemplary leadership exhibited by these agents who are living Aflac’s mission to be there for their policyholders when they need it most and exemplifying the culture of care that lies at the heart of the organization.

Interested in a purpose‑led career journey? Click here to learn more about Aflac’s sales positions.

Aflac agents and benefits advisors are independent contractors and are not employees of Aflac.

Aflac | WWHQ |1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2600157

EXP 3/27

Small businesses are the backbone of Maine’s rural economy. For many local entrepreneurs, the path to capital and sustained growth begins with trusted community organizations like Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), a Maine-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to building an economy that works for everyone. CEI’s integrated model combining financing, business advising, and policy solutions helps entrepreneurs access the resources and guidance they need to thrive, particularly in rural markets and among founders who face barriers to traditional capital.

KeyBank is proud to support CEI’s mission through significant multiyear investments that strengthen its capacity to serve entrepreneurs statewide. This work builds on a $450,000 multiyear commitment (2017–2020) that supported CEI’s small business lending and advisory services, driving business growth and job retention in rural communities. In 2025, that partnership was further advanced when CEI was selected as Maine’s recipient of the KeyBank Foundation Bicentennial CDFI Grant ($200,000), expanding free and low-cost business advising to help entrepreneurs prepare for capital, build sustainable operations, and create jobs.

“As a trusted CDFI partner in Maine, CEI is building sustainable pathways to capital and job creation, work that aligns closely with KeyBank’s commitment to inclusive economic growth,” said Eric Fiala, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer and President of the KeyBank Foundation. “By pairing capital with coaching, CEI prepares entrepreneurs for long-term sucess.

“We focus on the entrepreneurs and organizations that benefit most from targeted investment,” said Betsy Biemann, at CEI. “This partnership is helping us meet people where they are and grow stronger local economies in the process.”

Small businesses play an outsized role in Maine’s resilience. By pairing accessible capital with technical assistance, CEI increases approval readiness, reduces risk for founders and lenders, and supports durable, well-run businesses. KeyBank’s investments help ensure that more neighborhoods within Maine, especially those in rural or historically under-served communities, have a real shot at turning ideas into income, jobs, and generational stability.

Small businesses are the backbone of Maine’s rural economy. For many local entrepreneurs, the path to capital and sustained growth begins with trusted community organizations like Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), a Maine-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to building an economy that works for everyone. CEI’s integrated model combining financing, business advising, and policy solutions helps entrepreneurs access the resources and guidance they need to thrive, particularly in rural markets and among founders who face barriers to traditional capital.

KeyBank is proud to support CEI’s mission through significant multiyear investments that strengthen its capacity to serve entrepreneurs statewide. This work builds on a $450,000 multiyear commitment (2017–2020) that supported CEI’s small business lending and advisory services, driving business growth and job retention in rural communities. In 2025, that partnership was further advanced when CEI was selected as Maine’s recipient of the KeyBank Foundation Bicentennial CDFI Grant ($200,000), expanding free and low-cost business advising to help entrepreneurs prepare for capital, build sustainable operations, and create jobs.

“As a trusted CDFI partner in Maine, CEI is building sustainable pathways to capital and job creation, work that aligns closely with KeyBank’s commitment to inclusive economic growth,” said Eric Fiala, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer and President of the KeyBank Foundation. “By pairing capital with coaching, CEI prepares entrepreneurs for long-term sucess.

“We focus on the entrepreneurs and organizations that benefit most from targeted investment,” said Betsy Biemann, at CEI. “This partnership is helping us meet people where they are and grow stronger local economies in the process.”

Small businesses play an outsized role in Maine’s resilience. By pairing accessible capital with technical assistance, CEI increases approval readiness, reduces risk for founders and lenders, and supports durable, well-run businesses. KeyBank’s investments help ensure that more neighborhoods within Maine, especially those in rural or historically under-served communities, have a real shot at turning ideas into income, jobs, and generational stability.