Discuss in detail about one experience that’s most relevant to your top role choice. [Sample Responses]

My experience as Tech Lead for Hackathons Canada directly prepares me to excel as Co-Lead at JAMHacks. Leading a team of 15+ developers in a fast-paced, collaborative environment honed my ability to foster teamwork, communicate effectively, and navigate technical challenges, ultimately increasing team productivity and successfully launching large-scale web applications. This is directly applicable to the Co-Lead role, where I envision myself collaborating with the other Co-Lead to create a seamless and inspiring experience for everyone involved.

Recognizing the potential for unforeseen challenges in a fast-paced environment like a hackathon, I prioritize proactive planning and preparation. During my time with Hackathons Canada, I spearheaded the development of detailed contingency plans, established clear communication channels, and implemented robust technical solutions to mitigate potential risks. By applying this approach at JAMHacks, I’m confident that I can contribute to a well-organized and enjoyable event for participants and organizers alike.

In addition, my technical expertise in Web Development and DevOps, which I used to develop and deploy large-scale web applications for Hackathons Canada, Project Metropolis & others, aligns perfectly with the technological needs of JAMHacks. This experience, combined with my passion for fostering inclusive environments positions me to not only manage the technical aspects of the event but also to cultivate a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all participants.

I am truly excited about the opportunity to bring my leadership, technical proficiency, and collaborative spirit to JAMHacks as Co-Lead. Working alongside my fellow Co-Lead, I am confident that we can create an unforgettable and impactful experience that empowers and inspires all participants.

Please briefly list which hackathons you’ve been to. [Sample Responses]

JAMHacks 7: Created a game that used AI to help physiotherapy patients
Hack the Valley 8: Made a platform to allow you to bet on yourself against a group of friends that you would be able to stay off social media the longest
GDSCHacks: Made a P2P photo-sharing app (That I use almost every day)
JAMHacks 8: Made a tool that fully automatically provisions and deploys your full-stack website to a freshly made VPS (in the cloud)
HawkHacks: Made an educational website to help you learn CENTRALIZED databases

I’m probably missing one or two but that’s a good summary

What’s one thing you would change about JAMHacks, or an idea you have for JAMHacks next year?

Inspired by Hack The North’s Hackathon Host program, I’d love to introduce a similar initiative at JAMHacks. By incorporating dedicated Hackathon Hosts, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for first-time hackers. These mentors would work closely with assigned teams throughout the entire event, offering guidance, technical support, and encouragement. This would help beginners navigate the challenges of their first hackathon and foster a stronger sense of community and belonging among participants.

As an added bonus, and to help alleviate some of the stress that often comes with hackathons, I’d also love to propose incorporating therapy dogs into the event like JAMHacks 7 did. I’d be happy to volunteer my own non-certified therapy dog to help provide comfort and support to participants throughout the weekend.

If you selected Web/Tech Department Head/Organizer as one of your top three roles, please link to technical projects you’ve created.

I would also be interested in web/tech co-lead
https://github.com/elebumm/RedditVideoMakerBot
https://github.com/wlmac/scavenger
https://github.com/mcpt/ctf
https://github.com/mcpt/docker (docker/k8s/ansible config)
https://github.com/Hackathons-Canada/HackathonsCanada/