Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, has been in partnership with Out in Tech, a global community of LGBTQ+ tech professionals and leaders, since 2017. We are proud to have assisted in building over 250 websites for non-profit organizations that advocate for and support LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

As Pride Month 2025 approached, a small group of Automatticians, including myself, took part in the Out in Tech Digital Corps Hackathon, which was held at our New York City office a few weeks ago.

During the Digital Corps Hackathon, groups of 8-10 volunteers come together to build a fully functional, multilingual website for a non-profit organization within a single day. My group was assigned to work with a youth advocacy group based in West Africa.

A few days prior to the event, we were added to a shared Google Drive and a dedicated Slack channel, providing us with a clear understanding of the requirements before the Hackathon. We even had the opportunity to connect with the executive director of the organization via video call early on the day of the event.

My team consisted of UX designers, illustrators, marketers, digital strategists, copywriters, and experienced site builders. The experience felt reminiscent of working on a college assignment, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. The camaraderie, intense collaboration, and shared sense of purpose all contributed to a fulfilling experience, complete with inside jokes and new friendships.

At the end of the day, each group presented their finished website during the closing showcase, followed by a celebration with snacks and lively conversations. By the time I left that evening, I had already made a mental note to volunteer for the next Hackathon in September. It is incredibly rewarding to utilize our skills to amplify the missions of LGBTQ+ organizations worldwide.

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