I never imagined I’d be writing this.
Ten years. A full decade of working in tech, without pause. Of growing, stumbling, learning, and showing up — with WordPress at the center of it all.
When I look back, the journey feels full — full of lessons, full of change, and full of heart.
From India’s City of Lakes to the Heart of Open Source
This year marks a major milestone in my life — 10 years of professional experience in the WordPress ecosystem. As I reflect on this journey, it’s not just a work anniversary. It’s a story woven with personal growth, learning, community, and quiet resilience — a journey that began in a small city in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, and now reaches across the globe.
I was born and raised in Udaipur — a city known for its lakes and history, but not especially for tech companies. After completing my college degree, like many fresh graduates, I faced the uncertainty of landing a job — especially with the added constraint of staying in my hometown. Thankfully, my parents were incredibly supportive. They guided me, encouraged me, and reminded me that ambition has no boundaries — not even geographical ones.
The Unexpected Beginning
Though I had trained in software testing, I didn’t know much about WordPress back then. I stumbled into the WordPress world by joining a local startup in Udaipur. That decision would change the course of my life.
The company, led by Puneet Sahalot, was where my real journey began. Puneet, a close friend and mentor, introduced me to WordPress — its structure, its vastness, and more importantly, its values. He had a gift for seeing potential in people and believed in exploring uncharted paths. Puneet is no longer with us today, but his wisdom and encouragement remain a cornerstone in my journey.
With his influence, I began digging deeper into WordPress. Finding my first bug on the WordPress core was a moment of both confusion and pride. Submitting it felt like stepping into a world where I didn’t just work on projects — I became part of a global movement.
“That one bug wasn’t just a bug — it was a beginning.”
That first bug ignited something within me. I started contributing to various areas — from core testing to translations, organizing local WordCamps, and even speaking at events. It felt empowering to give back to something that gave me so much.
Growth Beyond Comfort Zones
Marriage brought a new chapter — I moved to a metro city and joined Brainstorm Force, where I worked on a suite of powerful WordPress products, including the very popular Astra theme.
From a small local team to a larger product-driven organization, the shift was both challenging and fulfilling. I moved from being a tester to becoming a Product Manager, learning to balance leadership, quality assurance, user experience, and team collaboration. I found myself not just testing products — but shaping them.
I was also incredibly grateful to have a life partner who encouraged me to aim higher and supported my ambitions every step of the way.
One of the proudest moments in my journey was being selected to lead the test team for the WordPress 5.6 and 5.7 releases. It was surreal. The appreciation and recognition I received from the global community made me realize how far I had come — from finding my first bug to helping others make WordPress better.
A New Rhythm: Work and Motherhood
Life shifted gears again when I joined Caseproof (MemberPress) — a fully remote role that brought with it the flexibility I needed at a very important time in my life.
Working remotely was a new experience but quickly became a blessing. When I became a mother, I embraced both worlds with open arms. I continued to work with the same dedication, sometimes holding my daughter in one arm while debugging with the other. My work never stopped, and my love for WordPress only deepened.
These moments, though challenging, became proof that passion, purpose, and parenthood can co-exist beautifully. Each bug fixed, each feature tested, each call attended — became part of a rhythm that blended professional focus with maternal joy.
“I didn’t take big leaps. I took small steps. But I took them every day. That’s how I got here.”
Some days were messy. Some were magical. But all of them were mine.
Beyond the Screen: The Explorer in Me
Outside of my professional life, I’m a passionate foodie and an avid traveler. Exploring new places and trying different cuisines fills me with joy and curiosity. So far, I’ve had the privilege of visiting 30 countries — each one offering a unique flavor, story, and lesson.
Recently, my family and I began a new chapter by relocating to Dubai. It’s a city that’s fast-paced, full of opportunity, and incredibly vibrant — and we’re absolutely loving it so far. This new environment continues to inspire both my personal and professional sides in unexpected ways.
Still Learning, Still Contributing
Even after 10 years, I still feel like a student. The tech world evolves fast, and I try to keep pace. Recently, I’ve been diving into modern testing tools like Playwright and Cypress, and experimenting with AI-based automation — which is not just fascinating but necessary in today’s evolving digital landscape.
I’m excited to explore new contribution opportunities in WordPress — mentoring, accessibility testing, performance initiatives, and more. There’s always more to give back, and more to learn.
Final Thoughts
This journey wasn’t built on dramatic turns or overnight success. It was made up of steady progress, genuine passion, and a strong belief in community and consistency.
To those starting out, unsure of their path — your story is waiting. Take that first step.
“You can build a global impact even from a small city. WordPress doesn’t ask where you’re from — it only asks, what will you contribute?”
🌊 Reflections After 10 Years
If I’ve learned anything over these ten years, it’s this:
- You don’t need to be loud to be seen.
- You don’t need to do it all at once.
- You just need to keep showing up — honestly, consistently, and with curiosity.
Let’s Connect
If you ever want to talk about testing, WordPress contributions, remote work, motherhood, or just career growth, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help, share, and learn with you.