To connect female solo travelers through RoamCircle, I would center the travel experience around shared vulnerability and empowerment. I’d encourage connection through location-based groups, and themed prompts that spark meaningful interaction, such as first-time solo travel stories, safety tips, or favorite local experiences. I'll be studying abroad in this upcoming semester in Sydney, Kyoto, and Rome, and I would share my real-time experiences as I travel the world. I would invite others to join discussions around navigating new cities, meeting people abroad, and traveling confidently as a woman. By highlighting both the excitement and the nerves that come with solo travel, I would help normalize the experience and foster genuine bonds within the app.

As a Community Lead for Bumble BFF at Vanderbilt, I focused on creating meaningful and purposeful content that helped students feel comfortable forming real connections. I built community by hosting and promoting events designed to bring people together organically, like our Halloween party and Friendsgiving dinner. I prioritized inclusivity, consistency, and approachability by actively engaging with attendees before and after events. By encouraging conversation, I was able to help guests feel welcomed rather than overwhelmed. Through this experience, I learned how to turn a digital platform into a real, supportive community by meeting people where they are and creating spaces that foster genuine connection.

To engage communities globally, I would take a localized, yet connected approach in order to build strong regional communities while reinforcing RoamCircle’s broader mission. While studying abroad, I would actively document and share my experiences in key pillar regions like Australia, Japan, and Europe, creating culturally aware content that resonates with a local audience while still feeling globally connected. I plan to collaborate with locals and other travelers to spotlight diverse perspectives on travel, and this could encourage organic adoption within each region. I want to help RoamCircle feel both intimate and expansive, and allow the app to scale while maintaining a strong sense of belonging for its users.