Mel, a new Developer Advocate at Buildkite, shares her journey from an artist to a tech community member driven by a passion for creating solutions and fostering connections. Despite her initial disinterest in computers, a pivotal experience at a RailsGirls event sparked her interest in software development, leading her to thrive in the open-source community and embrace a career in software engineering. Her role at Buildkite focuses on building relationships within the user community, understanding their challenges, and sharing solutions, driven by a desire to create a supportive and diverse environment. Mel's story highlights the transformative power of community and the importance of connecting with people who share similar passions, ultimately leading her to a role where she can leverage her experiences to help others.