![The Women of the Drupal Community](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_hero_image_mobile/public/legacy/images/2018-05/wonderwoman_4.jpg?itok=YI-eOm6E) Image ![](/sites/default/files/styles/post_content_attribution_headshot/public/legacy/images/2019-06/Screen%20Shot%202019-06-13%20at%203.16.21%20PM_4.png?itok=MuJCjag7) [Paige Breaux](/about-us/team/paige-breaux) Former Content Marketing Manager Marketing Acquia ## Collection [Women of Drupal](/blog/series/women-of-drupal) # The Women of the Drupal Community: MeaghanSmith October 25, 2022 4 minute read [Share this blog post on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://www.acquia.com/markdownify/node/27261) [Share this blog post on Twitter ]() [Share this blog post via Email ]() Acquia Associate Solutions Engineer Meaghan Smith shares how advocating for accessibility and education drew her to a career in technology. ![The Women of the Drupal Community](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_hero_image_mobile/public/legacy/images/2018-05/wonderwoman_4.jpg?itok=YI-eOm6E) ## Collection : [Women of Drupal](/blog/series/women-of-drupal) **Name:** Meaghan Smith **Drupal.org ID:** MeaghanSmith **Location:** Boston, MA **Job Title:** Associate Solutions Engineer Over the past few years, the effort to bring greater gender equality and diversity to the tech industry has gained momentum as people and organizations recognize the value of including unique perspectives and approaches when designing digital experiences. Our [Women of Drupal](https://www.acquia.com/blog/series/women-of-drupal) series highlights the amazing achievements of women in the Drupal community and provides advice to women pursuing careers in technology. An essential part of fostering diversity and inclusion in tech is making technology and opportunities accessible for all. In our most recent interview, Acquia Associate Solutions Engineer Meaghan Smith shares how designing accessible solutions and advocating for available educational resources drew her to a career in technology. Learn more about Meaghan’s journey with Drupal and her upcoming session at DrupalCon 2021! ### How did you get your start in tech? In my first semester of college, I got a job formatting online textbooks and course notes for students with low vision disabilities. What started as a job to make extra money flourished into an interest in accessibility and how technology can better our lives. I fell in love with problem-solving and providing educational materials for my peers. I always knew I wanted to help people in my career, but initially didn’t think I would find myself in a technical role until this opportunity. ### How did you first discover Drupal? I first discovered Drupal last year when I joined the team at Acquia. I can’t believe I was missing out on this community for so long! ### What Drupal function, project or contribution are you working on and/or most proud of? I am looking forward to contributing more to Drupal in the future but what I am most proud of is presenting a lightning talk at my very first [DrupalCon](https://events.drupal.org/northamerica2021) this year. I spoke about [composable content](https://www.acquia.com/blog/why-drupal-original-composable-architecture) and leveraging the power of [Acquia Site Studio](https://www.acquia.com/products/drupal-cloud/site-studio) on Drupal. ### What are some challenges you've faced, technically or career-wise? As a woman early in my career, it has been a challenge dealing with imposter syndrome. A big part of my role involves learning concepts on the go and working with people who have more experience than I do. What has helped me feel more comfortable has been establishing mentorships with people I can seek advice from. ### What inspires you? What keeps you passionate about your work? The creative people I get to collaborate with daily and the nature of learning something new in my role inspires me every day. There is always a new way to approach a problem. As technology evolves, I know there will always be a need for my creativity and curiosity. ### How do you think we can help empower women in tech and work toward better gender inclusion? People and companies involved in the tech world can do more to encourage young women to be open-minded about a career in tech who may not have otherwise considered it. Being involved on college campuses and providing mentorship to young students early in their careers will lower the barrier to entry and help funnel more creative and innovative people into this industry. Bringing awareness to other facets and roles of working in tech will empower those not familiar with the field to realize there is a place for them in this industry, whether it be as an accessibility specialist, solutions engineer, front end developer or product manager to name a few. ### What advice would you give your younger self or someone who is just starting out? I would tell my younger self, who started her first job 10 months ago, that she is doing great! Mastering a new role comes with time and experience, so remember not to be so hard on yourself. Also, ask questions, speak up if you don’t understand something and jump into challenges that will continue to help you grow! \-- To see Meaghan’s presentation on composable content in Drupal and many other great sessions from fellow Drupalists, register for [DrupalCon 2021](https://events.drupal.org/northamerica2021)! Image ![](/sites/default/files/styles/post_content_attribution_headshot/public/legacy/images/2019-06/Screen%20Shot%202019-06-13%20at%203.16.21%20PM_4.png?itok=MuJCjag7) [Paige Breaux](/about-us/team/paige-breaux) Former Content Marketing Manager Marketing Acquia [Share this blog post on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://www.acquia.com/markdownify/node/27261) [Share this blog post on Twitter ]() [Share this blog post via Email ]() ## Keep Reading [View More Resources](/resources) [Image ![The Women of the Drupal Community: adrianna.shukla](/sites/default/files/styles/card_tablet/public/legacy/images/2019-01/wonderwoman_4.jpg?itok=pkW3MgoE) Blog Article 9 min ###### The Women of the Drupal Community: webchick Angie Byron (webchick) talks about finding acceptance in the Drupal community, virtual Drupal meetups and what she's most excited to see in Drupal 9. Women of Drupal ](/blog/women-drupal-community-webchick) [Image ![hybrid learning in education](/sites/default/files/styles/card_tablet/public/media/image/2021-07/hybridedhero.jpg?h=119335f7&itok=F_gnd78r) Blog Article 8 min ###### How COVID-19 Impacted Digital Accessibility in Education As schools and universities embrace hybrid learning models post-COVID, education technology must be accessible and available online and in person. ](/blog/how-covid-19-impacted-digital-accessibility-and-access-education) [Image ![Engage Awards](/sites/default/files/styles/card_tablet/public/legacy/images/2019-06/awards_login_0_4.png?itok=Q4We0W-i) Blog Article 5 min ###### Acquia Gives Thanks to Open Source Giants Acquia recognizes the organizations that made meaningful contributions to Drupal in our Engage Awards Open Source Giants category. ](/blog/acquia-gives-thanks-open-source-giants)