Building Tech with Heart: Anjali Samavedam and Bitcamp’s Do Good Journey

At the University of Maryland, senior Anjali Samavedam is known for more than her academic accomplishments as a Computer Science major with minors in Statistics and General Business. Through her leadership in Bitcamp, one of the largest student-run hackathons on the East Coast, she has helped shape a community where tech isn’t just about coding—it’s about connection, confidence, and creativity. This year, Anjali brought that ethos to the Do Good Challenge, where Bitcamp earned third place for its impact-driven approach to making technology more inclusive and accessible.

A Defining Experience in Tech Leadership

Bitcamp, founded in 2013, is a weekend-long event that brings together over 1,000 students from diverse backgrounds to build tech projects, explore new ideas, and form meaningful connections. As Co-Executive Director during the 2024–25 organizing season, Anjali worked on an 82-person student team in planning and executing the event.

“Being part of Bitcamp has been one of the most defining parts of my college experience,” she said. “It’s taught me so much about leadership, community, and what it means to make tech more accessible.”

Translating a Hackathon into a Social Impact Narrative

When Bitcamp entered the Do Good Challenge, it wasn’t just about showcasing an event—it was about telling the story behind it. Anjali and her co-director, Sharvari Tirodkar, reimagined Bitcamp’s narrative to highlight its deeper social impact. They reflected on how the event has opened doors for first-time coders, high school students, and others often underrepresented in tech.

Preparing for the Challenge encouraged the team to reflect more deeply on Bitcamp’s social impact and its role in creating inclusive spaces. “Bitcamp is about creating a space where people feel safe trying something new, where community and curiosity come before competition,” Anjali explained.

This focus on storytelling proved crucial in translating the technical nature of a hackathon into a compelling pitch for social change.

Rising to the Challenge—and the Stage

Presenting Bitcamp to a live audience and a panel of high-profile judges was no small feat. Anjali admitted it was initially intimidating, but ultimately empowering.

“The judges asked thoughtful questions that pushed us to think more deeply about our impact,” she said. “It was an incredible opportunity to share what Bitcamp is all about.”

Anjali and Sharvari leaned on their complementary strengths—she with a background in finance, and Sharvari in event planning—to refine their pitch and ensure Bitcamp’s mission shined through. Their collaborative storytelling helped convey Bitcamp’s mission in a way that resonated with the judges.

A Launchpad for People, Not Just Projects

What resonated most with judges and audiences alike was Bitcamp’s emphasis on people. Anjali described Bitcamp as a “launchpad,” not just for innovative projects, but for personal growth.

Anjali shared that she met an attendee with limited coding experience who joined a team to build her first web app. A year later, she shared that Bitcamp gave her the confidence to pursue computer science in college – a reflection of the event’s impact beyond just the weekend.

This community-first mindset set Bitcamp apart, reminding everyone that technology can—and should—be a tool for inclusion and empowerment.

Reflections and Looking Ahead

Participating in the Do Good Challenge helped Anjali recognize the power of storytelling in tech. The Challenge highlighted the importance of complementing impact metrics with real, human stories.

Being part of ACES helped shape Anjali’s values around community, collaboration, and professional growth through her experiences with Bitcamp and the Do Good Challenge. The ACES program offers students the opportunity to explore cybersecurity and its real-world applications within a close-knit community. Through strong partnerships with industry leaders and a focus on experiential learning, students gain valuable, practical experience in the field.

She also drew inspiration from fellow finalists like Hungry 4 Change and Dare to Dream. “Being recognized alongside such incredible, community-focused initiatives was deeply moving,” she said.

As for Bitcamp’s future, Anjali hopes the event will continue evolving while staying true to its roots.

“It’s always been about making tech feel welcoming and human,” she said. “This year, some of our founders returned to speak at our Alumni Panel. Hearing alumni say the event still felt true to its roots was a reminder of the shared legacy each year’s team contributes to.”

Advice for Future Changemakers

For other student leaders considering entering the Do Good Challenge—especially those working in tech—Anjali offers heartfelt advice: “Lead with heart. Even if your work is technical, the impact is always about people. Reflect on your ‘why,’ gather real stories, and let your passion come through.”

Through her leadership, storytelling, and dedication to making tech accessible, Anjali Samavedam has not only helped Bitcamp shine on the Do Good stage—she’s helped it become a launchpad for changemakers of the future.

Published June 6, 2025