When I first received the Kim Parsell Memorial Scholarship, it didn’t feel real. The idea that I would travel to Mumbai, India, for WordCamp Asia 2026 as a volunteer, fully supported, was both exciting and overwhelming.
The Kim Parsell Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship created by the WordPress Foundation in 2015 to honor Kim Parsell, a highly respected contributor in the WordPress open-source community. She was affectionately known as “WPMom” because of how welcoming and supportive she was to new contributors.
The Kim Parsell Memorial Scholarship provides annual funding for one WordPress contributor who identifies as a woman to attend WordCamp US, WordCamp Asia, or WordCamp Europe; the flagship events for the WordPress community.
This was my first time visiting India, and it marked the beginning of an unforgettable journey. I traveled with my husband, and from the moment we arrived in Mumbai, everything felt alive; the movement, the people, the energy. Even before the event began, the city itself was already an experience.
However, the journey didn’t start perfectly. When I landed, my suitcase didn’t arrive with me. Standing in a new country without my belongings was stressful, and for a moment, I didn’t know what to do. But somehow, that challenge became part of the story. I quickly adapted, bought essentials, and chose not to let it ruin the experience.
Then came the main reason for the trip: WordCamp Asia 2026.
Volunteering at the event was something I will always be proud of. It gave me a completely different perspective. Instead of just attending, I became part of the team that made it all happen. Being behind the scenes at such a global event was both humbling and inspiring.
One of the moments that stood out most for me was the Fireside Chat – Shilpa Shah & Mary Hubbard and the Q&A session with Mary Hubbard and Matt Mullenweg. Listening to their insights reminded me why community matters so much in WordPress. Their words stayed with me long after the session ended.
Outside the conference, Mumbai continued to reveal itself in beautiful ways.
We stayed at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, where the hospitality was warm and comforting—something I truly appreciated after long event days. Food, on the other hand, was an adventure of its own. I quickly realized that Indian cuisines are much spicier than what I’m used to. I didn’t eat much, but I still enjoyed trying new dishes, even when they were too hot for me.
We also found time to explore.
Visiting the Gateway of India was surreal. Seeing it in person, especially in the evening, felt like stepping into a postcard. Southern Mumbai was equally beautiful, filled with history, architecture, and ocean views that made everything feel calm and timeless.
But one of the most memorable experiences was something simple, taking the local train. It was crowded, fast-paced, and completely different from anything I had experienced before. Yet, it gave me a real glimpse into everyday life in Mumbai. That moment stayed with me.
Of course, there were small challenges along the way. Communication wasn’t always easy, and at times we struggled with the language barrier. But what stood out was how kind and patient people were. Even when words failed, kindness didn’t.
What made this journey even more special were the people who helped me along the way.
From those who supported me before the trip, to those who stepped in when I needed help at the airport, to the friends who showed me around the city, each person added something meaningful to my experience. Their kindness turned a good trip into a great one.
No journey is ever made meaningful by places alone, it is the people we meet along the way who leave the deepest impressions. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those who made my time in Mumbai truly unforgettable. My sincere thanks to Caroline Harrison for thoughtfully coordinating my hotel arrangements and ensuring my stay at Sofitel was smooth and comfortable from beginning to end. Your support before and throughout the trip brought such ease and reassurance.
To Vishal Mukadam, thank you for stepping in when I needed help most, your determination at the airport to ensure my suitcase was located and delivered to the hotel was extraordinary. I am equally grateful for the unforgettable local train journey and visit to the Gateway of India, an experience that became one of the most memorable highlights of my trip.
A warm thank you to Aditya Kane and wife for your incredible kindness, generosity, and hospitality. You welcomed us with such warmth that Mumbai felt less like a destination and more like home. And to Priyanka, thank you for sharing your time, friendship, and for showing me more of Mumbai’s beauty beyond the usual sights. Your presence added so much joy, laughter, and meaning to my stay.
To each of you: thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and for making this journey not just a trip, but a deeply cherished memory.
Looking back, this wasn’t just a trip to attend an event. It was a journey of growth.
I learned how to adapt when things don’t go as planned. I experienced a new culture in a deeply personal way. I connected with people from around the world. And most importantly, I contributed to something bigger than myself.
The Kim Parsell Scholarship didn’t just take me to Mumbai, it gave me an experience that changed how I see the world and my place in the WordPress community.
As I returned home, I carried more than memories. I carried lessons, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose.
And for that, I will always be thankful. Thank you WordPress and the entire WordCamp Asia organizing team. You gave me a new purpose
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Nalubega Dorcus
dorcussebunya@gmail.com