My name is Namitala Gertrude (Trudy Hope). I am a Ugandan IT and GIS professional with over 5 years of experience in developing IT solutions, especially for mapping important features in remote villages and peri-urban areas in Zambia. I am currently working in Zambia where I co-founded OSM Zambia and a managing director TruDigital Technologies. I was introduced to OSM in 2013 by Kateregga Geoffrey after I expressed interest in mapping my primary school. I have been an OpenStreetMap mapper since then. .

I am part of OSM Africa and have supported different countries to establish OSM operations and given them guidance where need be. I got to know about Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team in 2016 when I wanted to use the tasking manager and was impressed at what HOT does. HOT’s ideology resonates with what I believe, so I wanted to contribute more. That is the reason I decided to join the HOT fundraising and HOT summit working groups.

I have led OSM Zambia for two years now and within this short period, the community has grown to over 500 mappers from a handful of mappers when we started out. OSM is now being recognized by the councils all over the country. Open map data sharing is getting more recognition in Zambia and Malawi. I have also been advocating for women participation and inclusion in the mapping community. I have established partnerships with international organizations, government, NGOs, private companies, schools that have all supported our community.

My interest in becoming a board member lies in the reasons outlined below: To grow gender inclusion and get more women involved in HOT and OSM to increase diversity in the community. Increase the presence of HOT in every country in Africa To make OSM the strongest and most trusted map in Africa. To get more partners supporting HOT’s mission

I have a lot to contribute to HOT, but more importantly, being part of HOT will enhance my leadership skills as I hope to learn more about working with a larger organization.

Thank you for taking time to read and I hope you vote for me and change the world together. `