Reflections on Five Years at Zipline: A Journey of Growth, Challenges, and Resilience

Five years at Zipline —it’s hard to believe how fast time has flown! As I reflect on this milestone, it feels like a blend of incredible learning, intense challenges, and deeply fulfilling experiences that have shaped both my career and personal life in ways I could never have imagined.

The Start of a New Chapter

In the second quarter of 2019, I found myself at crossroads in my professional journey. My job at the time left me feeling exhausted and unfulfilled. Each day felt heavier than the last, and I longed for something different—a workplace that would reignite my passion and align with my values. I wanted to wake up each morning excited to tackle the day’s challenges. More than that, I sought an environment where the company’s mission was so compelling and clear that it would inspire me to give my very best.

I was actively searching for opportunities and praying for guidance. Then, in April & June 2019, my prayers were answered. I received an email from Arielle Sandor & Ashley King-Bischof respectively, inviting me to join the GIS team being established at Zipline. This moment marked a turning point in my career and, ultimately, my life.

Excited and curious, I began researching Zipline. The more I learned about the company, the more convinced I became that this was the opportunity I had been waiting for. The interview process was thorough, with multiple stages that challenged me to reflect on my skills and potential. By July 2019, I had officially accepted an offer to join the team, embarking on a new chapter that would profoundly impact me.

A Culture of Learning and Growth

From the moment I started at Zipline, I was struck by the caliber of people I had the privilege to work with. Some of the smartest, most innovative minds in the world were part of this company, and I quickly realized how much I could learn from them.

The working environment at Zipline, while not without its imperfections, is one that consistently fosters growth and continuous improvement. It may not boast the “best” working conditions in the world especially for teams in Ghana, but the culture is undeniably one that encourages employees to stretch beyond their limits. Over the years, I have yet to meet anyone at Zipline—whether they’ve been here for six months or six years—who hasn’t experienced significant growth in both their technical and interpersonal skills.

One of the key factors contributing to this growth is the access to resources, including state-of-the-art software, equipment, and supportive leadership. Leaders at Zipline are not only willing to teach but are also invested in helping team members reach their full potential. For those who are eager to learn, the opportunities are endless.

Navigating Motherhood and Career

In 2022, I welcomed my first child into the world—a beautiful milestone that brought immense joy but also introduced new challenges. At the time, my lead was Nickson Ndangalasi , a figure who became much more than just a manager to me. Nickson was, and still is, a mentor, a big brother, and a friend. His support during this period was invaluable, helping me navigate the delicate balance between work and family life.

Returning from maternity leave earlier than planned was not easy, but Nickson and I worked together to create a plan that allowed me to fulfill my responsibilities while prioritizing my family. He recognized my strengths and entrusted me with meaningful projects, such as managing our geodata and developing training plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs). These initiatives ensured that knowledge was shared transparently across the team, creating a more robust and collaborative environment.

The experience taught me a great deal about adaptability, resilience, and the importance of supportive leadership.

Facing New Challenges

When I discovered I was pregnant with my second child, I was overwhelmed with anxiety. The idea of managing a high-level role while raising two children under the age of two seemed daunting. At the time, I had recently been promoted to Maps Curation Lead, working under a new manager, Chris DiGiano . The first emotion I felt was fear—fear that I wouldn’t be able to meet the demands of my role, fear that I’d let my team down, and fear that I wouldn’t be able to maintain the high standards I held for myself.

This fear initially drove me to conceal my pregnancy, even as I pushed myself to keep up with work. For months, I relied on adrenaline to meet deadlines and maintain my responsibilities. It wasn’t until I was seven months pregnant—when my growing belly could no longer be hidden—that I finally shared the news with my team. I laugh at this now because looking back, I realize how unnecessary my secrecy was.

Chris’s response to my announcement was nothing short of exemplary. He was incredibly supportive, helping me implement measures to ensure the Maps Curation team would continue to thrive during my maternity leave. Thanks to the dedication of colleagues like Fidèle HABANABAKIZE , Louis Tenkorang Nutifafa Titiati and Julienne Ayinkamiye , the team performed exceptionally well in my absence. Their efforts reaffirmed the importance of trust, collaboration, and planning in a successful team dynamic.

The Struggles of 2024: A Year of Growth and Reflection

Now, as a working mother of two, 2024 has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding years of my life. Balancing the demands of work and family has required me to master the art of multitasking. There were days when I found myself typing with one hand while breastfeeding, or attending virtual meetings with a crying baby strapped to my back.

Despite my best efforts, there were moments when I felt like I was falling short—both as a professional and as a parent. In some meetings, my thoughts seemed to dissolve before I could articulate them. It was frustrating to know what I wanted to say but feel unable to communicate it effectively. To overcome this, I developed strategies such as preparing bullet points ahead of meetings and rehearsing key points beforehand. These small adjustments made a big difference, helping me regain confidence in my abilities.

Through it all, I’ve come to realize just how strong and capable I am. The challenges I faced this year have only reinforced my determination and resilience.

A Message to New Working Moms

To any new working mother reading this and wondering how you’ll make it through the coming year, I want you to know that you will. You can. Many mothers at Zipline and beyond are excelling in their careers while raising families, and you are no exception.

My advice is simple: channel the energy you might spend worrying about being a “bad mom” into nurturing both your family and your career. Communicate openly with your managers about your needs and challenges. There will be times when you need to put in extra hours, but it’s equally important to show yourself grace and take breaks when needed.

As someone who has often prioritized work over family dinners and playtime, I’ve learned to forgive myself. In 2025, my goal is to create a better work-life balance. I plan to set boundaries, take breaks, and follow my own advice.

Looking Ahead

As I move into my sixth year at Zipline, I am excited to continue working with and learning from my incredible teammates. The Spatial Planning and Maps Operations Team, including Gavin K. Ananda Rohan Paranjpe Frederick Abalo David Firman, GISP Drew Seminara Jonah Lipsitt and many others, inspire me daily with their dedication and innovation.

Zipline has been more than just a workplace for me—it’s been a space of growth, challenges, and profound learning. I am deeply grateful for the journey so far and look forward to what lies ahead. Here’s to more milestones, more growth, and more opportunities to make an impact.