Meet Mahlet Yifru, a software engineer on our Moderation Team! Read more to learn about her time at Nextdoor.
Why did you join Nextdoor?
I interned at Nextdoor in 2019 and I was blown away by the supportive and collaborative work environment. Nextdoor’s purpose is to create a kinder world where everyone has a neighbor they can rely on and it was great to see that reflected in the company’s culture. All throughout the summer, I was able to learn a lot, work on essential projects, and form meaningful relationships with my colleagues. My positive experience as an intern made it an easy decision to return as a full-time employee and continue my career at Nextdoor.
What has been one of your favorite projects to work on?
One of my favorite projects I have worked on is the Kindness Reminder. This feature uses predictive technology to display reminders before users make a post, educating them about Nextdoor’s community guidelines and giving them time to reflect before potentially making hurtful or inflammatory comments. As part of the project, I developed different reminders that encourage users to have constructive conversations and curb the spread of misinformation on the platform.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I started running last year and I absolutely love it. I am currently recovering from a minor injury and I can’t wait to get back into it. My goal is to complete a half marathon by the end of the year.
Most memorable moment at Nextdoor?
My most memorable moment at Nextdoor was our 2021 IPO celebration. After months of remote work due to the pandemic, it was nice to go into the office and finally see everyone in-person, even if it meant waking up early and gathering at 5 o’clock in the morning to experience the bell-ringing ceremony.
Best career advice?
My best career advice is to never hesitate to ask questions when you’re unsure about something and to actively seek out mentorship with someone you admire.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
My favorite place in the world is my hometown, Addis Ababa. I grew up in the capital city of Ethiopia, and it is a very big, lively, and diverse city. It can be compared to New York City in terms of its vibrancy and energy, but it has much better weather all year round.
What is your favorite way to give back to your local community?
Supporting local businesses is my preferred way of giving back to my community. I always make a conscious effort to seek out small, independent stores in my area and leave positive reviews to encourage others to support them as well.
Interested in joining #TeamNextdoor? Check out our open roles here!
