Hello, Local Guides! 
Continuing our Women & Allied Series, today we’re excited to introduce Shrutika, a passionate Level 10 Local Guide from India.
Shrutika has been making an impact by contributing to Google Maps, sharing her experiences, and supporting her community in meaningful ways. She is a community builder from Mumbai who always encourages everyone to contribute to our program ! Let’s get to know her! Here is a candid Rendezvous with @Shrut19 !
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey as a Local Guide?
[Shrutika]: As a local guide, I have always believed in the power of community and the importance of knowledge sharing. I started with adding photos and reviews or editing information about ‘Sulabh Shauchalaya’ (Clean toilets build by government for the community) in my locality and surrounding areas, it was a part of campaign ‘SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAAN’ (CLEAN INDIA Campaign) where Google had partnered with Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs in India. Gradually I started taking an interest in adding a few local businesses and, while traveling, some of the landmarks, etc. By doing that, I realize that it is helping the local community as well as the tourists too. My reviews and edits were helping someone navigate around. It was a heartfelt moment when my contribution photo was published in ‘India Today’ newspaper edition. This gave me a boost to me that even a tiny contribution can make a meaningful difference. I think I was among the first female Mumbaikar to sign up for the Connect portal. In spite of my health issues & language barrier, I made a good amount of contributions in it and made a big collection of friends worldwide. My goal as a local guide is to make my city more approachable and friendly to all.
I have also been part of initiatives like Empower womens, Spam free map & many other campaigns for Google map with LG Connect.
What inspires you to be a Local Guide?
[Shrutika]: Making information easily accessible, clearing the spams from Google Maps, and empowering others to explore with confidence are concepts that inspire me. My role as a Local Guide enables me to promote small businesses and draw attention to locations that might otherwise go overlooked.My best hobby is to build a community of like-minded people to serve the community without any expectations through Google Maps and the Connect program. In addition, I have a strong desire to support women owners, sustainable travel and small companies. I
What’s your favorite feature of Google Maps?
[Shrutika]: My favorite feature is “Editing the information,” which makes sure that accurate information is shared with the public and rewards even lesser-known businesses and off-the-beaten-path locations. I feel good when I put my city on a map with clean information and help people find what they need from it. The Photos feature on Google Maps is also amazing as it helps users explore and plan journeys by providing visual insights into destinations. Users may browse through other people’s images of locations to get a feel for what to expect, which makes travel and exploration more fun and interesting. Google Maps’ Photos function is particularly useful when it concerns women’s safety because it allows them to: 1. Examine locations and businesses before going. 2. Get a feeling of comfort and safety. 3. Make sensible decisions concerning exploration and travel. Also, Google Maps provides features such as: 1. To see an area in 360 degrees, use Street View. 2. Live View for guidance in augmented reality. 3. Customer evaluations and rankings for companies. These characteristics enable women to travel and explore more safely and confidently!
What message would you give to other Women Local Guides or anyone considering joining our Local Guides program ?
[Shrutika]: I want to encourage more people to make educated decisions while exploring, learning about, and supporting their local communities through my contributions.
Join the Movement!
Inspired by Shrutika’s journey? Join the Local Guides community today and start making an impact! Together, we can create a more inclusive, accessible, and well-documented world through Google Maps!
#WomenAndAlliedSeries #LocalGuides #LetsGuide #MapsForAll #WomenInLocalGuides
Do you wish to participate or nominate someone? 
Hugs to 
keep guiding us
