Table Ties

Filmora Vid is linked in Google Drive!

Inspiration

Women are constantly pitted against each other, regardless of the setting. Whether in the workplace, at school, or even the comfort of their own home, women are often forced into competition for limited opportunities, recognition, and seats at the table. This creates an environment where collaboration and solidarity are overshadowed by the pressure to outshine one another instead of lifting each other up, resulting in a culture of division and secretive animosity.

This female rivalry is primarily due to the “one seat at the table” mentality, which leads women to mistreat, underestimate, and distance themselves from other women in order to increase their power and standing among men.

Reserved For Her Inc. is dedicated to challenging this mindset through project-based mentorship, as research shows 67% of women believe mentorship is crucial for advancing their careers. Beyond career guidance, mentorship has been found to have physiological implications, stimulating the release of oxytocin (the bonding hormone) and dopamine (the reward hormone), fostering trust and reducing aggression.

What it does

On Table Ties, we bring together mentors and mentees in a unique space where they can collaborate on personal projects, break through traditional networking barriers, and create authentic, meaningful connections. This platform is designed to help individuals swap skills, build portfolios, and gain valuable industry insights. Mentees can engage with mentors who provide guidance and feedback, while also forming relationships with like-minded peers who share similar passions, interests, and career goals. By fostering a supportive, non-competitive environment, Table Ties helps women feel more comfortable both asking for and giving advice, creating an open space where women can share their experiences, support each other’s growth, and build confidence in their own abilities. Through project-based mentorship, Table Ties empowers women to grow professionally and personally, expand their networks, elevate their skills, and pursue new opportunities with the encouragement of a like-minded community. Whether you're looking to advance in your career, develop new talents, or connect with others who understand your journey, Table Ties provides the space for you to flourish.

How we built it

This project began with a brainstorming session where we aimed to identify socially relevant issues that are often overlooked. What better inspiration than spending International Women's Day at a hackathon celebrating underrepresented genders in tech?

From there, we quickly sketched out a wireframe and set up our database using MongoDB Atlas. For UX design, we used Figma, while Canva helped us put together our slide deck.

On the development side, we used JavaScript for the core functionality, React for building a dynamic and responsive user interface, and Node.js for handling backend logic and server-side operations.

Challenges we ran into

Our biggest challenge was learning how to use MongoDB. Since some of us were new to working with NoSQL databases, we had to quickly get up to speed on structuring data, writing queries, and integrating it with our backend. Setting up connections between MongoDB Atlas and our Node.js server also presented some hurdles, but through trial and error, we managed to troubleshoot authentication issues and database operations.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We’re really excited about what we built—both in concept and design. Our mentorship platform was created to address an issue that isn’t often talked about: the unspoken animosity that can exist between women in the workplace. By fostering mentorship and support, we hope to create a space where women uplift each other rather than compete.

Beyond the technical achievements, we’re incredibly proud of the amount of high-quality work we were able to produce in a short amount of time. In addition to building a functional prototype, we created a fully edited video, a polished slide deck, and a high-fidelity Figma design that showcases our vision in detail.

Most importantly, we’re proud of the impact this project could have. Representation and inclusivity in tech matter, and we’re thrilled to have built something that encourages meaningful connections and professional growth.

What we learned

Throughout this project, we gained valuable experience in both technical development and design thinking. We deepened our understanding of MongoDB, learning how to structure and manage a NoSQL database efficiently. Working with React and Node.js also strengthened our skills in full-stack development, from building interactive UI components to handling backend operations.

Beyond the technical aspects, we learned the importance of user experience in fostering meaningful connections. Designing an intuitive platform required us to think critically about how mentorship should flow, ensuring accessibility and ease of use. We also learned a lot about teamwork, adaptability, and the power of collaboration under time constraints.

What's next for Table Ties

We’re excited about the future of Table Ties and the impact it can have on workplace culture. Moving forward, we want to refine our platform by incorporating user feedback to improve functionality and accessibility. We’d also love to implement features like AI-powered mentor matching and workplace-specific mentorship programs to make connections even more meaningful.

Additionally, we hope to expand Table Ties beyond the tech industry, making it a valuable resource for under-reprented genders in all professional fields. Whether through further development, funding opportunities, or community partnerships, we see this as just the beginning of a platform that can foster stronger, more supportive workplaces.

Built With

• figma
• filmora
• javascript
• mongodb
• node.js
• react