Nominator Pooja Derashri: “Akshaya has been actively involved in the WordPress community. She was one of the release leads for three significant versions: 6.4, and 6.5. She’s been doing a fantastic job handling all the release-related tasks. In addition, Akshaya contributes to various Make WordPress teams, including speaking at WordCamps and meetups. Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and it’s great to see her make such a positive impact.”

Let’s get to know Akshaya Rane

That’s quite an introduction, Pooja! We would love to get to know Akshaya even better. That’s why we asked her some questions about her work and her passion for WordPress:

Hi, Akshaya! What do you do?

Hello! I currently serve as a Project Manager at Multidots. I began my journey as a WordPress developer and have evolved into this role over time. My main goal is to assist organizations in reaching their business objectives and simplifying their processes.

Being a part of the vibrant WordPress community is something I truly cherish. It has been incredibly rewarding to engage with fellow enthusiasts at various WordCamps, gain insights from them and share my knowledge. Furthermore, it’s inspiring to collaborate with talented individuals from around the world, all spanning different time zones.

Outside of work, I am passionate about travel and enjoy exploring new adventures and experiences.

Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

My journey into contributing began at the Mumbai WordCamp through Do_action and the WordCamp Mumbai Contributor Day in 2019. Do_action focused on assisting NGOs by building or enhancing their websites to support their causes. I had the chance to work with small, impactful NGOs, making a difference despite their limited resources. Seeing my skills and time being put to meaningful use was fulfilling.

During the WordCamp Mumbai Contributor Day, I discovered the diverse areas where one could contribute. I even collected badges and stickers representing each team, which I still have as keepsakes.

Inspired by the experience, a friend and I organized a Contribution Day at our office, WisdmLabs. It was heartening to guide and support others in their contribution journey.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege to share what I learned by speaking at various WordCamps and meetups, which has been a rewarding experience in itself.

Who is your WordPress hero?

Naming just one WordPress hero is challenging, because so many incredible people have inspired me with their work and support. While there are many, let me share about one of my WordPress heroes, Jill Binder.

I got to know Jill through the WordPress Diversity group. She conducts workshops to help people like me speak at meetups and WordCamps. Being an introvert, I usually prefer one-on-one conversations, but Jill’s workshop gave me the confidence to try speaking at WordCamps.

With her guidance, I spoke at four WordCamps last year, and it was a fantastic experience to connect with people through my stories and receive their feedback. Jill’s encouragement has been instrumental in my speaking journey.

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

One of my recent proudest moments was serving as the Release Lead for WordPress 6.5. It was an incredible experience collaborating with talented individuals and being part of such an impactful project. WordPress recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and seeing how it powers a significant percentage of websites, with numbers growing daily, is truly inspiring.

Being involved in a project of this scale, where every decision is made carefully considering its impact, has been rewarding. It feels great to contribute to such a vast and influential platform.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

You can reach out to me on my website, Twitter, Linkedin, and I’m also @akshaya on the Make.WordPress Slack channel. Feel free to connect!

Thank you for this interview, Akshaya, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Akshaya Rane who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Akshaya Rane receives the Yoast Care fund for her contribution to the WordPress community appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator Regan Khadgi: “Surendra has been actively contributing to the WordPress community for more than ten years as a speaker, organizer, and volunteer for different WordCamps around Nepal and other countries. He is also one of the organizers of WordCamp Asia 2023 and 2024. As he is a Yoast Care fund recipient, we, as the WordPress Nepal community, feel appreciated for his contributions to the WordPress community.”

Let’s get to know Surendra Shrestha

That’s quite an introduction, Regan! We would love to get to know Surendra even better. That’s why we asked him some questions about his work and his passion for WordPress:

Hi, Surendra! What do you do?

I’m deeply passionate about WordPress, both as a full-stack developer and an active community member. As a developer, I thrive on crafting robust solutions and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with WordPress.

Simultaneously, I cherish my role as a community member, where I’m dedicated to giving back, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration. Whether coding innovative plugins, organizing meetups, or mentoring newcomers, I’m driven by a profound commitment to enrich and strengthen the WordPress community.

Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

My early experiences with WordPress Meetups and WordCamps ignited my journey into contributing to the WordPress community. These gatherings, renowned for fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, sparked my interest as I delved deeper into learning WordPress.

In 2012, I attended my first-ever WordCamp in Nepal, which left an indelible mark on me. The vibrant atmosphere, insightful sessions, and open networking showcased the true essence of the WordPress community. During this event, I fully understood the spirit of giving back and the invaluable contributions of volunteers.

Subsequently, I began contributing in earnest, starting with active participation in local meetups. These smaller gatherings gave me invaluable opportunities to share knowledge, assist others, and connect with like-minded individuals. As my involvement grew, I took on more significant roles, eventually organizing local events as stepping stones to flagship WordCamps.

Witnessing the dedication of volunteers and the positive impact of their efforts inspired me to play a more active role in shaping the WordPress ecosystem. Today, I am deeply committed to contributing to various community initiatives, drawing inspiration from the inclusive ethos of WordPress. Whether through organizing events, sharing insights, or volunteering my time and expertise, I remain dedicated to nurturing collaboration and empowerment within the WordPress community.

So tell us, What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

One of the contributions I am most proud of is organizing a workshop at a WordPress Kathmandu Meetup, where I aimed to introduce beginners to WordPress. Seeing the attendees’ enthusiasm as they gained confidence in navigating WordPress and building their websites was incredibly rewarding.

However, the moment that truly stood out to me was when a participant, initially overwhelmed by the platform, successfully created their first webpage during the workshop. Knowing that I played a role in empowering someone to explore and utilize WordPress effectively was a gratifying experience.

Additionally, I felt immense pride when I had the opportunity to co-organize WordCamp Asia, one of the flagship WordCamps. Being part of such a significant event within the WordPress community was a tremendous honor, and it further reinforced my commitment to contributing to the WordPress ecosystem.

What would you love to do in the future?

In the future, I would love to further my contributions to the WordPress community by enhancing my own experience and mentoring new members. We can strengthen the community by sharing knowledge and guiding newcomers, ensuring its longevity and vibrancy. My dedication to fostering a supportive environment will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of the WordPress ecosystem.

Where can people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

You may find me active and engaged on various social media platforms. You can contact me via LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and my personal Website. I enjoy networking and discussing tech at events like tech meetups and WordCamps. If you want to connect, feel free to reach out online or meet me at these gatherings!

I particularly relish meeting new people, collaborating, and sharing insights on technology, business, and entrepreneurship.
Let’s connect and explore fresh ideas together!

Thank you for this interview, Surendra, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Surendra Shrestha who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

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Nominator Birgit Olzem: “I nominate Patricia BT for the Yoast Care Fund due to her exceptional contributions to the WordPress community. As an independent solopreneur, she’s made a lasting impact through community facilitation, event organization, and advocacy for DEIB and sustainability. Since 2013, she’s been actively involved in Geneva WordPress meetup and Swiss WordCamp. Currently, she’s part of the 2024 WordCamp Europe Volunteer Team. Patricia volunteers, speaks at WordCamps events and dedicates 2-3 days every week to WordPress contributions, including event support, mentoring, and sustainability initiatives. She bridges local and global communities, promoting inclusivity and environmental responsibility. Her deep connection to the WordPress community and commitment to open-source principles make her a perfect fit for the Yoast Care Fund’s mission. Awarding Patricia this fund would recognize her invaluable work and support her efforts to foster a more inclusive, sustainable, and dynamic WordPress community.”

Let’s get to know Patricia Brun Torre

That’s quite an introduction, Birgit! We would love to get to know Patricia even better. That’s why we asked her some questions about her work and her passion for WordPress:

Hi, Patricia! What do you do?

I am contributing to the WordPress Community Team by co-organizing events: the Meetup in Geneva (Switzerland) and the WordCamp events in Switzerland since 2016. Furthermore, I’m a co-organizer of WordCamp Europe 2024 to be held in Torino, Italy and of the Switzerland Community Day 2024.

When I’m not an organizer, I sometimes volunteer or speak at other events. I belong to the Swiss, French, and Italian communities. They have much in common, especially the mutual help among organizers and other contributors, the excellent shape, the “no-drama” communication, and their enthusiasm! Certainly, I know this is not the case everywhere, so I feel lucky to belong to those three communities where I made so many friends!

Additionally, I serve as an event supporter, I’m working on the Contributor Working Group, including the Contributor Mentorship Program, and helped revive some meetup groups in my area. In addition, I participate in the DEIB Working Group, led by Birgit Olzem, and the Sustainability Team meetings, bridging ideas back ideas to the Swiss community.

I also joined the GatherPress team at the end of last year. In January, we published a proposal to test it as a pilot program. Last but not least, I translate and record the French voice for WPPodcast, which is a weekly news bulletin by Javier Casares, It was originally in Spanish only, but it’s now multilingual. Doing this, I stay updated on WordPress Make Teams’ activities and learn a lot.

Professionally, I started interaction.Site, which is an international community that helps members learn how to create and manage their online presence in a supportive environment. I also offer WordPress care/maintenance plans.

And finally, as a hobby, I’m writing a novel in the sci-fi genre with a touch of erotic romance!

Balancing all these activities with being a mother to three teenagers keeps my days busy!

Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

When Paolo Belcastro and Jenia Laszlo, who had started the WordPress Geneva meetup group, moved away from Geneva in 2012, we took charge of the group. I had no idea I was “contributing” and I didn’t know about the size of the worldwide community either.

Then in 2013, I heard about WordCamp Europe. It was the first edition in Leiden in The Netherlands, and I joined! The feeling I had at the Contributor Day was beyond words: I, a non-developer, discovered how we can contribute to WordPress besides coding. At this WordCamp, I was also really impacted by Bram Duvigneau, who is blind and uses a screen reader. They showed us how their assistive tool reads a poorly structured webpage. That impacted me, so now I try to be mindful of accessibility issues and learn from experts, such as my friend Anne-Mieke Bovelett. However, I still have a lot to learn on that vital topic!

In 2014, I went to the first WordCamp Switzerland and directly applied as a speaker. I met the Swiss community and made a lot of friends, and the rest is history!

Who is your WordPress hero?

I have many heroes. First, all contributors are heroes, especially the non-sponsored ones; partly because we are giving our free time to contribute or money to attend events. I love to learn from people who know a lot but never show contempt, teach you once then let you learn by doing, who aren’t control freaks but remain there for questions. I try to be like them!

Now, if I have to give just one name, it would be Mike Little. I was deeply impressed, and even moved to tears, by his presentation at WordCamp Europe 2016 in Vienna. How the meaning of “Democratize publishing” resonated in me, and that WordPress enables people who might not have had a voice before the internet era (mostly underrepresented groups) to do so quite easily. I’m not sure we would had the same if Mike had not commented, “If you’re serious about forking b2, I would be interested in contributing” on Matt’s now famous blog post in 2003!

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

It was an honor to be invited to the Community Summit in the USA in 2023! Even though I had been an active contributor for many years, I believe that event marked a turning point. I got to participate in important topics being discussed at that event, and I really felt the importance of what we do for 43% of the web. I have increased my contribution time since then, and I think it’s a natural reaction to the feeling that my contribution is being recognized and appreciated.

What does WordPress look like in your perfect world?

It’s an interesting question because if you had asked me this ten years ago, I would have dreamed of what we have now with the Gutenberg project and FSE themes! I think it came late compared to third-party and proprietary platforms that attract the younger generation. I also think there is still much to accomplish, but Gutenberg and the FSE themes were such a breakthrough!

And, of course, in a perfect multilingual and multicultural world, WordPress would have been multilingual from the start. Because it was not multilingual, I discarded WordPress as my tool of choice when I started offering web services in 2006. I returned to it in 2011 when I fell in love with Multisite and BuddyPress. Hopefully, phase 4 of the Gutenberg project, with multilingual abilities reaching the core, will not be too far away.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamp events, other Meetup groups?

You can find me on my WordPress profile. In addition, you can see a list of all events I have attended or will be attending on my “TheWP.world” profile. Besides Geneva, I attend the Lausanne meetup group. You can find all the links on my personal website and my professional project.

Thank you for this interview, Patricia, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Patricia Brun Torre who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Patricia Brun Torre receives the Yoast Care fund for her contribution to the WordPress community appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator Farrukh Hassan: “Hafiz has been supporting the WordPress community since 2020 and working actively since 2023. He was part of the organizing team of the last WordCamp of Pakistan (WordCamp Lahore 2023). He offered his services as a website wrangler and helped the marketing team with marketing strategies, which allowed the team to organize an entire house event. This nomination aims to motivate him to make more contributions in the future.”

Let’s get to know Hafiz Usama Tahir

That’s quite an introduction, Farrukh! We would love to get to know Hafiz even better. That’s why we asked him some questions about his work and his passion for WordPress:

Hi, Hafiz! What do you do?

I’m an SEO Strategist and Founder of WSM SOLUTIONS from Pakistan. I’ve been doing SEO and helping small businesses rank higher on Google since 2020; which is also the year I started my WordPress Community contributions. I’ve organized multiple events for the WordPress community. Recently, I also had the chance to join the organizing team of WorldCamp Lahore 2023.

How did you know about WordPress?

I started my career as a WordPress designer in 2019; I was always keen and wanted to participate in the WordPress Community. Then, I found a Senior WordPress developer who invited me to the local WordPress chapter team. A year later, I started volunteering, and I organized my first event in 2022 at the Islamia University Bahawalpur Bahawalnagar Campus.

Why did you start contributing? Share with us the first time you contributed?

I attended my first local WordPress meetup in 2020, where I witnessed how the community helps people grow together; like-minded people support each other, generate new connections and chances for collaboration, and work under a well-defined ecosystem.

After my first meetup as an attendee, I decided to become a part of this great cause. I joined The WordPress Chishtian Chapter, became an organizer of the Chishtian Chapter, and organized my first event in 2022. The love I received being part of the WordPress family makes me want to never stop contributing to the community. Beyond contributions to the local WordPress community.

Who is your WordPress hero?

I’ve learned a lot from the WordPress community. Farrukh Hassan is my WordPress hero. He guided me at every step of my contributions to the community. Besides Farrukh, working with the community was fun, and I found everyone very helpful and gentle.

What would you love to do in the future?

I would love to continue working with the WordPress community, both locally and internationally, to show my love for WordPress and open-source.

In addition, I’m looking forward to contributing to the WordPress community with my community management skills to see it grow globally, and to help people with their careers, companies, and businesses.

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

My contributions as an organizer in the latest WordCamp of Lahore is one of the moments I’m very proud of, as well as the contribution where community folks from Lahore worked together to make the WordCamp successful. We got tremendous feedback then.

Where can people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. I’m always eager to meet new friends and share experiences to help others and enhance my skills and exposure as well. Moreover, you can find me in future WordCamps in Pakistan.

Thank you for this interview, Hafiz, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Hafiz Usama Tahir who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

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Nominator Sakin Shrestha “Mr. Chhetri has been a dedicated contributor to the WordPress Community since 2011, exemplifying an unwavering commitment to the platform. His active involvement in the WordPress Nepal community has been instrumental, as evidenced by his profile. Notably, he has served as an organizer for WordCamp Kathmandu, WordCamp Nepal, and WordCamp Asia, showcasing his leadership and organizational skills. Beyond organizing events, Mr. Chhetri has actively participated in various teams, including the Community Team and Photo Team. His multifaceted contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for fostering collaboration within the WordPress ecosystem. As a co-founder of the WordPress Nepal community, I can confidently affirm that Mr. Chhetri is one of Nepal’s most valuable contributors. His dedication and efforts have significantly enriched our local community, making him a deserving candidate for support through the Yoast Care Fund.”

Let’s get to know Yam B Chhetri

That’s quite an introduction, Sakin! We would love to get to know Yam even better. That’s why we asked him some questions about his work and his passion for WordPress:

Hi, Yam! What do you do?

I am a dedicated WordPress Entrepreneur with a comprehensive background in the dynamic experience of web development and digital services. I have played a pivotal role in co-founding and leading successful ventures that have significantly impacted the industry.

Why WordPress?

Given my non-technical background and past failures (such as not succeeding in the Indian Army and facing challenges with going abroad), my introduction to WordPress in 2007 was a turning point. By persistently working with and contributing to WordPress, I succeeded, ultimately becoming a co-founder of various companies.

WordPress has provided me with a platform to excel. Without it, I may not have reached these heights. WordPress is not limited to those with a technical background; it’s a powerful tool for anyone. My message to individuals like me is that WordPress has a promising future, and it opens doors to unexpected opportunities.

Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

As an introverted person, I was initially reserved and hesitant to engage with others. However, my perspective changed when I became involved in meetups. I found joy in the community.

A significant moment occurred when I volunteered at WordCamp in 2012 and 2013. This eventually progressed to being able to lead volunteers in 2014. Contributing also opened doors to witnessing the community’s growth and forming connections with numerous individuals. In 2013, I took a significant step by founding my company, and I attribute much of its success to the WordPress Platform.

What would you love to do in the future?

For the future, I envision a continued commitment to contributing to WordCamp and giving back to the community. I was a mentor at various WordCamps in Nepal, and I mentored WordCamp Kathmandu, WordCamp Pokhara, WordCamp Biratnagar, WordCamp Butwal, and WordCamp Bharatpur.

My next big goal is to bring WordCamp Asia to Nepal. I also want to be part of making the IT industry reach more people globally. The success of WordCamp Nepal 2024, where over 1000 people joined, inspires me to encourage others to get involved and contribute. In addition, I believe in the sustainable processes of WordPress.

Who is your WordPress hero?

My WordPress hero is Sakin Shrestha, who nominated me for this opportunity and introduced me to WordPress in 2007. Without his guidance, I have no idea where my career would be. He played a crucial role in pushing me into the world of WordPress, expressing his faith in its future and emphasizing its user-friendly nature. His impact has played a pivotal role in shaping my WordPress journey.

Thank you for this interview, Yam, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Yam B Chhetri who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Yam B Chhetri receives the Yoast Care fund for his contribution to the WordPress community appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator Yvonne Palanca: “Dreb is a remarkable figure in the WordPress community, with an unwavering commitment to advancing WordPress and an exceptional track record of contributions. Dreb has consistently demonstrated a keen sense of innovation and has contributed to core updates. He is known for his outstanding efforts in building and nurturing the WordPress community. Through active participation in forums, WordCamps, and local meetups, he has fostered connections, provided guidance, and inspired newcomers to contribute. He was a Speaker at WordCamp Taipei 2018. In addition, he was the lead organizer of many WordCamps; such as the first WordCamp Asia in Bangkok, and local WordCamps like WordCamp Davao 2019 and the upcoming WordCamp Manila 2023. Dreb is a shining example in the WordPress community. His innovative spirit, community-building efforts, advocacy for open source, commitment to education, and leadership qualities have left an indelible mark on the WordPress ecosystem.”

Let’s get to know Dreb Bitanghol

That’s quite an introduction, Yvonne! We would love to get to know Dreb even better. That’s why we asked him some questions about his work and his passion for WordPress:

Hi, Dreb! What do you do?

I am an Engineering Manager at The Code Company, which means I work closely with talented web engineers & strategists for media publishers who want to succeed in the digital space. In addition, I support the growing WordPress communities in the Philippines. Currently, I help organize WordCamp Asia 2024 for the second time. It’s the biggest WordPress gathering in Asia, and it will take place in Taipei, Taiwan.

Why WordPress?

I chose WordPress, because I am who I am today (and where I am) because of my career in this industry. It’s helped me grow, just like WordPress itself has grown over time. I also love that WordPress keeps improving its interface, extensive directory of plugins, theming and hosting ecosystem, and huge community worldwide.

WordPress’s versatility suits various website types, from blogs and online media platforms to eCommerce. It’s a canvas that enables individuals and businesses to easily create and manage online content, ultimately contributing to the democratization of the web. And the best part? There is a vibrant, open-source community that backs up its continued development and growth.

As a WordPress community supporter & contributor, my commitment to WordPress is driven by its empowering role in making web publishing more accessible, and fostering a collaborative global community of developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and users.

What did you work on?

My contribution to the WordPress open-source project is mainly focused on the community. I am a meetup organizer in Davao City, Philippines. In addition, I was the lead organizer of WordCamp Davao 2019. I volunteered at WordCamp Manila 2016, was a co-organizer of WordCamp Manila 2017, 2018, and 2023, and a speaker at WordCamp Iloilo and WordCamp Cebu.

Outside the Philippines, I’ve given talks at different WordCamps and meetups, such as WordCamp Singapore 2016, WordCamp Jakarta, WordCamp Bangkok, and Saigon WordPress meetups, among others.

I was the website team lead of WordCamp Asia 2020, a member of the volunteer organizing team in WordCamp Asia 2023, and I’m currently co-leading the volunteers organizing team of WordCamp Asia 2024. In addition, I was a community deputy/program supporter in 2018 and a core contributor to WordPress 4.4 release.

Why did you start contributing?

I would say it happened naturally. I have been working as a freelancer at home since 2011, and there came a point when I was looking for a group or community that could fill in the social aspect of this profession — being able to network and connect in the same industry.

Another reason is that I’m thankful to our open-source community and the WordPress project. I have been driven by the fact that this open source gave us so much. This project has always been a collective effort of a solid community — and I want to be part of it. Big or small, this contribution could be my legacy, or our legacy, that would last beyond us.

Could you share your first contribution with us?

My involvement in the WordPress community started in 2016, when I reinstated a WordPress user group in my home city in the Philippines: WordPress Davao. I’ve been organizing meetups in our user group ever since. In 2016, I took the courage to apply and got accepted to speak at WordCamp Singapore 2016. WordCamp Singapore was my first WordCamp, and I remember being ecstatic; it felt like a door to a world filled with adventures had just opened.

Following the 2016 WordCamp in Singapore, I have shared and given talks to different WordCamps in the Philippines and around Asia.

I volunteered at WordCamp Manila in 2016 and became co-organizer of the same WordCamp in 2017, 2018, and 2023. Then, in 2019, I supported our team, and brought the WordCamp experience to my hometown. I am proud to say that I made WordCamp Davao 2019 a reality.

Thank you for this interview, Dreb, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Dreb Bitanghol who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Dreb Bitanghol receives the Yoast Care fund for his contribution to the WordPress community appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator Allie Nimmons: “Ken has been a member of the BlackPress Slack since near the beginning. He has recently been brought onto the organizers’ team for his activity and energy around supporting and keeping the group alive. He’s stood out to the organizers in his eagerness to invest time and thought into how the group is run, actively supporting his community and making Slack a better place. Ken Elliott is the Professional Web Developer & Digital Brand Consultant for BKreative Media Solutions based in Columbia, South Carolina. He has over 25 years of experience in web development, social media, and online marketing and uses WordPress regularly for his business. He is the founder of a local creatives support group and co-organizer of a local WordPress Meetup chapter in Columbia, helping with BlackPress. He’s genuinely a fantastic part of this community and deserves to be recognized.”

Let’s get to know Ken Elliott

That’s quite an introduction, Allie! We would love to get to know Ken even better. That’s why we asked him some questions about his work and his passion for WordPress:

Hi, Ken! Why WordPress?

I came upon WordPress in 2008-2009, searching for a better automation solution to manage large amounts of stored data with a simplified backend. After fighting my traditional “using a CMS isn’t coding” mentality, I finally dove into WordPress development for all website projects in 2010.

Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

I have always enjoyed sharing career opportunities with coding and development peers. In 2016, years before my first official contribution, I promoted the power of the WordPress community and invited them to attend upcoming WordCamps. My first official documented contribution to the community was emceeing at WordCamp San Diego in 2022.

What does WordPress look like in your perfect world?

The coding barriers are slowly dissolving with the Playground and Generative AI implementation. Hence, developer entry and productivity are getting easier and faster, respectively; both major pain points to website development careers. While there will be side effects, the gateway to development has never been more accessible.

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

My proudest contribution is restarting the Columbia WordPress Meetup. Since WordCamp Atlanta in 2016, I have longed for a creative support meetup group in Columbia, SC. I’m grateful to Laura Hartwig for entrusting me to restart the Columbia meetups and to co-organizers Nyasha Green and Shambi Broome for helping to fulfill the vision.

What would you love to do in the future?  

I enjoy being a WordPress ambassador for community engagement and awareness. I have met many lifelong friends who have created collaborative opportunities for me and my freelance design business through WordPress. In addition, I want to continue creating opportunities for others interested in finding their developer community to grow into self-sufficient business owners.

Thank you for this interview, Ken, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Ken Elliott who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Ken Elliott receives the Yoast Care fund for his contribution to the WordPress community appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator Felipe Santos: “Allyson has always been one of the most trusted and helpful contributors to the WordPress Brazilian community. He’s always open to help. He helps the local community as a GTE and has organized several meetups and WordCamps in São Paulo. I believe it would be a good moment to share some appreciation for everything he does for our team.”

Let’s get to know Allyson Souza

That’s quite an introduction, Felipe! We would love to get to know Allyson even better. That’s why we asked him some questions about his work and his passion for WordPress:

Hi, Allyson! What do you do?

Currently, I’m working as a Senior Web Developer at NextPress, and I’m also an active member of the local WordPress Brazilian community. I’ve contributed to the community in several ways, such as organizing meetups and WordCamp in the local WordPress São Paulo community, being a GTE (Global Translation Editor) for pt-BR, and helping as a local forum moderator.

Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

In 2013, I was developing my company’s website and had several questions, which the community on the forum and social media addressed with great care and detail. I was really impressed with how generously people helped a total stranger.

Then, at my first WordCamp, I met some organizers who invited me to join the organizing team because they needed more hands. That’s when I started contributing.

What contribution or moment are you most proud of? 

I never did anything alone, so I want to emphasize that everything I’m proud of is shared with my very competent friends. My proudest moment was in WordCamp São Paulo in 2019: we achieved our peak of attendees with approximately 700 people. We enabled about 20 elementary school students to participate in a site creation workshop, and greatly improved the attendees’ and speakers’ diversity (compared to other years). In conclusion, we delivered a high-quality event that rivals any big flagship WordCamp.

What would you love to do in the future?

I would love to be fully dedicated to open source. Still, I expect to keep and increase my contributions, and save some of my time for education, which I believe is critical to introducing newcomers to the community.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

You can find me on social media, WordPress Brazilian Slack, and in person at São Paulo meetups.

Thank you for this interview, Allyson, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Allyson Souza who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Allyson Souza receives the Yoast Care fund for his contribution to the WordPress community appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator Stefano Cassone: “Gloria is one of the organizers of the Turin Meetup, as well as an organizer of many WordCamps in Turin (leader of WordCamp Turin 2023) and speaker at some WordCamps (e.g., the last WordCamp Verona). She is one of the reference points of the Italian community, especially in the Community and Forum teams, and she is a translator. I must emphasize her excellent availability and encouragement in the activities of the Italian community: I must praise her enthusiasm and willingness to do and help.”

Let’s get to know Gloria Liuni

That’s quite an introduction, Stefano! We would love to get to know Gloria even better. That’s why we asked her some questions about her work and her passion for WordPress:

Hi, Gloria! What do you do?

I could define myself as a multipotential person for many things. I mainly teach web designers for beginners: HTML, CSS, and, of course, WordPress. In addition to that, I love to take care of my clients’ websites, keeping them updated and up to date with news and constantly improving them in terms of accessibility, my secret passion.

In my free time, I am a rescuer volunteer for the Turin Green Cross; I love reading and taking long walks with my little dog. I love learning new things.

How do you know about WordPress?

The first version of WordPress I used was 2.5 in 2008. I discovered WordPress by chance. It was the period in Italy when the first blogs were seen (I found them by reading an interview about them in a paper magazine). I started writing my blog, too, and when I was ready to switch from a free version to my domain name, I encountered CMS and had to choose which one to use.

Even though I tried a few, in the end, WordPress was the one that gave me the most satisfaction in terms of customization and documentation. Already working as a web designer, I started interacting with WordPress themes (back then, there was a lot of interaction) and became even more passionate about the platform.

Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

I started contributing because I discovered it could be done! I participated in my first WordPress Torino Meetup in 2017, and there, I learned that a WordPress community existed and that I could be part of it. Having already become familiar with WordPress, I joined the support team. Helping others is in my DNA; I couldn’t have started on a different team.

I share the most bizarre episode that happened to me regarding my contribution. I was working on a site and couldn’t remember how to set plugin options. As I always do, I did an online search. I found the answer among the first results concerning a topic on the Italian support forum. So lucky! Then, when I read the answer, I discovered that I had written it myself a year earlier!

What would you love to do in the future?

I love teaching what I know very much, and I believe that transmitting one’s knowledge is fundamental. And this must also be understood by those starting today with correct and simple language.

It seems to me that there are still few female voices in Italy in the context of a less-plugin-more-native-resources approach and the FSE (Full Site Editing). Here, with great ambition, I want to become an authoritative voice in this. And, of course, continue to contribute to WordPress. Thanks to the community, I met wonderful people and enriched myself professionally, giving back part of what I received for free.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

If you search with “Gloria Liuni WordPress,” you will discover they are like parsley. You can find me at the Italian and European WordCamps, at the WordPress Meetup Turin, in the Italian WordPress Support Forum, on Slack, and with a few guest posts here and there.

You won’t find much of me as a creator on social media; what I frequent most is Linkedin. Oh yes, I also have my website!

Thank you for this interview, Gloria, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Gloria Liuni who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Gloria Liuni receives the Yoast Care fund for her contribution to the WordPress community appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator Michelle Frechette: “Nyasha Green works with individuals to teach them code, and she also mentors them into jobs. She is also a tireless and fierce supporter and champion of underrepresented people in technology, specifically WordPress. She is a meetup organizer on the Make Marketing team, and she delivered a fantastic Keynote at WordCamp Rochester.”

Let’s get to know Nyasha Green

That’s quite an introduction, Michelle! We would love to get to know Nyasha even better. That’s why we asked her some questions about her work and her passion for WordPress:

Hi, Nyasha! What do you do?

I am a Software Developer and a LinkedIn Learning instructor specializing in WordPress. I also mentor new people getting into tech, I’m a co-rep on the WordPress marketing team, a local meetup organizer, and a speaker. So, with WordPress, I can do anything my heart desires.

How do you know about WordPress?

I first heard about WordPress back in college when I started a blog. It was about leaving home and being in college. Years later, two of my mentors approached me about working in WordPress when I was looking for a technical field to specialize in. I started building websites, and I have loved it ever since.

Who is your WordPress hero?

My WordPress hero is Chris Ford. She is intelligent, kind, helpful, and hilarious. I am always inspired by the things she says and does. In addition, like many other WordPressers, she has a great story. I feel like I’m in the right place when I meet people like her and other inspiring individuals in the community.

What would you love to do in the future?

In the future, I would love to be able to travel all over the world teaching other people WordPress, and other things that I know. I get to do that through LinkedIn, as my courses can be viewed all over the world, but I want to get to the point where I’m teaching in person one day. That way, I can also experience other cultures, and share a little of my culture with them.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

People can find me online, or on LinkedIn. I also go to WordCamp US every year and visit smaller ones from time to time! So be sure to look me up if I’m ever near, if you want to get a bite to eat. I am the co-organizer of the Columbia, South Carolina’s WordPress meetup group, so you can also find me there (we provide free lunch to attendees as well)!

Thank you for this interview, Nyasha, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Nyasha Green who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Nyasha Green receives the Yoast Care fund for her contribution to the WordPress community appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator Milan Ivanovic: “In our community, we have some fantastic people, but this one in particular is one of the kindest and the nicest! Always there for everyone, willing to help, and give his all – with a smile. His contributions are numerous, and his photos are amazing :) Just so you know, this guy took a group photo of all flagship events. Pretty impressive, right?”

Let’s get to know Shusei Toda

That’s quite an introduction, Milan! We would love to get to know Shusei even better. That’s why we asked him some questions about his work and passion for WordPress:

Hi, Shusei! What do you do?

My name is Shusei Toda. I am from Tokyo, Japan, and I contribute to WordPress in various teams: Community, Polyglots, Photos, and WPTV.

I work at Kinsta (as of November 2023) as a Business Development Specialist. My role is to expand the business into the Japanese market. In addition, I work as a freelance photographer and videographer in my spare time.

Why do you think that you got nominated?

I am not 100% sure, but I am nevertheless honored to be nominated.

I have been involved in the community since 2018. In 2023, I attended all three flagship WordCamps, and had a great time meeting fellow community members. I also took great photos at the WordCamps I attended, including completing the 4 group photos at all flagships and the Community Summit.

Why WordPress?

I created a website back when I was in university, so WordPress was the first software I used when I entered the tech industry. Since then, I have been using it as my go-to software to provide solutions to clients.

I have used other solutions, such as Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, MovableType, etc. over the years. But WordPress has the flexibility and endless solutions with plugins, API, and much more. It’s perfect for delivering the client’s needs.

Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

My first contribution was back in 2018. I made an after-movie for WordCamp Tokyo 2018.

I knew of and have used WordPress since 2012, but was unaware of the community. When a friend invited me to attend WordCamp and even work on an after-movie, it was a great experience. During the process, I met a lot of community members, talked with them, and fell in love with the community.

What does WordPress look like in your perfect world?

I believe there is no “perfection” in our world. But from what I see, WordPress is indispensable to me. Here are three reasons why:

• Open-Source: The application itself is open-source, and the surrounding solutions are open-source too (themes, plugins, add-ons). This allows me to do experiments to meet the needs over time.
• Irreplaceable Community: One factor that drives WordPress as strongly as it does today is community. Being in this ecosystem opened many opportunities for me, and I had a chance to meet all the great people worldwide.
• Evolving solution: As we have seen with the introduction of Gutenberg and now Site Editor (Full Site Editing), the evolution of WordPress never stops. This evolution lets users experiment and explore new things simultaneously. Being in one comfortable zone is great, but I love challenges. And the growth has made me face several challenges – which I have loved.

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

I would say WordCamp Asia 2023. I was one of the event organizers and had the chance to capture, organize, and share great moments that happened at the event. This was also my first “international” WordCamp attendance.

Being part of this event has led me to many chances: meeting and communicating with new people, starting to contribute globally, getting involved in global projects, attending following WordCamps, etc.

What would you love to do in the future?

I am currently focusing more on the community aspects of the WordPress project. But I enjoy looking at the code, design, and other things. So, in the future, I would love to contribute to the project more. Also, I would like to travel worldwide to meet the great friends I made while attending WordCamps.

Aside from that, I would love to grow the Japanese community more. Interestingly, Japanese is the third-ranking language in WordPress installation (the first being English (US), and the second Spanish). Also, around 82.2% of the websites using CMS in Japan use WordPress, according to W3Techs. These numbers are just unique, and I am happy to be Japanese. That’s why I want to grow more, as I believe the community can do more.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

You can find me anywhere online! I typically attend the bigger WordCamps, but I hope to attend some local WordCamps worldwide next year. I also co-organize Tokyo WordPress Meetup. You can find me on X.

Thank you for this interview, Shusei, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Shusei Toda who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Shusei Toda receives the Yoast Care fund for his contribution to the WordPress community appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator Alex Cuadra: “Lua has been supporting our local community in Nicaragua since 2019. She is significantly committed to organizing meetups and being part of the organizing team for WordCamp Managua. As a speaker, she has participated in three different WordCamps on two continents. Honestly, WordCamp Managua 2023 wouldn’t be possible without her support.”

Let’s get to know Lua Salazar

That’s quite an introduction, Alex! We would love to get to know Lua even better. That’s why we asked her some questions about her work and her passion for WordPress:

Hi, Lua! Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

At the end of 2018, I discovered the WordPress community in Nicaragua, and instantly felt at home. Back then, Vanessa, Rebeca, and Adriana were there. They helped me get involved in the community. In 2019, I attended WordCamp Managua as an assistant. It was incredible; I loved the talks and workshops, and I met wonderful people from El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. That same year, I volunteered for Wuapu Day, where children are taught to create their first website.

Then, the pandemic hit, paralyzing us all. For WordCamp 2021, which was held online, I had the opportunity to support as a volunteer in Marketing under Rebecca’s direction. This allowed me to see the WordPress community from the inside, and learn what happens behind the scenes of each event. In 2022, a group from our community went to WordCamp San José. Vanessa, Aura, Alex, and Juan were speakers, and I attended as an assistant. The experience was enough to ignite the WordPress flame.

Since January 2023, we started meetups, and it was terrific. People said they’d really missed the community, which is why I began coordinating more meetups, managing social media, creating content, leading the marketing team, and being a speaker at meetups. I always enjoy speaking in public and sharing with others, so volunteering in the community was right up my alley. I had the support of Vanessa, Aura, Alex, and Mario.

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

I am proud every time we teach kids; be it Wapuday or the Kids Camp. These days have become iconic moments for the community. First, because we introduce WordPress to children, who are amazed they can create a website about their favorite cartoons or video games. And second, because we know we’re contributing to future generations where WordPress will be the foundation of their technological knowledge.

What would you love to do in the future?

I would love to work as a speaker-motivator for WordCamp communities. Coordinate teams that, from the headquarters, dedicate themselves to “evangelizing,” so to speak, in each country. Organize meetups and then create WordCamps for that country. Establish a team that takes charge of the community and sparks the WordPress flame in each country. Undoubtedly, it will make technology accessible to several countries, mainly to introduce the WordPress community.

What did you work on?

I worked for over 17 years in administration, logistics, human resources, events, and everything related to the business world. Then, the pandemic hit, sending everyone home, and I chose to reinvent myself with something that had already attracted me: digital marketing. I started my certification process, and it has been three years since I’ve been working as a content creator and writer. Currently, I also support recruitment and internal projects.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

Certainly. You can contact me on my LinkedIn or write to me via email. It will be great to connect with all the community enthusiasts.

Thank you for this interview, Lua, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Lua Salazar who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Lua Salazar receives the Yoast Care fund for her contribution to the WordPress community appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator Hari Shanker: “Birgit Olzem is an exceptional WordPress contributor. She has single-handedly proposed and kicked off the WordPress DEIB working group, which is working towards making WordPress diverse and more inclusive. It is a significant effort in its own right, and Birgit is currently using her own volunteer time to facilitate this. She was also an active participant in the WordPress Community Summit, where she facilitated the session on DEIB. Additionally, she is contributing to multiple make/Teams, including Sustainability, Community, and DEIB. Birgit is an active member of the Contributor Working Group, where she acted as a facilitator for the recent project-wide mentorship program pilot. She was also a mentor for one of the participants. In addition, Birgit is also one of the two lead organizers of WordCamp Germany 2023.”

Let’s get to know Birgit Olzem

That’s quite an introduction, Hari! We would love to get to know Birgit even better. That’s why we asked her some questions about her work and her passion for WordPress:

Hi, Birgit! What do you do?

A question that is not so easy to answer. I wear many hats, both professionally and personally. I’m a mom of five (almost grown-ups) and a grandmother of two, which keeps me grounded and constantly learning. Professionally, I’m a multi-passionate entrepreneur, a self-publishing book author, an artist, and a web designer.

I’m also a certified life coach and consultant, and I’ve been a WordPress enthusiast since its first release in 2003. My daily workload spans from advocating for DEIB and mental health, to providing technical support for WordPress site owners, to contributing to WordPress in various capacities. Currently, I’m also serving as a mentor to a lovely young lady from Uganda in the current cycle of the Groundbreaker Talents Scholarship Program.

Why do you think that you got nominated?

My dear friend Hari Shanker, with whom I contribute to the recently launched Contributor Mentorship Program, nominated me for the Yoast Care Fund because of my long-standing commitment to the WordPress community.

I’ve been involved in everything: from organizing WordCamps to contributing to the various make/WordPress teams, translating WordPress into German, and supporting underrepresented groups.

My focus has always been on making WordPress more inclusive and accessible, especially for those with invisible illnesses and chronic disabilities. I think it’s this holistic approach to community building that caught Hari’s attention.

Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

My journey into contributing to WordPress began out of curiosity. In 2010, I attended my first WordCamp in Berlin, which sparked my interest in diving more deeply into WordPress, and a desire to give back to this community that had given me so much.

One year later, at WordCamp Cologne, I spontaneously jumped in after another speaker couldn’t attend anymore. My first “official” contribution was in 2012, when I took over the maintenance of the two language branches for WordPress in German during my early days as a part-time employee at Inpsyde.

It was a simple start, but it opened the door to many opportunities for growth and learning. Since then, I have contributed in various ways, from translations to core contributions. Since then, I’ve also been one of the locale managers for de.wordpress.org. I have also co-organized WordPress events, such as WordCamp Europe 2017 and 2018, as well as WordCamp Germany 2023, where I served as the local DRI and Co-Lead organizer alongside Jessica Lyschik.

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

As a long-time contributor and community veteran, I can look back on many moments that I am proud of. However, two things currently fill me with joy and pride.

One of my proudest moments, besides publishing the DEIB proposal to establish a formal Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) team for all make/WordPress teams, was co-leading as local DRI the organization of WordCamp Germany.

It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that allowed me to apply my years of community involvement and insights into creating an event that was both inclusive and empowering. I was particularly proud of our efforts to make the event accessible to people with invisible illnesses and chronic disabilities, a topic close to my heart.

What would you love to do in the future?  

In the future, I’d love to focus more on mentorship, particularly for women and underrepresented groups in the WordPress community. I believe that with the proper guidance and support, we can bring more diverse voices into leadership roles, enriching the community as a whole. I’m passionate about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), and I’ve been advocating for these principles for a long time as a self-funded contributor.

That said, I’d also like to imagine a future where I could be a sponsored contributor. This would allow me to dedicate more time and resources to the DEIB work I’m passionate about. Being sponsored would mean that I could focus on creating more inclusive spaces, resources, and opportunities within WordPress without the financial constraints of self-funding. It’s a dream, but one that I believe could have a significant impact on the community.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

You can find me online on various social platforms under the handle “CoachBirgit” and, of course, on my hub site, coachbirgit.com. I regularly attend WordCamps and other WordPress meetups, both as an attendee and a speaker.

I also participate in online WordPress events such as WP Accessibility Day, and you’ll regularly find me on Making WordPress Slack. If you’re interested in DEIB or mental health advocacy within the tech space, chances are you’ll come across me there, too.

Thank you for this interview, Birgit, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Birgit Olzem who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Birgit Olzem receives the Yoast Care fund for her contribution to the WordPress community appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator Yogesh Londhe: “Alexander Gounder is an active member of the WordPress community in India. He has been an instrumental part of the ongoing WordCamps in India. Alexander and Aditya Kane started the WordPress meetup in Mumbai, which spread to other cities, and the WordCamps in various Indian cities followed. He is a much-loved member of the WordPress community and is always ready to help new community members take roles in organizing the meetups and WordCamps. He has mentored quite a few new speakers to speak at the WordCamps. Alex (as he is lovingly called) is not sponsored for his community work by anyone; he runs a small digital agency in Mumbai, building WordPress sites for customers as a source of income. He is a worthy recipient of the fund as he could use it at present. Furthermore, the recognition he will get for receiving the fund will be a kind of thanks to him for the fantastic community-building work he has done tirelessly over the years.”

Let’s get to know Alexander Gounder

That’s quite an introduction, Yogesh! We would love to get to know Alexander even better. That’s why we asked him some questions about his work and his passion for WordPress:

Hi, Alexander! Why did you start contributing?

I would rather ask: ‘Why not?’ Let’s start at the beginning. In 2012, I attended WordCamp Mumbai, organized by some college students. In my opinion, the event was a little corporate-driven. We paid almost 1800 rupees for a ticket, and most of these sessions, barring 20% and 30%, were mainly sponsored pitches. Most of the talks were about social media; there was even a talk about Windows mobile app development. Overall, I wasn’t very happy with the event.

After attending this WordCamp, the discussion about starting a WordPress meetup group in Mumbai began. I met with Aditya Kane, who lived pretty close to my office, and we developed a friendship. We discussed what we expect from the community, and what we want the ideal WordPress community to look like.

Finally, we applied for WordCamp Mumbai. We were told to give it six months, and the WordCamp Central team was beneficial. They guided us through the whole process. It took at least three months to figure out things. This was our initial involvement in the community.

We established one of the first WordCamps in India through our meetup group in 2013, as the chapter program didn’t exist at the time. Our meetup group gained momentum, and we sponsored WordCamp Baroda in late 2013.

In 2014, the second WordCamp Baroda happened before even WordCamp Mumbai could happen. So, 2014 was the first WordCamp Mumbai organized by the meetup group. It was a small and lovely event. We wanted the cost of the WordCamp to be very reasonable. Luckily, we managed to price tickets at Rs. 300, but attendees could also choose to pay what they’d like.

Could you share your first contribution with us?

So, my first contribution was organizing the WordCamp, and putting the whole community together. It’s also one of the contributions I’m most proud of. Back then, we also started working on translations. But for some reason, they didn’t take off in India. We had so many people take up the course for Marathi WordPress, but then that also died out soon.

I want to give you a simple example: when we were at WordCamp Kanpur, the Ola app was in Hindi. That’s how Ola drivers can come on board, and use the app without learning English first. Developers do not do all these translations. These translations are done by Indian agencies who create professional translations. So, somewhere, there has to be an industry effort to get these translations done.

In terms of contribution, it’s my community effort. Its translation is one of the contributions that I’m proud of. The last thing I’m proud of is getting a core contribution badge. I was able to find one bug in the WordPress software way back, and that has allowed me to say that I’m a core contributor to the WordPress software. It’s more of a vanity thing than anything.

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

One WordPress moment that I’m proud of was relatively recent. I’ve been struggling on the personal front for almost a year and a half. People who know me know that my wife and I have been working to have kids for more than a couple of years now. And we’ve been going through a very tough cycle of IVF.

Last year, my wife had a miscarriage. These have been trying times for me. Being the organizer for WordCamp Mumbai, I felt that I let down the community by not having a WordCamp last year. However, this year, the community rallied with me, and we are organizing WordCamp Mumbai this year.

Recently, I became a father of twins, and as the kids were born prematurely, they needed unique treatments that were beyond my means. My family and I didn’t know who to turn to for help. So when we called for crowdfunds, the WordPress community came forward and helped us generously. This was a very humbling moment for me. I felt the love of the community. The people with whom I had not connected for a long time called me up and assured me that everything would be alright. They told me to call them directly if I needed more help. The community goes beyond meetups and WordCamps and all the events; they got my back. I love this community.

Who is your WordPress hero?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot. I can pick Aditya, I can pick Topher, I can pick Saurav Shukla. All of these people have been heroes. But they’re the visible heroes.

I think it’s good to get these people at the forefront, because they continue to support our community to date. And there’s also Ayog. I know I’m naming many men here, but there have been women too. Meher Bala is a massive source of inspiration for us. There is Sheeba from Pune, who’s excellent with her support for the WordPress community.

Even now, we have Priyanka, a volunteer who’s been doing fantastic work for the WordPress community this year. So, all these people are the actual heroes of WordPress year in and year out.

What would you love to do in the future?

I’d love to see more traditional WordCamps in India. I know there is an initiative to organize the Next Generation WordPress events, but I feel the old-style traditional WordCamps bring out the enthusiasts in India. In 2016-2017, when there were many WordCamps in India, we saw a surge in contributions to WordPress from India.

Other than that, I would love to see more people take up the cause of translating WordPress into Indian languages.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

You can find me on X, and Making WordPress Slack: as @gounder.

I’m proud to say I became a father, so I’ll miss other WordCamps this year. You can find me at the WordPress Meetups in Mumbai, which happens twice a month.

Thank you for this interview, Alexander, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Alexander Gounder who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Alexander Gounder receives the Yoast Care fund for his contribution to the WordPress community appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator William Jackson: “Stephen is making remarkable contributions to the Uganda’s WordPress Community. He’s an experienced organizer of many WordCamps, where he plays a vital role in connecting ICT students to virtual learning opportunities with various companies. His passion lies in cultivating digital and tech leaders within his community, and fostering educational and economic growth. Through his dedicated efforts, he empowers teens and young adults with skills that uplift them from challenging economic and educational circumstances. His involvement as a WordCamp Jinja co-organizer, leader of WordPress Jinja Meetup, and speaker at WordCamps in Uganda showcases his impactful presence. His transformative teaching of WordPress to fellow educators, and sponsorship initiatives for students and teachers highlight his dedication.”

Let’s get to know Stephen Dumba

William, your kind words and nomination are greatly appreciated! We will ensure that Stephen receives the recognition he deserves. Let’s take this opportunity to learn more about him by asking a few questions about his work and his dedication to WordPress.

Hi, Stephen! What do you do?

I am an ICT teacher in Uganda. When I’m not in class, I build websites or mentor students under the National Students IT Club of Uganda.

Who is your WordPress mentor?

Rogers Mukalele introduced me to WordPress way back in 2018. He invited me to WordCamp Kampala, and taught me how to blog on the ICT Teachers’ website. Eventually, he gave me lessons on how to build websites with WordPress. He still supports me to this day.

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my role in introducing WordPress to the 2000 teachers under the ICT Teachers’ Association of Uganda. I’ve done this through training, meetups, and speaker roles at WordCamps.

What would you love to do in the future?

I dream of a school where digital skills are introduced to children as early as possible. I want to use this as a breeding ground for future pacesetters in the world of technology, so they can help us solve societal challenges.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

You may follow what I do on X, or you can find me physically at the E-zone School of Computing in Uganda. I am also actively involved in WordPress Jinja and WordPress Kampala meetups, on top of volunteering at every WordCamp in Uganda.

Thank you for this interview, Stephen, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! For our readers, do you know someone like Stephen Dumba who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Stephen Dumba receives the Yoast Care fund for his contribution to the WordPress Community appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator Mukesh Panchal: “Colin has been a consistently dedicated contributor to WordPress core. Since the release of WordPress 6.2, he has felt like a trusted colleague. We were both part of the release team and were always willing to review and test each other’s work. As a Core Committer, I am confident that Colin will continue to pursue his passion for contributing to one of the best open-source communities for many years to come.”

Let’s get to know Colin Stewart

Mukesh, your kind words and nomination are greatly appreciated! We will ensure that Colin receives the recognition he deserves. Let’s take this opportunity to learn more about him by asking a few questions about his work and his dedication to WordPress.

Hi, Colin! Can you explain why you contribute to WordPress?

We should aim to have the most significant impact with our skillset, and WordPress is second to none regarding content management systems. WordPress’s flexibility means that millions of site owners worldwide benefit, whether for their blog, their community group, or their business. Every contribution we make to WordPress matters to more people than we’ll ever meet and often means more to them than we ever realized it could.

Can you share your first contribution with us?

In 2021, on my many travels to WordPress.org, I noticed the “Get Involved” link and figured it must be about events. When I saw the “Make WordPress” sub-link, I stood corrected and clicked it. Everything I saw made sense, and I wanted to know more. I knew WordPress was open source, but I didn’t know it was community-developed. I wanted to contribute something back. In the process, I’ve learned more about WordPress Core, software development, and project management, and I’ve met hundreds of great people from across the world!

My first contribution was a bug fix to the Site Health component’s tests to ensure that the tests didn’t reset a user’s authentication if they were using Basic Auth. After building up my confidence, I submitted my first pull request to WordPress Core. It was committed by Marius L. J. a week later. It was a great moment!

Who is your WordPress hero?

A special thanks must go to Mukesh Panchal, who nominated me for the Yoast Care fund. Our collaborations on many areas of WordPress over the past couple of years have been delightful, and I look forward to our collaborations in the future!

Andy Fragen is one of the most generous and determined contributors I’ve met. Andy dedicates a lot of his time to working on WordPress Core, in some of the “scariest” components where a simple mistake can bring a world of trouble for users. He remains incredibly calm and considerate as he investigates and develops a stable solution.

Who is your WordPress mentor?

That’s the thing about the WordPress community: there’s never only one person that mentors you.

While many have guided and encouraged me, some have been pivotal in my development within the project. For example, Peter Wilson, Tonya Mork, Juliette Reinders Folmer, Andrew Ozz, Sergey Biryukov, and David Baumwald. They have helped me to navigate the community, get to grips with new roles within the project, and to think differently.

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

Delivering the Rollback feature to millions of users was the most significant team effort and achievement I’ve been involved in WordPress Core. I was on the Rollback team for over a year, and the team and reviewers put in tremendous effort to deliver a feature with many technological considerations to one of WordPress’ most critical components. When the first commit landed, it was a significant achievement for all involved.

Thank you for this interview, Colin, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! For our readers, do you know someone like Colin Stewart who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

The post Colin Stewart receives the Yoast Care fund for his contribution to the WordPress Core Team appeared first on Yoast.

Nominator Carole Olinger: “Jessica stands out in the International and German WordPress communities. She’s known for her exceptional dedication as a WP Meetup and WordCamp organizer, speaker, mentor, as well as for her WP core contributions. Currently co-leading the Default Theme for the WP 6.4 release, Jessica’s impact extends beyond technical contributions as a strong advocate for inclusivity and diversity.”

Let’s get to know Jessica Lyschik

That’s quite an introduction, Carole! We would love to get to know Jessica even better. That’s why we asked her some questions about her work and her passion for WordPress:

Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

I think there was no special moment when I decided I wanted to contribute – it was more of a gradual process. I can’t remember my first contribution, but it might have been just translating some strings for a plugin or theme. My first time getting involved with the WordPress community was at WordCamp Hamburg in 2014, only to find out there was a local meetup group where I lived. After a couple of months with a conflicting schedule, I was able to attend the meetup regularly, and it just took off from there, attending the meetup and following WordCamps, dipping my toes into different contribution teams at Contributor Days.

So, tell us! What did you work on?

Over the past 9 years, I have contributed in various ways. It started with volunteering at WordCamps, then speaking at the local meetup, speaking for the first time at WordCamp Nuremberg in 2016, and just two months later at WordCamp Europe 2016 too – I found giving talks a great way to contribute and share my knowledge with other people. I organized the local meetup, which led to organizing the first WordCamp Osnabrück in 2019 as lead organizer. After moving to another city, I continued at the meetups in Cologne and Bonn. I moved again in early 2023, now part of the Nuremberg meetup organizers. Together with many people from the German WordPress community, we’re working hard on making WordCamp Germany happen in October 2023.

For a long time, I struggled with contributing code to WordPress, as I found Trac and SVN not very intuitive to use. This changed when the Gutenberg project was developed at Github, allowing me to contribute more easily. I joined the release squad of WordPress 5.6 as Default Theme Wrangler, but I also contributed a lot to the Twenty Twenty-One theme. For the Twenty Twenty-Three theme, I contributed a style variation called “Pilgrimage” that was selected as one of 10 style variations from the community. With WordPress 6.4 being the second underrepresented gender release (just like 5.6), I joined again. I was assigned to be one of two Default Theme Leads, responsible for the upcoming Twenty Twenty-Four theme.

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

Working on WordPress 5.6 was amazing already, and so is working on 6.4 – even though it is pretty stressful, especially as the Default Theme Lead.

Speaking of a single contribution, I think making Google Fonts loaded locally in all previous default themes is a very important one. Due to the European GDPR, this was quite an issue with WordPress websites that used any of the older default themes. While I wasn’t the only person working on this, I was the one who nagged the core contributors about the status of that change during the Core meetings – eventually, the persistence paid off, and the change got merged.

What would you love to do in the future?

I’d love to focus more on contributing to the Gutenberg project. Besides opening an issue occasionally, there’s still much to do that could be refined and enhanced. There has also been a recent discussion about the themes providing an onboarding experience, whether this should be shipped with a theme, or if WordPress should provide some onboarding API. Many well-known plugins have their own onboarding experiences, but what if a standardized system comes from WordPress itself, allowing plugins and even themes to create a customized onboarding for their use case? Just think about the impact this could have.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

I think the easiest way to find me online is my website. It has all the links to all the social networks you can find me on. I’m on the Make WordPress Slack as @jessica. Being the Lead Organizer of the upcoming WordCamp Germany, you can find me there from the 19th to the 21st of October, 2023. The next WordCamp will likely be WordCamp Asia 2024 and WordCamp Europe 2024 or a smaller WordCamp in Europe. Meetup-wise, I’m at the Nuremberg WordPress meetup, and maybe something new and online shortly!

Thank you for this interview, Jessica, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Jessica Lyschik who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

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Nominator Patricia Navarro: “Ana Gavilán has contributed much to the community in the last few years and has volunteered in almost all the Spanish WordCamps, especially in the marketing section. She has been an organizer in many WordCamps as well translator and speaker. And this coming year, she will also be the Team Leader of the next WordCamp Barcelona. In addition, she is compiling many of the texts and processes to create a marketing handbook for the entire Spanish-speaking community.”

Let’s get to know Ana Gavilán

That’s quite an introduction, Patricia! We would love to get to know Ana even better. That’s why we asked her some questions about her work and her passion for WordPress:

Hi, Ana! How do you know about WordPress?

Although I got to know WordPress many years ago and possibly in the first editions, I didn’t use it until years later, and I don’t remember the exact moment. However, I do remember the feeling of being a very intuitive CMS.

What I do remember is how I met the WordPress community; it was for WordCamp Barcelona in 2018. They were looking for volunteers, and I decided to collaborate. There I discovered an immense community and, as I call it, “a little big family.”

Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

Mine has always been marketing, but there was no marketing table in the WordCamp Barcelona contributor, so I joined the design team; Ana Cirujano taught me what the community was and how to collaborate.

I immediately joined the WordPress Spain marketing team, where I am now the “Local Team Rep,” and I also discovered that I could collaborate in the communication of the WordCamps since then, I have collaborated in many of the WordCamps in Spain.

Who is your WordPress mentor?

I could not indicate just one; I have felt supported by the WordPress Spain community. They have always helped me and followed the bold ideas I could think of to make the WordPress project more known.

As an excellent reference, I have Јosé Luis Losada, who has listened to and advised me when making decisions in the community. Thank you, Jose Luis!

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

What a difficult decision to choose a single moment, perhaps being the head of the communication team of WordCamp Spain 2021 or the leader of WordCamp Barcelona 2023.

But I am also left with the satisfaction of being able to help many WordCamps to make themselves known, and thus more local people attend.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

I am the head of the WordPress Spain Marketing team, one of the organizers of the online meetup of WordPress Meetings in Spanish, and the main organizer of WordCamp Barcelona 2023 and the future 2024.

I will continue to volunteer in as many WordCamps as I can. If you attend one of them, you will probably find me managing the networks and communication.

You can also find me on Twitter and @anagavilan on the Spanish and global WordPress Slack. Do not hesitate to contact me and say hello!

Thank you for this interview, Ana, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Ana Gavilán who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

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Nominator Akol Sharon Norah: “Laurence Bahiirwa is a WordPress enthusiast who is passionate about teaching others. I first met him at a WordCamp Event; little did I know he was WordCamp Kampala’s Organizer and WordPress Kampala Community’s Community Lead. I learned WordPress while working with him at his WordPress Agency. He was more than just a boss. He was a teacher and mentor as well. The knowledge he passed on to me has enabled me to start freelancing and earn a living that way. Laurence also runs a YouTube channel where he teaches about advanced WordPress topics, like creating Custom Payment Gateways. He still organizes meetups (both online and physical) for the community in Kampala, Uganda. We’re proud of him. He is such a selfless person, and we appreciate and recognize his efforts as a community.”

Let’s get to know Laurence Bahiirwa

That’s quite an introduction, Akol Sharon! We would love to get to know Laurence even better. That’s why we asked him some questions about his work and his passion for WordPress:

Hi, Laurence! What do you do?

I’m a retired jack of all trades and open-source enthusiast. I joined Freemius as a WordPress developer in March, 2023. Previously, I was a freelancer and a part-time WordPress YouTube educator (this is something I picked up when I was a middle and high school ICT teacher).

As a freelancer and educator, my work scope revolved around using WordPress to create simplified and workable solutions for the ordinary content creator and business owner. However, the YouTube content I make is developer focused. I consider this my way of giving back to the community and the universe that has been kind to me everyday.

Why do you think that you got nominated?

The openness with which people are willing to share knowledge and resources urged me to pursue my desire to make the world better. That’s why I want to create equity for those I meet and expose as many people to the available opportunities. Especially the underrepresented, like women.

I think that the open-source economy and WordPress, in particular, encourages and creates a simple-to-enter pathway for various groups of people.

Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

WordPress allowed me to make a living without a computer science degree or education. So naturally, this was my way of opening doors for people like myself to thrive. If we could all work together to grow WordPress and keep it alive, the avenues would be open for even more people.

My first contribution came from using the tools at the time to make custom themes. It stemmed from testing and giving feedback. This led me to make minor code changes to _s theme. You can check it out here.

Contributing to an extensive ecosystem like WordPress is scary because millions could receive a code bug you introduce, so it took me quite a while to consider it. But the friendly reviews encouraged me. From then on, I started to write more code contributions through public plugins on the repo, in conjunction with speaking at events whenever I could to get more intelligent people than myself on board.

What would you love to do in the future?

Retire

Long-term: Start more camps tailored to women, kids, and students quarterly/monthly/weekly, in order to grow more developers in my local community.

In the short and mid-term, I want to write/blog in more brutal and professional ways. I think I was able to grow as a developer because people wrote solutions on Stack Overflow and their blogs. Some recorded lousy audio and lighting videos on YouTube. I want to emulate them by documenting and publishing more tutorials for beginners, intermediate, and advanced developers/users.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

You can find me on Twitter, my Youtube channel, my blog, and WordPress Kampala Meetup. Don’t hesitate to reach out and say hello!

Thank you for this interview, Laurence, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Laurence Bahiirwa who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

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Nominator Ana Gavilán: “An energetic and dynamic person, Nilo regularly collaborates with WordCamp by taking photos. Thanks to his day-to-day translations, we all have plugins in the Spanish language. And he is always there when you have a question.”

Let’s get to know Nilo Velez

That’s quite an introduction, Ana! We would love to get to know Nilo even better. That’s why we asked him some questions about his work and his passion for WordPress:

Hi, Nilo! How do you know about WordPress?

I have been developing websites since 1998, using tools such as FrontPage, DreamWeaver, and Macromedia Flash. Over the years, I have encountered clients who requested a “web blog” for their websites. Initially, I used Blogger to meet their needs. However, in 2005, I discovered WordPress and immediately fell in love with its simplicity.

For a long time, I kept the blog on a subdomain and just hacked it as needed. However, in 2011, I attended my first WordCamp and discovered WordPress’s potential. The experience was eye-opening. I realized WordPress was more than just a blogging platform.

But it wasn’t until I got involved in the community that I realized WordPress’s true power doesn’t lie in its code, but in the people who contribute to the project.

Why did you start contributing?

As I continued attending WordCamps, I started to meet people from different teams. However, my first official contribution was in 2016, when the first-ever WordPress Translation Day was organized. It was a 24-hour online event that drew people from around the world; there, I was taught how to translate WordPress.

Since then, I have contributed to the Spanish Polyglots team for six years. I’m now an es_ES GTE (translation editor). I have also organized, volunteered, and spoken at many WordCamps. I hosted the Polyglots contributor table at some of them, helped at the support forums, and contributed to the WordPress TV, support, docs, and Photo teams…

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

For the past three years, I have taken photography quite seriously. In the past year alone, I have volunteered as a photographer for six WordCamps, including WordCamp Europe 2022 and 2023. This has enabled me to meet many people from the WordPress community, learn different ways of organizing WordCamps, and share what I know with other local communities.

If I had to choose a single moment, it would be taking the family photo of WordCamp Europe. Photographing two thousand people from an 18-meter crane was an exciting experience .

What would you love to do in the future?

I will continue volunteering as a Polyglots GTE and WordCamp photographer, and lend a hand to whoever needs it in the WordPress community. However, I am also considering joining the Deputy program to contribute to the Community Team and pass on what I have learned in the past years.

I believe that my experiences contributing to the community have given me valuable insights and skills that I can share with others. By becoming a Deputy, I would have the opportunity to develop these skills further and help others in the WordPress community grow.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

I’m one of the organizers of the WordCamp Sevilla Meetup, the lead organizer of WordCamp Sevilla 2023. I’ll also keep on volunteering at as many Spanish WordCamps as I can, so you will probably find me behind my camera if you attend one. You can also find me on Twitter and the Spanish and Global WordPress Slack servers. Don’t hesitate to reach out and say hello!

Thank you for this interview, Nilo, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Nilo Velez who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.

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