Women’s Enduring Impact on the WordPress Ecosystem
The WordPress ecosystem is a vibrant community of developers, designers, marketers, and enthusiasts who contribute to the growth and success of the platform. While the community is diverse, with members from all walks of life, women have played a significant role in shaping the WordPress ecosystem. From designing beautiful themes to developing powerful plugins and contributing to the core software, women have made their mark in various areas of WordPress.
The Evolution of Women in WordPress
In the early days of WordPress, the community was predominantly male. However, over the years, more and more women have joined the community and have become key contributors.
Josepha Haden Chomphosy Executive Director of the WordPress 
Women like Josepha has served as the Executive Director of the WordPress project since 2019, demonstrating exceptional leadership in coordinating and guiding the efforts of over 25 teams and thousands of volunteers. Sponsored by Automattic, she also leads the open-source division, overseeing contributions in design, development, volunteer engagement, and ensuring the health of the WordPress ecosystem.
Under Josepha’s direction, the WordPress project has flourished, with her strategic vision and dedication driving forward its mission. Her role as Executive Director has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and innovation within the WordPress community, making her a pivotal figure in the project’s continued success.
Birgit Pauli-Haack – Developer Advocate for WordPress | Curates Community Voices on Gutenberg Times
Birgit Pauli-Haack is another woman who has made a significant impact on the WordPress ecosystem. As the co-founder of NPTechProjects and the publisher of Gutenberg Times, Birgit has been at the forefront of advocating for the Gutenberg block editor. Her work has helped shape the future of content creation in WordPress and has inspired many others to embrace the new editor.
A growing number of female entrepreneurs are leading the charge in developing popular themes and plugins. These creations empower users to customise their websites and add functionalities that elevate the online experience.
Rocío Valdivia Lead of Global WordPress Community Programs
Rocío Valdivia is a driving force in the WordPress community, serving as the Lead of Global WordPress Community Programs at Automattic. In her role, Rocío plays a pivotal part in developing and managing programs that empower and support the global WordPress community. Her work involves creating initiatives that foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community engagement among WordPress users worldwide. Rocío’s dedication to the WordPress community is evident in her commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
Rocío, who has a background in computer engineering, brings to her position a special combination of technical know-how and interpersonal abilities. Her capacity to connect people and technology has been a key factor in the success of Automattic’s Global Community Team Programmes. Rocío is a well-respected leader and platform advocate because of her love for WordPress and her goal to build a more friendly and inclusive community.
Mary Baum WordPress Core Contributor
Meet Mary Baum, a prominent figure in the WordPress community, known for her significant contributions and diverse skill set. As a WordPress Core Contributor, Mary serves as a 2022 Core representative and co-maintains several essential components. Her meticulous attention to detail is evident in her role as a copy editor for the Core team, ensuring that every message is clear and error-free.
Beyond her core contributions, Mary is also a sought-after speaker at WordCamps, where she shares her expertise in design and CSS. With a background in direct marketing and a design degree, Mary brings a unique perspective to her work. Her three guiding principles—”Don’t make it symmetrical, do make it look intentional, and if you can’t make it good, make it big”—reflect her commitment to creativity and innovation.
Katie Keith Co-Founder of Barn2 Plugins
Katie Keith is a visionary leader whose impact on the WordPress community transcends mere participation. Since 2009, she has not just been a part of the ecosystem; she has been a driving force behind its evolution. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Barn2, Katie has not only created essential plugins like Document Library but has also redefined the standard for excellence in WordPress development. Her relentless pursuit of innovation has not only inspired her team but has also set a new benchmark for the industry.
Akshaya Rane WordPress Technical Project Manager
Akshaya Rane is a dynamic professional deeply involved in the WordPress community, known for her significant contributions and technical prowess. She shares our passion for WordCamps, actively participating in WordPress meetups, WordCamps, Contributor Day events, and the WordPress Community Giveaway program, showcasing her commitment to the community’s growth and success.
Starting her career as a WordPress developer, Akshaya now leads a small team of passionate developers and tech leads. Her expertise extends to WordPress customisations, API integrations, eLearning plugins, and migration to WordPress. Akshaya’s dedication to the WordPress community and her technical expertise make her a valuable asset to the WordPress ecosystem.
Olga Gleckler WordPress Contributor
Olga Gleckler is a remarkable individual with a diverse skill set and a passion for both technology and creativity. As a Full-stack WordPress developer, she possesses a deep understanding of both the front-end and back-end aspects of WordPress websites, allowing her to create seamless and engaging online experiences. Her expertise extends to being a Codeable expert, where she has established herself as a trusted professional known for delivering high-quality work.
In addition to her technical prowess, Olga is also involved in maintaining the core components of WordPress, indicating her commitment to the ongoing development and improvement of the platform. Beyond her contributions to the world of technology, Olga is also a fantasy writer, showcasing her imaginative and creative side. Her ability to balance these different passions and talents makes her a truly unique and inspiring individual in the WordPress community.
Anne McCarthy Product Wrangler at Automattic
Anne McCarthy embodies a lifestyle that is minimalistic, optimistic, and athletic, finding joy in photography, deep conversations, and thought-provoking questions. Her journey with WordPress began during her freshman year at UNC Chapel Hill when she stumbled upon an “Instructional Technologist” job related to WordPress while searching for a campus job in 2011.
Since then, Anne has been deeply involved with WordPress, embracing its possibilities and continuously learning and growing within the platform. Her story is a testament to the transformative impact of WordPress, not just professionally but also personally, shaping her outlook and experiences in profound ways.
Daya Biladiya Technical Team Leader
Daya Biladiya has been an integral member of the JNext Services team since 2019. She is a proficient WordPress developer and a team leader. Assisting her team in developing WordPress projects to the highest levels of functionality and quality, she supervises and guides their work. Daya’s proficiency in WordPress development has been crucial to the accomplishment of several projects managed by JNext Services, demonstrating her capacity for creativity and problem-solving in a fast-paced setting.
As a team leader, Daya thrives at creating a cooperative and effective work atmosphere that motivates her group to do their best work. Her approach to leadership is marked by a strong emphasis on empowerment, mentoring, and communication, all of which help her team members accomplish their objectives. Daya is a valued member of JNext Services and a well-respected member of the WordPress community due to her commitment to her work and her love of WordPress development.
Tonya Mork Engineering Leader, Architect, Core Committer
Tonya Mork is a multifaceted professional, excelling as an engineering leader, architect, core committer, and the WordPress 6.4 core tech lead. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Tonya has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of WordPress. Her contributions to the platform are nothing short of remarkable, demonstrating a deep understanding of its core architecture and a relentless commitment to innovation.
As an engineering leader, Tonya has demonstrated exceptional vision and strategic thinking, guiding teams towards achieving ambitious goals. Her role as an architect has allowed her to design robust and scalable solutions, ensuring the stability and efficiency of WordPress. Additionally, as a core committer and the WordPress 6.4 core tech lead, Tonya has been at the forefront of development, spearheading initiatives that push the boundaries of what is possible with the platform.
Lauren Stein Brand Copywriter at Automattic
Lauren Stein, a seasoned Brand Copywriter at Automattic, embarked on her digital journey in 2005. It was the year she purchased her very first domain, a self-hosted website on a modest server that hummed energetically in the corner of her parents’ office. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her exploration into the realms of blogging, web design, and digital marketing.
Over the years, Lauren has evolved into a proficient wordsmith, crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. Her work reflects a meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of brand identity. Through her contributions, she has not only elevated the digital presence of brands but has also enriched the WordPress community with her expertise and insights.
Celebrating International Women’s Day with JNext Services Pvt. Ltd.
At JNext Services, we honor and celebrate the women who inspire us every day. From our talented developers to our creative designers, your contributions to our team and the WordPress community are invaluable. Today, we recognise your dedication, passion, and resilience. Together, we are building a more inclusive and diverse environment where everyone can thrive. Here’s to the trailblazers, the innovators, and the leaders. Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at JNext Services!
In conclusion, women have made invaluable contributions to the WordPress ecosystem. Their skills, expertise, and passion have helped shape WordPress into a platform that is accessible, functional, and welcoming to all. As the community continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to recognise and celebrate the contributions of women and to continue to support and empower them in their endeavors.
