My All Things Open 2024 Adventure: A Heartfelt (and Exhilarating!) Recap

Wow, where do I even begin? All Things Open (ATO) 2024 was an absolute whirlwind of inspiration, connection, and good vibes. ATO is a technology conference focusing on the tools, processes and people making open source possible. The opportunity to participate at this exceptional event was an honor.  

During my presentation, “Reshaping the Landscape of Belonging to Transform Community,” I explored the significance of cultivating diversity and belonging within the open-source and technology sectors. It was a privilege to articulate my perspectives and showcase my initiative, Support Inclusion in Tech (SiNC). SiNC promotes inclusivity, amplifies diverse voices, supports talent, and strengthens the WordPress ecosystem.

I feel deeply grateful for the chance to contribute to the vital dialogue surrounding diversity and belonging in open-source communities. For those interested in delving further into my presentation, I invite you to view my slides to understand how we are collectively driving change and nurturing a more inclusive environment for all.

Many thanks to Todd Lewis and Jason Hibbets of ATO. Todd and Jason were very supportive, encouraging me to preview my talk on the We ❤️ Open Source blog. I contributed the piece titled “Beyond borders: Building inclusive technology communities,” where I explained what makes Support Inclusion in Tech (SiNC) distinct within the WordPress ecosystem and shared some of our successes in building a blueprint for global, inclusive communities. I also had a chance to practice my talk beforehand for WordPress NYC Meetup Group which I co-organize. Meryl Randman was a huge help with deciding what was most important to share.

ATO fostered an incredibly warm and collaborative atmosphere. Connecting with so many passionate individuals devoted to the open-source movement is truly inspiring. The sense of community and shared purpose was simply heartwarming!

For those who were unable to attend my session, I’m pleased to share that a recording of my presentation, “Reshaping the Landscape of Belonging to Transform Community,” is accessible on YouTube.

Let’s continue to uplift all voices and collaborate to build even stronger, more welcoming open-source communities.

Winstina Hughes

Founder, Support Inclusion in Tech