BEcome a Sponsor
WordPress, as you know, powers over 43% of the web. Its success is not just due to its robust architecture, but also because of its vibrant community of contributors. By supporting these contributors, companies like yours can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the web.
Your financial support enables me to dedicate more time and actively participate in important initiatives and make a lasting impact on the platform we all love.
Birgit Olzem
Meet a passionate member of the WordPress community since 2003 and contributor since 2010.
Caring for the Unsung (S)Heros
I was already campaigning for justice in kindergarten. To this day, I am committed to ensuring that people who are disadvantaged also get a fair chance.
Pioneering WordPress Contributions and Advocacy
My work has been recognized with awards like the Yoast Care fund for significant contributions to the community.
Personal Milestones related to WordPress
Switched from b2/Cafelog to WordPress from its first release
Registered a side hustle as part-time self-employed web designer
Specialized in Training and Consulting for WordPress
My first WordCamp in Berlin, Germany
Started at Inpsyde as trainer for WordPress
Started maintaining the localized WordPress Releases
WordCamp Europe – my first international event
Community Summit & WordCamp San Francisco
Co-Organizer of the Global WordPress Translation Day
Co-Organizer of the Global WordPress Translation Day
Co-Organizer WordCamp Europe, Belgrade
Co-Organizer WordCamp Europe, Berlin
Speaker at WordCamp Europe, Athens
Published the DEIB Proposal
Session-Facilitator Community Summit
Co-Lead-Organizer WordCamp Germany
Noteworthy Contributor – Release team WordPress 6.4
A Project Lead – CloudFest Hackathon
A brief overview!
Translating WordPress
Bringing the power of WordPress to non-English speakers by managing and contributing to German translations.
Mentorship for Polyglots
Guiding new translators, fostering skills and confidence to contribute to WordPress’s global voice.
Managing a Locale
Managing localized WordPress releases in German and coordinating the locale site related content.
Contributing locally and globally
Actively participating in both local and international WordPress events, sharing expertise and insights.
Speaking, Volunteering, Organizing
From local meetups to international WordCamps, leading conversations and initiatives that foster the community.
Pioneerring and Advocating
Championing the cause of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging within WordPress. Initiating the DEIB Working Group
WordPress events and Hackathons
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2021
2023
2024
See all events in a table format
| Year | Capacity | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Attendee | WordCamp Germany | Berlin, Germany |
| 2011 | Attendee | WordCamp Germany | Cologne, Germany |
| 2012 | Attendee | WP Camp Germany | Berlin, Germany |
| 2013 | Attendee | WP Camp Germany | Berlin, Germany |
| Attendee | WordCamp Europe | Leiden, Netherlands | |
| Attendee | WordCamp London | London, UK | |
| 2014 | Speaker | WordCamp Hamburg | Hamburg, Germany |
| Attendee | WordCamp Europe | Sofia, Bulgaria | |
| Participant | WordPress Community Summit | San Francisco, CA, USA | |
| Volunteer | WordCamp San Francisco | San Francisco, CA, USA | |
| 2015 | Volunteer | WordCamp Cologne | Cologne, Germany |
| Speaker | WordCamp Berlin | Berlin, Germany | |
| 2016 | Speaker | WordCamp Nuremberg | Nuremberg, Germany |
| Volunteer | WordCamp Europe | Vienna, Austria | |
| Attendee | WordCamp Cologne | Cologne, Germany | |
| 2017 | Volunteer | WordCamp Europe | Paris, France |
| Speaker | WordCamp Cologne | Cologne, Germany | |
| 2018 | Volunteer | WordCamp Retreat Soltau | Soltau, Germany |
| Organizer | WordCamp Europe | Belgrade, Serbia | |
| Attendee | WordCamp Brighton | Brighton, UK | |
| Speaker | WordCamp Nijmegen | Nijmegen, Netherlands | |
| Speaker | WordCamp Würzburg | Würzburg, Germany | |
| Speaker | WordCamp Utrecht | Utrecht, Belgium | |
| Speaker | WordCamp Milano | Milano, Italy | |
| Attendee | WordCamp US | Nashville, TN, USA | |
| 2019 | Organizer | WordCamp Europe | Berlin, Germany |
| 2021 | Attendee | WordCamp Europe | online |
| 2023 | Speaker | WordCamp Europe | Athens, Greece |
| Speaker (Session Facilitator) | WordPress Community Summit | National Harbor, MD, USA | |
| Attendee | WordCamp US | National Harbor, MD, USA | |
| Speaker | WP Accessibility Day | online | |
| Co-Lead Organizer | WordCamp Germany | Gerolstein, Germany | |
| 2024 | applied as Speaker | WordCamp Europe | Torino, Italy |
Proudly Featured in:
“Birgit’s work on DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) is an important step for the WordPress Community and is in line with her yearlong efforts to make the WordPress community an inclusive space for everyone.”
Contribution Goals and Projects
To make a meaningful contribution, I am seeking support for approximately 20 hours per week. This will allow me to dedicate focused time on the DEIB initiative, collaborate with other teams, and drive impactful projects that benefit the entire WordPress ecosystem without distractions.
DEIB Working Group
My focus contributions include DEIB awareness campaigns, collaboration with other WordPress teams, and stakeholder engagement. These actions will have a direct positive impact on the WordPress community and its millions of users.
Contributor Mentorship
As one of the pioneer members of the contributor mentorship programm, I’ll continue collaborating with team-members on optimizing the onboarding process for new contributors to the WordPress project.
Local Community
Part of my time, I am going to dedicate for contributions to my local WordPress community by translating and reviewing translations, organizing local events and mentorship for fellow local contributors.
DEIB Working Group Goals for 2024
Developing Training Material and Online Workshops.
Tailored DEIB workshops will enhance understanding and foster inclusivity among community members.
Creating Shareable Visuals
Simplifying the complexity of DEIB in open-source, making it accessible and understandable for all community members.
DEIB-Specific Surveys
Gathering data from various user groups to understand the current state of DEIB in WordPress, leading to informed decisions and policies.
Drafting DEIB Policies
Establishing guidelines to ensure an inclusive environment for all community members.
The Case for DEIB in Open-Source
In the world of open-source, diverse teams are proven to be more innovative and effective. A study by McKinsey shows that companies with diverse executive teams are 33% more likely to see better-than-average profits.
Applying this to open-source, a diverse and inclusive WordPress community can drive more creative solutions, broader user engagement, and a stronger, more vibrant ecosystem.
Deliverables by Birgit Olzem planned for a 6 Month period
The Return to expect
Community Goodwill
Brand Visibility
Strategic Insights
Occasional financial grants
by Orgs & Companies
And many individuals who supported my work over the last decade.
WordPress needs sustained contributions to grow and thrive.
Balancing substantial volunteer efforts for a significant global project with everyday life and client commitments presents a considerable challenge.
For this dedicated work, a semi-annual compensation of €28,560 is targeted, which corresponds to around 240 working hours at €100/hour plus VAT.
This funding would compensate for the potential income from client work and also cover travel expenses related to speaking engagements, thereby enabling me to maximize my contributions towards the growth and inclusivity of the WordPress community.
Your support in sponsoring these DEIB related work will not only foster a more inclusive and innovative WordPress community but will also set a precedent for open-source projects globally. Let’s lead the way in making open-source truly open for everyone.
Support Options
to Make
a Difference
One-Time Donations
If you would like to make a one-time donation to support my work, you can do so directly on-site through the provided donation form. Your contribution, no matter the amount, goes a long way in helping me further my efforts in WordPress development, advocacy, and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).
Recurring Donations
For those who prefer to provide ongoing support, I offer the option of recurring payments. By setting up a recurring payment plan, you can contribute regularly to sustain my contributions and enable me to continue dedicating time and energy to WordPress projects and community initiatives.
GitHub Sponsors
If you are more comfortable using GitHub Sponsors, you can also support my work by visiting my GitHub sponsors profile. There, you’ll find another convenient way to show your support and contribute to my efforts in advancing WordPress and promoting DEIB.
VAT Invoice
If you require a VAT invoice for your contribution, I am more than happy to accommodate this request.
Simply let me know, and we can make the necessary arrangements to issue an invoice as per our agreement.
Contract-Based Collaboration
For companies interested in a more substantial collaboration, I offer the opportunity to hire me on a contract basis for up to 20 hours per week. By partnering with me, your company can benefit from my expertise while supporting the Five for the Future initiative, which encourages companies to contribute back to the WordPress ecosystem.
I am immensely grateful for your support, whether it’s through a donation, recurring payment, GitHub sponsorship, or contract collaboration. Your contribution fuels my commitment to WordPress and DEIB, and together, we can continue making WordPress an even better platform for all.
Thank you for being a part of this journey!
Simplified Summary
The page outlines Birgit Olzem's contributions to the WordPress community and her advocacy for DEIB. It invites financial support for her work, detailing her extensive involvement in WordPress development, mentorship, and DEIB initiatives. It highlights her personal milestones, contributions to translating WordPress, and organizing community events. The page provides options for one-time and recurring donations, GitHub sponsorship, and contract collaboration to support her efforts, emphasizing the impact of sponsorship on fostering a more inclusive and innovative WordPress community.