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June 23 - 25, 2025
Denver, Colorado
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Note: The schedule is subject to change.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: Timing of sessions and room locations are subject to change.
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Panel Discussion: From First PR To Lifelong Impact: Helping People Thrive in Open Source - Dawn Foster & Ruth Ikegah, CHAOSS; Sandeep Kanabar, Gen; Shuah Khan, The Linux Foundation
Wednesday June 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:40am MDT
Bluebird Ballroom 3H
Open source is the foundation of modern software, yet many projects struggle with sustainability—not just in attracting contributors, but in ensuring they stay, grow, and thrive. The landscape of open source contribution has evolved dramatically, demanding a fresh approach to community building and contributor engagement.

Traditional pathways into open source don’t work for everyone. This panel brings together experts who have successfully expanded contributor pipelines beyond the usual audience—through initiatives like the CNCF Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing WG, CHAOSS Africa, and mentorship programs. We’ll explore best practices for guiding contributors from their first PR (or non-code contribution) to meaningful, long-term engagement.

Beyond code, open source thrives on diverse contributions: marketing, content creation, event planning, automation, governance, and more. By broadening the definition of “contributor,” we lower barriers to entry, strengthen projects, and build a more inclusive, resilient ecosystem.

Join us for a discussion on how we can transform contributor journeys to be more inclusive, fulfilling, and impactful for individuals and the broader open source ecosystem.
Speakers
avatar for Dawn Foster

Dawn Foster

Director of Data Science, CHAOSS
Dr. Dawn Foster works as the Director of Data Science for CHAOSS where she is also a board member / maintainer. She is co-chair of CNCF TAG Contributor Strategy and an OpenUK board member. She has 20+ years of experience at companies like VMware and Intel with expertise in community... Read More →
avatar for Sandeep Kanabar

Sandeep Kanabar

Lead Software Engineer | CHAOSS Asia WG, Gen (formerly NortonLifeLock)
Hailing from India, Sandeep is a passionate software engineer working at Gen (formerly NortonLifeLock), a global leader in CyberSecurity. A frequent meetup speaker, Sandeep enjoys sharing his lessons with the community. He's a staunch advocate for open-source, diversity and inclusion... Read More →
avatar for Shuah Khan

Shuah Khan

Kernel Maintainer & Linux Fellow, The Linux Foundation
Shuah Khan is a Kernel Maintainer & Linux Fellow at The Linux Foundation. She is an experienced Linux Kernel developer, maintainer, and contributor. She authored, A Beginner’s Guide to Linux Kernel Development (LFD103) training course. She designed and leads the Mentorship program... Read More →
avatar for Ruth Ikegah

Ruth Ikegah

Community Lead, CHAOSS Project
Ruth Ikegah is an Open Source Program Manager, Technical Writer, GitHub Star, and Public Speaker. She serves as the Community Lead at CHAOSS Africa, working to improve the health of Open Source communities on the continent. She also doubles as a maintainer in the Diversity, Equity... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:40am MDT
Bluebird Ballroom 3H
  Equity + Inclusion + Accessibility

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