From Attendee to Contributor: My WordPress Journey

Howdy, friends!

I’m Akshaya Rane, a fellow WordPress enthusiast from the vibrant suburbs of Mumbai, India. You’ll often find me at WordPress meetups, WordCamps, and Do Actions, eagerly soaking in the energy of this incredible community.

It all began at my first WordCamp Mumbai. The enthusiasm in the air, the insightful sessions, and the shared passion for WordPress left me inspired. At the time, I couldn’t imagine myself on that stage, yet here I am today, sharing my journey with you.

Discovering the Joy of Contribution

A few years later, WordCamp Mumbai hosted a Contribution Day, and my world opened up. I learned about the many ways to give back—Core, Meta, Photos, Themes, Translations, and more. My first contribution was a ticket in Core, and from there, I never looked back.

Earning a few contribution badges along the way has been an honor, but the real reward has been the learning and the connections made with like-minded people worldwide.

Recently, I had the privilege of serving as a release coordinator for WordPress 6.4 and 6.5. Working alongside such talented individuals from around the globe has been humbling and inspiring. If this sounds daunting, trust me—it wasn’t something I planned for. I simply embraced the opportunities that came my way and poured my time and effort into them.

Embracing the Speaker’s Stage

My speaker journey began with a #WPDiversity workshop led by Jill Binder. She simplified the process of becoming a speaker, guiding us from topic selection to proposal submission. While it took me a few months to act on it, the group’s encouragement kept me going.

Finally, I submitted my first application to WordCamp Kerala 2023, and to my surprise, I was selected!

It was both exciting and nerve-wracking, but delivering that talk and hearing how others related to my experiences made it all worthwhile.

Since then, I’ve delivered six to seven talks at various WordCamps, including panel discussions. These events have allowed me to explore new places, experience diverse cultures, savor local cuisines, and, most importantly, connect with fellow enthusiasts.

If you’re considering stepping onto the WordCamp stage, I’ve documented my speaker journey here. I hope it helps you get started!

Sharing and Growing Together

As I delved deeper into contributions, I wanted to share the experience with my team. With support from my company, we organized a WordPress Contribution Day, which was a great success. Seeing my teammates engage and grow was incredibly rewarding.

Being part of the 6.4 and 6.5 release teams taught me the value of empathy, time management, and collaboration. Every small change in WordPress reflects the dedication of contributors ensuring the platform remains reliable for countless businesses worldwide.

Problem-Solving Through WordPress

In my day-to-day role as a Project Manager, I specialize in solving business challenges. One project that stands out involved migrating subscriptions to WooCommerce. With careful planning and execution, we ensured seamless integration, minimizing disruption and protecting the client’s business.

These experiences remind me why WordPress is a cornerstone for so many businesses—it’s not just a tool; it’s a community-powered solution.

The Heart of WordPress: Community

After nearly two decades, the WordPress community remains its greatest strength. It’s a place where we help each other grow and learn, and I am deeply grateful to be part of it.

I want to thank Topher for this opportunity to share my story on HeroPress, a platform filled with inspiring journeys. If my story resonates with you, feel free to reach out through my site. Whether it’s learning, connecting, or collaborating, I’d love to hear from you.

Let’s continue building and thriving together!