2025-08-12 –, Main Hall
While the open-source community thrives on diverse contributions, age diversity is often lacking. This session unveils innovative strategies to empower young contributors, particularly from underrepresented regions, to embrace leadership roles. By fostering youth leadership, we can infuse fresh ideas and adaptability, and inclusivity.
This session explores the challenges young contributors face in open source, including lack of experience, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Drawing from my work in DEI initiatives like CHAOSS and OpenSSF, I’ll share strategies for breaking down these barriers: mentorship programs, small leadership roles, and inclusive spaces.
Through real-world examples, we’ll discuss how fostering age diversity strengthens open source communities. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to empower young contributors and build sustainable leadership.
Ijeoma Onwuka is a passionate Community Manager with 3+ years of experience building inclusive tech communities. She actively contributes to open-source projects like OpenSSF, InnerSource Commons, CHAOSS, and UNICEF, driving engagement and collaboration. As a Community & Program Manager at GDG Lagos and Scandium Systems, she fosters thriving spaces for developers and open-source enthusiasts.