Belonging in the Pipeline: Building Inclusive Futures in FOSS
329 | Sat 02 Aug 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Presented by
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Aarti Ramkrishna is a distinguished educational leader with a robust background in curriculum development, data analysis, and DEI. She has made significant strides in enhancing student outcomes and fostering technological literacy. Her previous roles include Assistant Principal and Instructional Coach where she improved student engagement and teacher effectiveness.
Aarti's educational background includes a Master’s in Education Administration from George Fox University and a Master’s in Education with ESOL from Portland State University. Certified as an Equity Facilitator by the Center for Equity & Inclusion, she is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in education. Her leadership in developing a pioneering K-5 Social Sciences curriculum has been recognized for its cultural responsiveness and effectiveness.
Aarti's commitment extends beyond her professional roles. She has served on the Executive Board of the Beaverton Education Association and as a board member for the FLiP Museum. A graduate of Emerge Oregon, she has received accolades such as the Diverse Administrator Scholarships and was a runner-up for the OnPoint Educator of the Year, 2021.
For more information, visit her LinkedIn profile.
Abstract
Free and open source software communities are sustained by collaboration—but too often, those communities reflect systemic imbalances, particularly in gender and racial representation. While we champion openness in code, we must also work toward psychological safety, equity, and belonging for the people behind it.
This talk explores how lessons from education—especially those rooted in equity, inclusion, and intersectionality—can guide the next generation of contributors into FOSS. Drawing on practices used with children and marginalized learners, we’ll discuss strategies for creating environments where all contributors feel seen, valued, and safe to take risks. We'll explore how social-emotional learning, cultural self-awareness, and allyship can address the “leaky pipeline”, where the under-represented drop out in STEM and by extension in FOSS participation, and how building community intentionally can help open source thrive.
If we want a diverse, resilient, and innovative future, we must go beyond access to foster a true sense of belonging in our projects, teams, and spaces.
Free and open source software communities are sustained by collaboration—but too often, those communities reflect systemic imbalances, particularly in gender and racial representation. While we champion openness in code, we must also work toward psychological safety, equity, and belonging for the people behind it. This talk explores how lessons from education—especially those rooted in equity, inclusion, and intersectionality—can guide the next generation of contributors into FOSS. Drawing on practices used with children and marginalized learners, we’ll discuss strategies for creating environments where all contributors feel seen, valued, and safe to take risks. We'll explore how social-emotional learning, cultural self-awareness, and allyship can address the “leaky pipeline”, where the under-represented drop out in STEM and by extension in FOSS participation, and how building community intentionally can help open source thrive. If we want a diverse, resilient, and innovative future, we must go beyond access to foster a true sense of belonging in our projects, teams, and spaces.