Presented by

  • Aarti Ramkrishna

    Aarti Ramkrishna

    Aarti Ramkrishna 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

Open source communities have long been heralded as the bastions of innovation, collaboration, and shared progress. These communities thrive on the contributions of individuals from all walks of life, bringing a plethora of ideas and perspectives to the table. However, the reality of achieving genuine diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within these spaces remains elusive. Aarti Ramkrishna, an educator from the global majority and a dedicated equity advocate, invites you to a compelling and transformative discussion on how we can cultivate a culture of belonging in open source environments. Drawing on her extensive background in education administration, curriculum development, and DEI, Aarti offers a deeply personal and professional insight into the intricacies of fostering inclusive communities. In her journey as an instructional leader and equity facilitator, Aarti has consistently championed the importance of diversity and inclusion. Her work in developing culturally responsive curricula and facilitating professional development has significantly enhanced educational outcomes and fostered a more inclusive learning environment. She brings this wealth of experience to the open source arena, highlighting the parallels and unique challenges faced by these communities. During this talk, Aarti will delve into the importance of recognizing and addressing implicit biases, creating equitable participation opportunities, and ensuring that every contributor feels seen and valued. She will share practical strategies and tools that open source engineers can use to embed DEI principles into their projects, from the initial stages of development to ongoing community engagement. Through vivid storytelling and real-world examples, Aarti will illustrate the transformative power of belonging. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to bridge gaps within their communities, promote fairness, and cultivate an environment where innovation and inclusivity go hand in hand. This talk is a powerful call to action for all members of the open source community. By committing to DEI, we not only enrich our projects but also ensure that the future of technology is shaped by a truly diverse and inclusive set of voices. Join us in this crucial conversation and be part of the movement to build a more inclusive and innovative open source ecosystem.