Sharing knowledge is what WordCamp is all about, and it is thanks to many exceptional people in the community who volunteer their time to speak that makes a great WordCamp. This year we received submissions on many great topics making the selection process extra challenging. It’s our pleasure to introduce round one of this year’s speaker lineup. Stay tuned for our next announcement!
Jonathan (JB) Belcher
Jonathan (JB) Belcher is a developer specializing in building applications on the web platform utilizing a variety of technologies. He is a Web Technologies Google Developer Expert and a panelist on the Polymer podcast. He is also a co-organizer of PHL UX, Philadelphia Javascript Developers, and LibertyJS conference. Since joining Automattic, JB has worked on a variety of projects including the WooCommerce react admin for WordPress.com, WooCommerce.com React new user experience, WooCommerce.com continuous integration build systems, WooCommerce.com code linting, WooCommerce and WP-Calypso style linters, and is Technical Co-Lead with his favorite creative for WooConf 2017. (Updated January 2017) At SunGard, JB helped clients build large scale web applications. He worked with the Comcast XFINITY Home team to build their IoT web interface utilizing Polymer. Before joining SunGard, he worked on the Viridity Energy VPowerTM Platform, another application built primarily in AngularJS. At Stuzo, Jonathan helped build experiences for Fortune 100 companies using AngularJS. He was also part of the team building Meg.com, which assists web asset owners engage their visitors. Previously, JB has worked for a DoD contractor, ran a one person freelance shop, and taught English in China. He received a BA in Economics and East Asian Studies from Washington and Lee University. He lives in South Philadelphia with his wife and Boston Terrier.
Christina Deemer
I am a UX Developer at Interactive Mechanics, where I build sites, apps and exhibit interactives for arts, culture and higher ed clients and co-founded Interactive Mechanics’ fellowship program for diversity and inclusion in tech. I am an active TA and volunteer with Girl Develop It Philly and was a 2015 Code for Philly Open Source Mentorship Program fellow. I came to tech later in life, after a 12-year career as a fundraiser for some of Philadelphia’s most prestigious arts organizations. I wrote my first line of code at age 35 and built my first of many custom WordPress themes at 37. I enjoy writing front- and back-end code, and am learning to do fun things with Raspberry Pis and Arduinos. Outside of tech, I enjoy reading, cooking and watching classic films.
Mika Epstein
Mika Ariela Epstein is better known as Ipstenu, the Half-Elf Rogue. Working for DreamHost and specializing in WordPress, Mika helps make WordPress and hosting better for everyone. When she isn’t reviewing plugins or rebuilding the stack, she’s speaking at WordCamps worldwide about code and open source technology. A self-taught guru on Multisite and .htaccess, she has a passion for writing and technology.
Sal Ferrarello
Sal started programming on a Commodore 64 when he was eight years old. He went on to become a web developer and educator specializing in WordPress. Sal’s past also includes work as a beach photographer, magician/juggler and high school calculus teacher. He contributes to WordPress core, the Genesis framework and various other open source projects.
Sal writes regularly about programming at https://salferrarello.com/.
Aaron Jorbin
Aaron is a polyhistoric man of the web who knows rabble rousers get shit done. Currently, Aaron is the Director of Engineering for Some Spider, where he supports the editorial and business teams on scarymommy.com and cafe.com. He is also a WordPress Core Committer that focuses on improving developer happiness and making the internet usable and enjoyable by everyone. He tweets at @aaronjorbin and writes regularly at daily.jorb.in.
Dustin Leer
I do branding & build things on the web. I work with WordPress & Magento. Learning more about JS and CLI! I ♥ WordPress. I do the CrossFits. 🏋️♂️
Jonathan Ober
I am a WordPress Designer/Developer in Lancaster, PA, for 10+ years. I have created sites for various clients from small to medium sized businesses. I am a husband, father and foster dad. I love teaching others about WordPress and how they can set themselves up for success on the web.
Daniel Olson
Dan is COO at DigitalCube, a WordPress solutions company with offices in the US and Japan. He lives and works in Philadelphia PA, home to the first WordCamp US. His work includes building WordPress SaaS products focused on security and scalability, offering advanced security services through AWS, and providing managed web hosting support for eCommerce clients, large media organizations and higher education. Away from the keyboard he enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, eating everything, tasting all the beers, traveling to meet new people and helping with the family business, a pet boutique and bakery named after his dog, Amelie’s Bark Shop.