Astha Jain receives the Yoast Care fund for her contribution to the WordPress community

Meet Astha Jain, a valued member of the WordPress Community Team! Her commitment and valuable contributions to the community are why Aditya Shah nominated her for the Yoast Care fund. Let’s learn more about this passionate WordPress enthusiast.

Nominator Aditya Shah: “Astha’s journey through WordCamps, from organizing WordCamp Bhopal 2023 to speaking at WordCamp Mumbai 2023, highlights her dedication to community building and knowledge sharing within the WordPress ecosystem. Despite unforeseen circumstances preventing her attendance at WordCamp Asia 2024, her selection for the Diversity Scholarship highlights her potential and commitment. This initiative presents a transformative opportunity for Astha, enabling her to further her mission of bridging the gap between law & technology while strengthening communities. By supporting Astha’s endeavors, we empower her individual growth and align with the values of inclusivity and diversity integral to the WordPress ethos. In my opinion, Astha’s passion and drive, combined with the resources from the Yoast Care fund, promise a significant impact on community-strengthening initiatives within the WordPress community.”

Let’s get to know Astha Jain

That’s quite an introduction, Aditya! We would love to get to know Astha even better. That’s why we asked her some questions about her work and her passion for WordPress:

Hi, Astha Jain! Why did you start contributing? Could you share your first contribution with us?

It wasn’t a single moment but a culmination of experiences that led me to contribute to WordPress. It all started with my blog back in 2016. WordPress provided a user-friendly platform that allowed me to connect with people from all over the world. I used to write poetries and articles on my blog. The positive feedback and interactions I received there were incredibly motivating. 

Because I’m a curious learner by nature, I’m fascinated by the intersection of law, tech, & policy. So, when I learned about WordCamp Bhopal 2023, it felt like a perfect opportunity to combine my passions: the chance to give back to the community that had already given me so much, while simultaneously exploring this intriguing space.

WordCamp Bhopal was my first foray into the world of WordPress events! The entire process was a whirlwind of learning and connection. It wasn’t just about planning logistics, prepping the schedules or managing the stage, it was witnessing first-hand the collaborative spirit and dedication that defines the WordPress community. I have been involved in events at my university and otherwise, but organizing an event has never been quite like this. Meeting so many passionate and knowledgeable people from diverse backgrounds was more like attending a family reunion! Seeing how the community functions, the energy it generates, and its positive impact ignited my desire to keep contributing.

Who is your WordPress mentor?

I have a zest for knowing everything under the sun, which applies here too. Every person I have met, from seasoned veterans to enthusiastic newcomers, has added value to my insights and experiences.

While pinpointing a single mentor might not do justice to the spirit of the community, Aditya undoubtedly played a pivotal role in my journey here. Since my introduction to WordPress in 2016, he has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration. His dedication extends far beyond just technical expertise. He is known as a community builder, which he indeed is. He not only introduced me to the WordPress community but also served as a guiding light in navigating its intricacies. 

Aditya initiated the WordPress community in Bhopal, fostering a space where inclusivity and diversity are paramount, aligning with the five good faith rules. He understands the importance of empowering others, dedicating time to training people, igniting their passion, and sharpening their skills with WordPress. Witnessing his dedication to building a strong local community is truly inspiring. I’ve learned a lot from him, and the process goes on.

Apart from this, I’ve also had the privilege of meeting astounding individuals, including but not limited to Pooja Derashri, Prathamesh Palve, Vachan Kudmule, Meher Bala, Anand Upadhyay, Amit Singh, Abhishek Deshpande, and Shoeb Ansari. Their kindness and warmth have made my journey even more fulfilling. I must also acknowledge the indispensable role of the WordPress Bhopal team. Each person brings a unique perspective and skillset to the table, and the community thrives because of this incredible richness. 

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?

I take immense pride in every contribution that advances my mission of bridging the gap between law and technology. However, two specific contributions stand out for their impact and personal significance.

Firstly, WordCamp Bhopal 2023 holds a special place in my heart. As an organizer, I was privileged to shape the event alongside a dedicated team. Together, we aimed not only to revitalize WordCamp Bhopal but also to reintroduce the city to the power of WordPress. Through pre-event open sessions, we focused on enhancing the skills of the attendees, bridging the knowledge gap, and fostering active usage of WordPress. The turnout spoke volumes – 56% first-timers, more than 55% professionals, and over 35% contributions at the event. Witnessing our vision come to life was incredibly rewarding. The event was a resounding success, attracting a diverse audience and igniting excitement for the future of WordPress in Bhopal.

Secondly, my pride soared at WordCamp Mumbai 2023. Here, I leveraged my legal knowledge to benefit a wider audience. As an individual with a non-dev background and a first-time speaker at a ‘primarily tech conference,’ I felt a significant responsibility. I spoke on the recently legislated Digital Personal Data Protection Law in India. This platform allowed me to share insights on the legal landscape surrounding technology, empowering attendees with knowledge essential for legal compliance. Contributing in this manner was immensely fulfilling and only fueled my long-term purpose further.

What would you love to do in the future?

My vision for the future within the WordPress community remains rooted in the fundamental principle that initially drew me in – advocating for equal access and building an understanding between law and technology. With the invaluable connections, friendships, and diverse perspectives I’ve garnered, I aspire to serve as a bridge between these intertwined yet distinct domains of study.

Navigating the technical complexities of the tech world can be daunting for individuals with legal backgrounds, and conversely, deciphering legalese can feel foreign to those well-versed in technology. My goal is to create a harmonious balance between these two realms.

I firmly believe that the WordPress community provides a potent platform to fulfill this aspiration, and I am enthusiastic about contributing to its realization. Whether through volunteering at Camps, joining teams, blogging, or further participation, I am committed to using my voice to foster understanding and collaboration.

I am particularly drawn to privacy rights and data protection policies in the realm of technology, and I am eager to delve deeper into these areas. I envision embarking upon a career aligning with these interests.

Beyond professional aspirations, my philosophy of life is encapsulated in the quote: the goal isn’t to live forever; it is to create something that will. And I am excited about the journey ahead, embracing the opportunities for growth, connection, and contribution.

Where may people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?

You can catch me regularly blogging on topics like law, technology, and philosophy. I also maintain a curated reading list featuring books and essays I have found to be insightful. My website lets you know if you’re interested in these subjects or would like a reading recommendation. Besides, I’m active on LinkedIn and am an occasional X user.

Apart from my digital presence, I enjoy being part of WordCamps (if that’s not evident). Additionally, I am a part of the WordPress Bhopal meetup chapter.

So, whether in the digital world or at a real-life event, please feel free to say hi if you see me around! I’m always ready for a good chat and maybe even a great story!

Thank you for this interview, Astha, and for all of your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Astha Jain who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.