We are excited to announce our keynote speaker for WordCamp Kent 2019, Michelle Ames. Michelle returns to Wordcamp Kent this year to present her keynote session, “The Care and Feeding of the WordPress Community: Me, You, & Us.”
“Last year was my first year attending and speaking at WordCamp Kent,” says Michelle. “I met wonderful people and engaged in rich conversations. I made friends and enjoyed learning from others. I’m honored to be back.”
Michelle knows firsthand the power that giving has on communities. She has 20 years of experience in higher education, 10 years of owning a web design and marketing company, and now serves as the Head of Customer Success for GiveWP.com and WPBusinessReviews.com.
In her years working with WordPress, she’s also set aside time to mentor, create WordPress classes, and organize Meetups, Hackathons and WordCamps.
She has a variety of experience teaching and speaking about topics including Using Quantitative Data Analysis Software, Meditative Drawing, Intro to WordPress, and Marketing for Massage Therapy. You can find many of them recorded on WordPress.tv including “Little Things That Make a Big Difference,” “Hidden Features of WordPress Revealed,” and “Use Your WordPress Powers for Good,” as well as panel discussions on WordPress, marketing, and women in technology.
As important as teaching is to Michelle, she says learning is just as essential to embracing the WordPress community.
“I love the WordPress/WordCamp audience because everyone is there to learn from one another. Every person (from beginner to advanced developer) has something to share and something to learn. I am constantly inspired by how encouraging the community is to one another.”
Michelle is the author of “A Good Firm Handshake and Other Essential Business Tips” available on Amazon.com. She holds a BA in Religion and Philosophy (Roberts Wesleyan College) and an MBA in Marketing, E-Commerce, and Information Technology Management (Simon School, University of Rochester).
Michelle loves attending conferences, exploring photography, serving on non-profit boards, and mentoring people in her local community. Follow Michelle on Twitter and Instagram at @michelleames and check out her thoughts about life on thedailybedhead.com.
We look forward to welcoming Michelle to WordCamp Kent 2019 and hearing her keynote presentation! Check back soon as we announce more speakers and release the schedule.
Are you interested in sharing your expertise with others at WordCamp Kent? Apply to be a speaker! The deadline for applications is Monday, April 15.