{"id":8,"date":"2023-04-06T11:36:57","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T15:36:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speakers\/"},"modified":"2023-09-01T10:44:43","modified_gmt":"2023-09-01T14:44:43","slug":"speakers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Speakers"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul class=\"wordcamp-block wordcamp-post-list has-layout-list wordcamp-speakers\"><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-adrian-tobey\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/adrian-tobey\/\">Adrian Tobey<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/4-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Adrian Tobey, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/4-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/4-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/4-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/4-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/4-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/4.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Adrian is a plugin developer and marketer, using his 7 years of experience in the WordPress community to help small businesses and agencies get better results from their websites.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-allysha-howse\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/allysha-howse\/\">Allysha Howse<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/5-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Allysha Howse, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/5-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/5-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/5-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/5-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/5-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/5.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Allysha Howse has been delivering essential journalism to Canadians for over a decade with some of the largest digital news organizations in the country. She is now the Founder of Tipsy Theory, an Ontario travel site that connects locals and tourists to the best spots in the province. Using WordPress, she has been able to grow her following into the thousands.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-amanda-gorman\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/amanda-gorman\/\">Amanda Gorman<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/3-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Amanda Gorman, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/3-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/3-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/3-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/3-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/3-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/3.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Amanda Gorman is Director of Customer Success at StellarWP where she combines her WordPress superpowers, love for community, and team building expertise to empower our WordPress customers towards success. <\/p>\n<p>Amanda treasures spending time with her family, time in nature, studying and teaching yoga, and is possibly obsessed with Beyonce\u0301.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-ben-dunkle\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/ben-dunkle\/\">Ben Dunkle<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/10-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Ben Dunkle, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/10-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/10-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/10-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/10-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/10-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/10.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Ben Dunkle is a professor at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY where he serves as Chair of the Department of Communication and teaches digital media courses. Ben is a practicing consultant, offering web design and development, illustration, and training services to business, non-profits, and anyone who needs them. As an artist, he creates prints, paintings, drawings and 3D work; as a designer he makes icons, fonts and custom lettering. Ben has organized and spoken at numerous WordCamps and runs a monthly WordPress users meetup group in Buffalo, NY.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-christopher-ross\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/christopher-ross\/\">Christopher Ross<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/6-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Christopher Ross, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/6-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/6-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/6-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/6-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/6-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/6.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Passionate geek, passable woodworker, recovering photographer, father, mentor, teacher, learner, sailor, and all-around smart (arse) with a desire to help people.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-damon-cook\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/damon-cook\/\">Damon Cook<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/8-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Damon Cook, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/8-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/8-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/8-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/8-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/8-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/8.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Damon Cook is a Developer Advocate at WP Engine. Previously, he navigated the WordPress agency land for a decade. He is a purveyor and discoverer of musical frisson. He can be found in the realms of WordPress Slack, WooCommerce Slack, and Twitter.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-david-wolfpaw\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/david-wolfpaw\/\">david wolfpaw<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/9-1024x576.png\" alt=\"david wolfpaw, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/9-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/9-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/9-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/9-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/9-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/9.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>david wolfpaw (they\/them) is a professional web developer focused on WordPress theme and plugin development. They emphasize helping small businesses, providing ongoing maintenance and support, and educating users through their service FixUpFox. david has been a proud and happy SiteGround client since 2013, and is a partner in the SiteGround WordPress Ambassador program.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-jonathan-desrosiers\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/jonathan-desrosiers\/\">Jonathan Desrosiers<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/11-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Jonathan Desrosiers, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/11-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/11-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/11-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/11-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/11-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/11.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Jonathan has been using WordPress since 2007 to build sites of all sizes, covering the entire spectrum of local businesses to enterprises and large universities. He has been a contributor to WordPress Core since 2013, and a WordPress Core committer since 2018. He currently works as a Senior Software Engineer at Bluehost, where he is sponsored full-time to contribute to WordPress Core.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-ken-gagne\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/ken-gagne\/\">Ken Gagne<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/12-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Ken Gagne, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/12-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/12-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/12-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/12-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/12-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/12.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Ken Gagne is a freelance writer and former editor for Computerworld.com who has also served as a web producer at MIT. In his current role as a Technical Account Manager at Automattic, he helps local, independent news outlets launch and and maintain their WordPress websites. Originally from Massachusetts, Ken now lives the life of a digital nomad, traveling the world and working wherever there&#8217;s Wi-Fi.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-marco-berrocal\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/marco-berrocal\/\">Marco Berrocal<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/13-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Marco Berrocal, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/13-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/13-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/13-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/13-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/13-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/13.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>I am a WordPress developer out of San Jose, Costa Rica! I have been working with WordPress for over 12 years now, and have enjoyed the opportunities that the community of WordPress has given me. Themes, plugins and code is my thing. <\/p>\n<p>When I am not coding, I am all about food, wine (is that also food?), coffee (also food?), travel, my kids and yes, I love Fortnite.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-matt-graham\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/matt-graham\/\">Matt Graham<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/14-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Matt Graham, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/14-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/14-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/14-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/14-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/14-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/14.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Hey there, hoser! I\u2019m the PHP Brewmaster, eh? You\u2019re lookin\u2019 at the one and only WordPress guru you\u2019ll ever need, just like a cold brewski after a long day! As a full-time server-side developer, I\u2019m all about PHP, and I can say \u201cHello World\u201d in JavaScript like a true Canadian, eh?<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to accessibility, I\u2019m your go-to Canuck for color contrast, keyboard accessibility, and visual goodness, eh? I\u2019ve built more websites with Beaver Builder than there are moose in the Great White North! But don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ve also hung out with the Elementor, Oxygen, and Divi gangs too, just like we\u2019re all down at the local Timmy\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p>As a plugin performance optimizer, I\u2019m all about storin\u2019 and retrievin\u2019 data with the precision of a curling stone, eh? You\u2019ll find me mixin\u2019 it up in WordPress development communities like Slack channels, subreddits, and Facebook groups, sharin\u2019 knowledge faster than a Zamboni on fresh ice!<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve had a few faceoffs with clients, always striking the perfect balance between accessibility and their preferences, eh? As a data-driven hoser, I\u2019ve been known to cook up some beauty performance-oriented database schema designs to make plugins run faster than a moose on skates.<\/p>\n<p>My previous talks have been featured on WordPress.tv, and I\u2019m always as excited as a beaver in a dam when I get to contribute to WordPress plugin development, eh? My favourite part of being a conference speaker is getting to interact with the audience and collaborate with other speakers, so grab a toque and let\u2019s make the most of this shin-dig!<\/p>\n<p>So there you have it, buds! I\u2019m the PHP Brewmaster, and I\u2019m ready to make your WordPress experience as smooth as Canadian maple syrup, eh?<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-michelle-frechette\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/michelle-frechette\/\">Michelle Frechette<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/17-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Michelle Frechette, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/17-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/17-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/17-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/17-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/17-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/17.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Michelle Frechette is the Director of Community Engagement for StellarWP at Liquid Web.<\/p>\n<p>Michelle was called &#8220;The busiest woman in WordPress,&#8221; by Matt Mullenweg at WCUS 2022.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to her work at StellarWP, Michelle is the Podcast Barista at <a href=\"https:\/\/WPCoffeeTalk.com\">WPCoffeeTalk.com<\/a>, cofounder of <a href=\"http:\/\/underrepresentedintech.com\">underrepresentedintech.com<\/a>, creator of <a href=\"https:\/\/WPSpeakers.com\">WPSpeakers.com<\/a> creator of <a href=\"http:\/\/wpcareerpages.com\">wpcareerpages.com<\/a>, the president of the board for <a href=\"http:\/\/BigOrangeHeart.org\">BigOrangeHeart.org<\/a>, Director of Community Relations and contributor at <a href=\"http:\/\/PostStatus.com\">PostStatus.com<\/a>, co-host of the <a href=\"https:\/\/wpmotivate.com\">WPMotivate<\/a> podcast, co-host of the <a href=\"https:\/\/audacitymarketing.com\">Audacity Marketing<\/a> podcast, cohost of the <a href=\"https:\/\/stellarwp.com\/podcast\/\">WP Constellations<\/a> podcast, author, and a frequent organizer and speaker at WordPress events. Michelle lives outside of Rochester, NY where she\u2019s an avid nature photographer. You can learn more about Michelle at <a href=\"https:\/\/meetmichelle.online\">meetmichelle.online<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-nick-adams\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/nick-adams\/\">Nick Adams<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/WCROC-Speaker-Announcements-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Nick Adams, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/WCROC-Speaker-Announcements-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/WCROC-Speaker-Announcements-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/WCROC-Speaker-Announcements-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/WCROC-Speaker-Announcements-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/WCROC-Speaker-Announcements-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/WCROC-Speaker-Announcements.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Nick Adams is the CEO of WP Buffs, which is a team of WordPress experts across the globe proving 24\/7 maintenance and support for site owners and agencies of all sizes. Nick is passionate about helping people use WordPress to its fullest potential and easing the entryway so that everyone can enjoy their website regardless of their technical skill level.<\/p>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-nyasha-green\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/nyasha-green\/\">Nyasha Green<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><p>Nyasha is a seasoned software developer that expertly bridges the gap between coding and storytelling. All while wearing multiple hats as a writer, mentor, and instructor. She aspires to introduce over 1000 new diverse individuals to the world of WordPress, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the digital realm.<\/p>\n<p>When she&#8217;s not coding, writing, or mentoring, Nyasha loves to travel all over, indulging in diverse culinary delights, and giving back to her community in various ways. A firm believer in the power of rest, she cherishes her naps, ensuring she&#8217;s recharged and ready to make her mark.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-robbie-adair\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/robbie-adair\/\">Robbie Adair<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/16-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Robbie Adair, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/16-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/16-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/16-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/16-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/16-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/16.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Robbie Adair, CEO of OS Training and Media A-Team, specializes in training, web and media applications, and media strategies for clients. Robbie speaks at many tech conferences around the world about topics such as Web Development, Website Application Development, AR, Media Content Creation, and more. She loves seeing that &#8220;ah-ha&#8221; moment in peoples eyes in her sessions and workshops. OS Training has had over 100,000 students take online training courses on web development and has an Explained book series that is used in the classroom by many high schools and universities. Visit ostraining.com, mediaateam.com, or robbieadair.com to learn more.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-ron-brennan\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/ron-brennan\/\">Ron Brennan<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/7-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Ron Brennan, Speaker\" class=\"wp-image-481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/7-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/7-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/7-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/7-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/7-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/7.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Ron Brennan is a seasoned digital marketing expert and the Managing Partner of CANI Consulting Group, a marketing agency based in Buffalo, New York. With over 2 decades of experience in the industry, Ron has spearheaded numerous successful digital marketing campaigns for a diverse range of clients and developed a large portfolio of WordPress websites.<\/p>\n<p>Known for his passion for all things WordPress, Ron has become a driving force in leveraging the power of the platform to empower businesses and individuals alike. He has a keen eye for crafting engaging and user-friendly WordPress websites that leave a lasting impression on visitors.<\/p>\n<p>As an enthusiastic advocate for continuous improvement, Ron firmly believes in the &#8220;CANI&#8221; principle &#8211; Constant and Never-ending Improvement. He brings this philosophy to every aspect of his work, constantly exploring innovative strategies to help businesses thrive in the digital landscape.<\/p>\n<p>A natural communicator, Ron is no stranger to sharing his insights and knowledge with others. As an organizer of WordCamp Buffalo and one of the organizers of Buffalo&#8217;s WordPress Meetup group, he actively contributes to the WordPress community. Ron has also been a featured speaker at various marketing and tech conferences, where he enjoys connecting with like-minded professionals and inspiring others to embrace the potential of WordPress.<\/p>\n<p>At WordCamp, Ron is excited to share practical tips, best practices, and the latest trends in WordPress to empower attendees to create impactful digital experiences. Join him for an enlightening session that will unlock the true potential of WordPress and take your digital presence to new heights.<\/p>\n<p>Connect with Ron on Twitter (@theoriginalrb) and let&#8217;s dive into the world of WordPress together!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-senator-jeremy-a-cooney\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/senator-jeremy-a-cooney\/\">Senator Jeremy A. Cooney<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><p>Senator Cooney was adopted from an orphanage in Kolkata, India and raised by a single mother in the City of Rochester. He made history in 2020 as the first Asian American elected to state office from upstate New York, and the first state senator in decades to graduate from Rochester City School District (RCSD).&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>During his first year in office, Senator Cooney wrote over 50 legislative bills and served as the first chair of the new Cities II Committee, which focuses on upstate cities and those outside NYC.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Senator Cooney was named co-chair of the Marijuana Task Force for the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic &amp; Asian Legislative Caucus and he was instrumental in passing landmark legislation to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The final phase of the Rochester School Modernization Project (RSMP), a bill that Senator Cooney sponsored and strongly advocated for, passed after years of delays in the legislature. The RSMP will be one of the largest public works projects in Rochester\u2019s history with nearly half a billion dollars going towards updating learning environments for RSCD students.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Senator Cooney\u2019s priorities for Rochester include poverty relief, job creation,&nbsp; downtown development, and increased funding for public schools. He was included in City &amp; State magazine\u2019s \u201c40 Under 40\u201d list and the \u201cPower of Diversity: Asian 100\u201d powerful leaders list for 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Senator Cooney began his career working on Capitol Hill for the late U.S. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and later served in the role of chief of staff for the Mayor of Rochester. Prior to running for public office, Senator Cooney served as the senior director for community relations with Empire State Development (ESD) under the New York State Governor. At ESD, he helped lead public affairs for large scale economic development projects.<\/p>\n<p>Senator Cooney is active in Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region. He sits on the Board of Trustees for his alma mater, Hobart &amp; William Smith Colleges, and is a member of the Vestry for Christ Church Rochester (Episcopal). He is a proud Eagle Scout and serves as a Vice Chair of the Executive Board for the Boy Scouts of America, Seneca Waterways Council.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Senator Cooney earned his B.A. with honors from Hobart College and his J.D. from Albany Law School. He is married to Dr. Diane Lu, a urologic surgeon at the University of Rochester Medical Center.<\/p>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wordcamp-post-list__post wordcamp-clearfix\">\n<div class=\"wordcamp-speaker wordcamp-speakers__post slug-shanta-nathwani\">\n\t<h3 class=\"wordcamp-block__item-title wordcamp-speakers__title\" style=\"text-align:left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/speaker\/shanta-nathwani\/\">Shanta Nathwani<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wordcamp-block__item-content wordcamp-speakers__content is-full\"><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/18-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Shanta Nathwani, speaker\" class=\"wp-image-518\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/18-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/18-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/18-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/18-500x281.png 500w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/18-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/files\/2023\/08\/18.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>Equipped with a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Technology Management and a Black Belt in Karate, there\u2019s nothing Shanta Nathwani can\u2019t do. She is a full-stack developer who specializes in WordPress, Node and React with a love for life and learning.<\/p>\n<p>A natural teacher, Shanta spent seven years teaching WordPress courses at Sheridan College as well as having given more than 40 WordCamp talks. Her topics include data architecture, custom post types and ACF, as well as beginner topics like posts versus pages and how to create a website in 30 minutes. She served as a QA Supervisor at a software company for two years before starting her own company, Namara Technologies Inc., where she served as the President &amp; CEO. After being accepted at Codeable ApS as an expert, she is now the Project Liaison Manager for the platform.<\/p>\n<p>When she\u2019s not working, she can be found volunteering as a Co-organizer for the Hamilton WordPress Meetup Group, taking stunning photographs, singing karaoke, and, of course, practicing martial arts.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sessions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":13234268,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13234268"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":573,"href":"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8\/revisions\/573"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rochester.wordcamp.org\/2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}