Jamie Bergen is a scientist turned developer who enjoys building things with WordPress. She works for a small agency building WordPress websites and custom plugins for non-profit organizations. In a previous life, she worked as a research scientist on next-generation targeted drug therapies. Her current interests include WordPress theme and plugin development, web accessibility, and workflow best practices. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her husband, daughter, and dog. She also blogs occasionally.
We’re thrilled to have Jamie onboard as a speaker at WordCamp Sacramento 2018 asked a few questions to help you get to know more about her. Check out our mini interview with Jamie below:
What is the topic of your WordCamp talk?
Lessons Learned Releasing My First WordPress Plugin
Why do you think this is important?
Plugins are an essential part of the WordPress ecosystem. The diversity of sites powered by WordPress necessitates a similar diversity of plugins. I’m guessing that a lot of people who use WordPress have at least once had the thought: “I wish there were a plugin that did X.” I’m hoping that my session will help to encourage people who have an idea for a plugin and who have the desire to learn to write one to go ahead and build it.
What’s your WordPress origin story?
My first exposure to WordPress was a food blog that I wrote called Vegedibles (https://vegedibles.wordpress.com/). That was before I knew the difference between wordpress.com and wordpress.org. I didn’t really get into WordPress development until I decided to make a career transition from scientist to web developer. I took a lot of online courses and was learning Python and Ruby. However, when I started building websites for friends and family, I found WordPress and never looked back.
How has WordPress impacted your world?
WordPress has empowered me to make a successful career transition that might have been almost impossible otherwise. The open source nature of WordPress and the generosity of the community have provided me with a wealth of resources that have helped me to learn and grow in my new career.
You can connect with Jamie further at:
Get Your Ticket ASAP!
WordCamp Sacramento 2018 sold out in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and we do expect it to sell out again. Be sure to get your WordCamp Tickets asap to secure you spot at this awesome event! Tickets are only $40 (thanks to our generous sponsors) and include:
- Two full days of Beginner Tracks, walking new users through how to use WordPress.
- Two mixed tracks of sessions on Saturday.
- Two mixed tracks of sessions on Sunday.
- A Happiness Bar — our version of a help desk, open throughout the event so you can get help with your site and get your questions answered.
- An opportunity to network with and meet sponsors, speakers, and other WordPress community members, including business owners, designers, developers, agency owners, bloggers, copywriters, freelancers, site owners, and more.
- Refreshing drinks throughout the entire event.
- A WordCamp Sacramento 2018 t-shirt.
- A catered lunch on Saturday.
- A networking reception Saturday immediately following the event.
- Snacks on Sunday.