Lena (Eleni) Stergatou has been honored with the inaugural WordCamp Europe Kim Parsell Memorial Scholarship, marking a significant moment for the WordPress community. The scholarship, previously exclusive to WordCamp US, was expanded this year to include WordCamp Europe and WordCamp Asia following a decision by the WordPress Foundation Board. It honors the late Kim Parsell, a cherished member of the WordPress community known affectionately as #wpmom. Kim Parsell was one of the early women in WordPress who advocated for diversity in tech and made lasting contributions to the platform.
The WordPress Foundation praised Lena for embodying the values that Kim Parsell held dear, particularly her commitment to WordPress translations, core development, plugins, and community engagement. Lena, a long-time contributor to WordPress, has been working with the platform since 2008 and has been involved in BuddyPress since 2010. As a “Code Wrangler” and “Happiness Engineer,” she has contributed significantly to the Greek WordPress community, working on translations, bug fixes, and the development of plugins.
Lena’s dedication to the WordPress ecosystem goes beyond technical contributions. She is known for her work as the Locale Manager for the Greek team and has become an influential member of the WordPress community. Her passion for WordPress and BuddyPress has also led her to contribute new plugins, fix broken ones, and extend the functionality of themes. She also provides valuable resources to Greek-speaking users, such as FAQs and manuals to help them make the most out of WordPress.
The Kim Parsell Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to recipients by covering travel, hotel accommodation, and a WordCamp ticket, allowing them to attend WordCamp Europe and continue their WordPress journey. Lena’s selection as the first recipient highlights the importance of recognizing those who give back to the WordPress community, and her continued involvement in WordPress ensures that she will play a key role in shaping the platform’s future.
Lena’s recognition also emphasizes the significance of WordCamp Europe 2025, which will take place in Basel, Switzerland. The event is one of the largest WordPress conferences, bringing together contributors, developers, and WordPress enthusiasts from all over the world. Lena’s participation in the event will undoubtedly inspire others to contribute to the community and continue to push the boundaries of what WordPress can achieve.
Kim Parsell’s legacy lives on through this scholarship, which helps foster diversity and inclusivity within the WordPress ecosystem. The WordPress Foundation’s expansion of the scholarship to WordCamp Europe and WordCamp Asia ensures that Kim’s impact will continue to inspire contributors globally. Lena Stergatou’s achievements reflect Kim’s spirit of giving back to the community and exemplify the power of WordPress to bring people together.
As the WordPress community continues to grow, it is vital to recognize and support the contributions of individuals like Lena, who dedicate their time and expertise to improving the platform and helping others succeed. The future of WordPress is shaped by people like Lena, who are passionate about making WordPress more accessible, efficient, and inclusive for all users.
Lena’s contributions to WordPress highlight the strength of the global WordPress community and the importance of fostering an environment where people from all walks of life can contribute and thrive. As the first recipient of the Kim Parsell Memorial Scholarship, Lena sets a powerful example of how dedication to the WordPress ecosystem can have a lasting impact. The scholarship serves as a reminder of Kim Parsell’s values and the importance of recognizing and supporting those who contribute to the WordPress community.
Looking ahead, Lena’s involvement in WordPress and her role in shaping the platform’s future will inspire future generations of contributors. WordPress is built on the contributions of individuals like Lena, and as the platform continues to evolve, it is clear that the WordPress community will remain strong and diverse. The WordCamp Europe Kim Parsell Memorial Scholarship plays a crucial role in ensuring that this legacy continues, providing opportunities for individuals who are committed to the growth and success of the WordPress ecosystem.
Lena Stergatou’s recognition as the first recipient of the Kim Parsell Memorial Scholarship marks a significant milestone in the WordPress community’s journey. It highlights the importance of honoring those who contribute to the platform and ensuring that the legacy of pioneers like Kim Parsell is preserved. With Lena’s continued contributions and her commitment to the WordPress community, it is clear that the future of WordPress is in capable hands.