January 16, 2020 — Much like online businesses or blogging, higher ed is a world of its own with unique challenges, content, stakeholders, and target audiences. Higher education is WordPress at enterprise level but we don’t worry so much about which e-commerce plugin is best. Instead, we’re more concerned with how to manage a large-scale network of faculty blogs, abide with FERPA regulations, and implement Active Directory single sign-on.

This talk will showcase how WordPress is used in the world of higher ed and how we’re a great candidate for utilizing WordPress to its full potential, whether it’s using the powerful CMS to stretch limited resources or using its new API capabilities to share information and break down silos.

January 14, 2020 — Many great projects, products, and companies have grown out of side projects or hobbies. Apple, Twitter, and even Gmail exist because someone dedicated their spare time to testing the waters. Most of your favorite WordPress themes, plugins, and websites were probably brought to life during someone’s day off.

But not all side projects need to be huge, life-altering excursions. Whether it’s building a WordPress plugin, learning a new software package, or building an entire website, they can be whatever you need them to be; from developing a new skill to bringing in extra income to simply having a little fun. Side projects can also be a great way to learn what you’re made of, try new avenues, and build relationships with other web professionals.

Join Rachel to discuss the pros (and cons) of side projects, learn about a few projects that turned into so much more, and hopefully leave with a few ideas of your own.

Presentation Slides »

January 8, 2019 — WordCamp Asheville 2018 Keynote

December 13, 2018 — Much like online businesses or blogging, higher education is a world of its own with unique challenges, content, stakeholders, and target audiences. Higher education is WordPress at enterprise level but we don’t worry so much about which e-commerce plugin is best. Instead, we’re more concerned with managing large-scale networks of faculty blogs, abiding with FERPA and accessibility regulations, and implementing tools to promote research data.

This talk will showcase how WordPress is used in the world of higher ed. From learning management systems to intranets to student recruitment, college campuses are a great candidate for utilizing WordPress to its full potential.

February 25, 2018 — A frank and honest discussion with women who have been involved for different amounts of time in WordPress – ranging from development to designer to marketer.

February 22, 2018 — An extremely engaging moderated discussion of the challenges that face large WordPress sites with 100s or 1000s of users.

Come learn lessons and hear advice on managing user needs and providing tools that make site management easier for everyone.

January 24, 2018 — In this panel we’ll explore processes, tools, procedures and lessons from stakeholders throughout the product chain. In particular what’s helped their businesses and customers succeed, how can partners in the chain help each other and ways to identify which practices are the best fit for different scenarios.

January 24, 2018 — Many great projects, products, and companies have grown out of side projects or hobbies. Apple, Twitter, and even Gmail exist because someone dedicated their spare time to testing the waters. Most of your favorite WordPress themes, plugins, and websites were brought to life during someone’s day off.

But not all side projects need to be huge, life-altering excursions. Whether it’s building a WordPress plugin, learning a new software package, or building an entire website, they can be whatever you need them to be; from developing a new skill to bringing in extra income to simply having a little fun. Side projects can also be a great way to learn what you’re made of, try new avenues, and build relationships with other web professionals.

Join Rachel to discuss the pros (and cons) of side projects, learn about a few projects that turned into so much more, and hopefully leave with a few ideas of your own.

July 21, 2017 — “Web accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of removing barriers that prevent interaction with, or access to, websites by people with disabilities.
When your website is accessible, all users can access your content and functionality no matter their abilities. Visually-impaired users can visit your website using a screen reader. Those who can’t use a mouse can navigate your site using a keyboard or other input device. Most accessibility features will also improve your SEO. When your site is inaccessible, research shows you could be excluding up to 20 percent of your users.
This talk will cover:
▪ The basics of accessibility and why it’s important
▪ Common accessibility issues
▪ Legal requirements
▪ How to test the accessibility of themes and other products before you buy
▪ How to test and support accessibility in your projects