Developers: Start Contributing Now!
- Time
- 2026-08-08 10:10 ~ 10:40
- Speaker
- Jim Grisanzio
- Room
- TR211
- Co-write
Abstract
The FOSS community thrives because it's built on collaboration, mentorship, and contribution. Drawing from hundreds of podcast interviews with FOSS developers globally, this session highlights how strategic contributions can create benefits for individual developers, corporate employers, and the entire community. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to start contributing effectively while learning how such efforts open doors to leadership, visibility, and long-term relationships within the community.
Speaker
Jim Grisanzio
Jim Grisanzio has built FOSS communities at Oracle and Sun Microsystems for 25 years. He’s interviewed hundreds of developers on Java, AI, Linux, Oracle Database, MySQL, Machine Learning, and Open Source for two separate podcasts: The Oracle Groundbreakers Podcast and also The Duke's Corner Java Podcast. He published two newsletters for Java and Oracle Database developers, produced developer videos and photography, facilitated Java User Group and Java Champions programs, and delivered his own community sessions and keynotes at conferences. He's created and run user groups, and managed developer interactions via social media platforms on YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X. Jim also served as the OpenSolaris Community Manager at Sun, and led communications for Sun’s Open Source projects and senior executives. Jim's currently a consultant and planning his new podcast called The Long Build. You can follow Jim on his website https://grisanzio.com/.