Karen Callahan is a WordPress Developer, one of the organizers for WordCamp RI and is on the Board of Directors for the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce. She’s a member of BNI.
And she loves to laugh out loud. More about that later.
(WC RI) What is your level of comfort with creating and maintaining websites? What do you do with WordPress?
(K C) I’ve been creating and maintaining business websites for 18 years and feel very comfortable with those tasks. I use WordPress as the foundation of most of the websites that I develop today. I’ve been working with WordPress since it was known as b2, and have installed and customized 90 -100 WordPress blogs and websites, and written custom widgets and plugins. It is an easy tool for my clients to use to maintain their websites.
My favorite work moments are when a client contacts me busting with pride about the post or page they just added or update they just made!
Karen Callahan, member of the Organizing Committee
(WC RI) What impressions do you come away with about the other speakers/volunteers/sponsors/the organizers at WordCamps?
(K C) I am always impressed by the depth of knowledge (of WordPress core, individual plugins, and widgets) of each of the speakers. The speakers are organized and know their topic. The volunteers, organizers, and sponsors create a relaxed, approachable environment that encourages questions and learning.
(WC RI) Why did you decide to become involved this year as one of the organizers?
(K C) I have attended several WordCamps in Rhode Island. They are always excellent learning and networking experiences. I know I am going to attend this year, and I know that there are a ton of Day-Of tasks, so, why not take the opportunity to help out?
(WC RI) What is your favorite part of WordCamp?
(K C) The developer workshops and learning about others’ experiences with WordPress.
(WC RI) What do you get out of it?
(K C) I learn new tools and techniques that can be used in my everyday life as a WordPress developer and make new connections with like-minded professionals.
(WC RI) Any advice for a first-time WordCamp attendee?
(K C) Pace yourself. Wear your sneakers and comfortable clothes. Read the the session descriptions online before attending in order to get an idea of what you want to attend. Prioritize what is most important to you. Give yourself permission to sit out a session to relax so you maintain your enthusiasm. ENJOY!
(WC RI) How much coding/web development/other will an attendee need to know to get something out of WordCamp?
(K C) None. That is the beautiful thing about the WordCamps. There are sessions for all levels. Even those who are thinking about blogging or building a website with WordPress, or are just curious about this thing called “WordPress”, can attend, and learn and network, and feel comfortable. The skill sets of attendees span the extremes: from “I heard about this tool” to “I am a contributor to the WordPress core.”
(WC RI) What would you say to someone who says: “I know nothing about websites and will be totally overwhelmed.”
(K C) Come and experience the welcoming atmosphere of a WordCamp. Attend the beginner level sessions. Let yourself get caught up in the excitement of the WordPress enthusiasts. You’ll leave feeling confident that you can get started and with connections you can call on when you hit a snag.
(WC RI) What would you say to someone who says: “I know so much about websites and WordPress there’s nothing I could get out of WordCamp.”
(K C) I would say, “Great, come to network. Meet new people and make new connections. Share your experiences with those you meet – or – better yet, sign up to give a session.”
And about her love of laughter in life…
By the way, when not creating websites I am an avid No Limit Hold’em player and fan ….. Lover of the Arches, Canyonlands and Sorrel River Ranch in Moab, UT ……like laugh-out-loud activities like watching Last Comic Standing and reading Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series.
You can contact Karen:
Twitter: @KarenCallahanMA
LinkedIn: KarenCallahanMarlboro
Google+: +KarenCallahan
Follow WordCampRI:
https://twitter.com/WordCampRI