Session: Friday, November 8, 11:45am – 12:30pm
Speaker: Alice Sowerby, FreeBSD Foundation
Abstract: Discover how the FreeBSD Foundation is supporting modernization in FreeBSD infrastructure and enhancing laptop usability through carefully targeted investments.
In this session, we will explore two distinct yet complementary projects aimed at strengthening the FreeBSD development ecosystem and improving the user experience for laptop users. You’ll learn how these diverse projects were identified as strategic priorities, the process behind securing their investments, and how our funding models are helping to bridge technical and usability gaps.
The Foundation’s maturing program management approach is a key factor in successfully delivering these initiatives. We’ll discuss how our teams are navigating the unique challenges of each project – whether it’s modernizing critical infrastructure and processes to meet future needs or ensuring smoother and more accessible laptop usage. The session will also highlight the collaborative efforts between our organization and the wider open-source community, showcasing how we’re working together to deliver impactful, long-term improvements.
Join us to gain insights into the strategies, processes, and lessons learned from these initiatives, and discover how the FreeBSD Foundation is ensuring measurable outcomes that benefit both developers and end-users alike.
Speaker Bio: Alice Sowerby is a multi-skilled program manager and open source leader with over 15 years in technical roles across cloud native, AI/ML, and DevOps. Currently active in the FreeBSD Foundation, CHAOSS, and the TODO Group, she brings expertise in program management and strategic leadership. Alice’s past roles include Program Director at Equinix, with other experience spanning product management, UX, and developer relations. She is known for her collaborative approach and commitment to impactful, community-driven initiatives.