KANA TADADJO Patrick Jaures

What does building community mean to you?

Bringing together people who share the same ideas and interests to achieve a common goal has never been a problem with the rise of open source projects. A community can only evolve if all members have an interest and share the basic idea of the project. Hence the need to always bring out these differences so that everyone can contribute and support the contribution of others. I co-founded the Drupal Cameroon community in 2019 with the aim of promoting the Drupal open source project on the African continent and particularly in my country Cameroon, in order to contribute in our own way to the Drupal edifice. Confidently, we continue on our way and are hopeful that we will reach our goal one day.

Personally, my top priority would be to see equity respected, no matter where you come from. And especially to know that the Drupal communities under present do not have the same difficulties as the communities where Drupal is well represented that the opportunities around Drupal must be open to all no matter where you come from and I address to the companies that support Drupal to review their policy, because everyone will be happy within a community to know that the contribution of such and such gave him an opportunity. Which will motivate others in his community to contribute as well and especially to do more than he did.

What does advocating for Drupal mean to you?

For me, Drupal is a powerful open source project, so powerful that it deserves meetings to tell about this power and especially the magnitude of projects that run on Drupal. It's a dream, but seeing the African continent less represented often hurts me but one hand can't tie a bag. We must continue to teach and inform others so that Drupal can reach its potential on the African continent and globally.

Advocacy is not only about discussing the positives, but also helping to create opportunities for the public and potential users of Drupal on a daily basis.

Finally, one of the main keys to Drupal advocacy would be to contribute to the evolution of local communities and especially to help them achieve their goals. Because the stronger they are, the more powerful Drupal should remain.

What is your favorite Drupal moment or memory?

I've had so many and in such a short time. I discovered the Drupal CMS in 2016 while looking for an open source solution that could help me solve a problem and have since fallen in love with it to the point of becoming a pioneer evangelist of this CMS in my country, Cameroon. I have made personal and professional connections with people I didn't know before. I had the chance to participate in events (DrupalCon).

My learning curve was not easy, but with the great community around drupal that, via the forums, supported me in my learning and some developers and contributors who have share with me their experience with drupal, I can boast today to have a very good knowledge of this CMS and especially to have met great people.

What skills and strengths do you think you bring to the board?

Marketing/Public Relations, Strategic Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Fundraising (includes sponsorships, charitable giving, grant writing), Community Building/Understanding of Community Needs, Volunteer Training/Development, Talent Development, Governance

What best describes your personal style?

Coordinator, Motivator, Inspirer, Helper, Supporter

Do you have experience as a board member?

President of the Drupal Cameroon Association