Nov 16th, 2009 |
As wonderful as it is to be here and see Web 2.0 Expo coming to life once again at Javits, it’s a bittersweet moment for me. I’m both happy and sad to announce that this will be my last event with Techweb and Web 2.0. I’ve been so lucky to have worked with this amazing community and to have learned so much from all of you. It’s been incredibly inspiring – so much, in fact, it’s inspired me to start a non-profit that will help bring the principles values of Web 2.0 to city governments. I’ve founded an organization called Code for America, which is loosely based on Teach for America, and I’ll be building it full-time starting in December. Some names you know, including Tim O’Reilly and Clay Shirky, serve on the board. I’ll be looking for recruits, mentors, sponsors, and other contributors for our projects, so please stay in touch by following us on Twitter at @codeforamerica and @pahlkadot.
This is really good news for the Web 2.0 events, because it provides the opportunity for someone with a perfect background, a great personality and a bunch of fresh energy and insight to take my place. That person is Sarah Milstein, co-author (with Tim O’Reilly) of The Twitter Book, former O’Reilly editor, soon-to-be graduate of the Haas Business School, Web2Open leader and repeat Web 2.0 speaker. She and Brady are the exact right combination to take this conference to the next level. Sarah is here at Javits this week and I encourage you to introduce yourself to her and share your thoughts on the event. She’s @SarahM on Twitter and smilstein@techweb.com on email.
To everyone who’s helped make Web 2.0 Expo a vibrant conference and community, thank you. Working with smart, interesting people is such a gift, and I’ve had an embarrassment of riches in the past few years. Please stay in touch.
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one era ends, another begins.
congrats to two of my most favorite women in technology.
looking forward to the new things that are to come, and finding ways to collaborate in the future.
much luck, though it’s not necessary.
you will both find success, as always, through your hard work and beautiful karma.
@pahlkadot thank you for bringing me into the world wide web 2.0 and for all the doors you’ve opened. I would not be here without you.
@sarahm hello world. let the games begin!
[...] more here: Web 2.0 Expo Blog » Blog Archive » A Partial Goodbye and a Hearty … 2009 Anita Borg Change Agent Award goes to Three African Women …Women in Technology [...]
You continue to inspire me! Congratulations! Thank you for making a difference and bringing your amazing talent to the gov. Let me know if I may volunteer or contribute is some way. All the best, Mickie Tagle
hearty congratulations jen!
bittersweet indeed. the sadness at losing the institution of you @ web2expo/summits is eclipsed though by excitement about Code for America. gov 2.0 and web2/cities is a super exciting trend and the right place at the right time — and i will definitely keep a watch in this area. i see a beacon of light with you among the leaders.
in the meantime, thanks for all the great web2 conference memories,
-m
Hearty congratulations to you Jen. All good things have to end some day. All the very best for your future endeavors.