Episode 250: Jules Barros Lima on building diversity into open source communities

Oct 4, 2024

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Guest

Juliana Barros Lima

Panelist

Richard Littauer

Show Notes

In this episode of Sustain, Richard Littauer talks with Juliana (Jules) Barros Lima, a full-stack developer and marketing director at Associação Python Brasil. They explore Jules' involvement in organizing and supporting Python events across Brazil, including her work with PyLadies Recife and Python Brasil. The conversation dives into the challenges of fostering diversity and inclusion in open-source communities, touching on Jules’ "atomic diversity" framework for engaging local, regional, and national groups. They also discuss the impact of the pandemic on the Python community, the importance of mentorship, and the role of diverse organizing teams in creating codes of conduct that are empathetic and effective. Jules emphasizes the significance of leadership development, community collaboration, and stepping out of comfort zones to strengthen open-source communities globally. Download now to hear more!

[00:01:57] Jules gives an overview of the Associação Python Brasil, what they do, and the challenges of managing a large community.

[00:03:39] Jules discusses recent events organized and supported by the association and mentions that Python Brasil 2024 will be held in Rio de Janeiro and expected to have at least 300-500 attendees.

[00:04:49] Jules discusses the importance of recognizing different regions’ unique cultural and economic situations within Brazil.

[00:06:31] We learn about the importance of subgroups and identity-based communities like PyLadies, and Jules shares insights from a talk given at PyCon US about amplifying diversity within Python communities and introduces the concept of “atomic diversity.”

[00:11:43] Jules highlights how the pandemic impacted Brazil’s Python community and discusses efforts to rebuild the community through open source tools and events.

[00:14:07] Richard asks about how Brazil’s Python community fits within the larger global context and how Brazilian developers can bridge these gaps. Jules mentions that the community is still recovering and growing, the challenges with language barriers, and emphasizes the significance of maintaining open discussions and using GitHub.

[00:17:12] Richard and Jules discuss the importance of having diverse organizing teams and codes of conduct (COCs).

[00:23:03] Jules offers insights into the organizational challenges faced in building inclusive events and communities. One key takeaway is the importance of engaging and listening to minority groups, such as PyLadies and Rails Girls, and the need for mentorship to help build leadership within underrepresented communities.

[00:26:52] Jules stresses that community work is about giving back to the people and organizations that helped individuals grow.

[00:31:32] Jules shares strategies to foster new leadership by giving people manageable tasks and responsibilities to build confidence, engaging the community through social media, storytelling, and the need for cross-community collaboration.

[00:36:00] Find out where you can follow Jules online.

Spotlight

[00:36:39] Richard’s spotlight is ‘cat’ Command.
[00:37:08] Jules’s spotlight is the project, Querido Diário (Dear Diary).

Credits

Produced by Richard Littauer
Edited by Paul M. Bahr at Peachtree Sound
Show notes by DeAnn Bahr Peachtree Sound

Special Guest: Juliana Barros Lima.