Esmeralda Tijhoff is a Product Manager and Open Source Officer at Dictu, specialising in IT service management, project management, and business analysis. With a background as a Drupal developer and Product Owner for open-source web applications, she actively contributes to the Drupal open-source community and was recognised with the Women in Drupal Award in 2024. Drawing on her extensive experience as an open-source collaborator, Esmeralda helps organisations embed the open-source mindset into their operations, focusing on communication, collaboration, and talent development. She is passionate about the transformative power of open-source technology in driving innovation, enhancing security, and optimising cost efficiency. Originally trained as a historian specialising in Women’s History and Modern History, Esmeralda brings a unique perspective as a self-taught developer. As a mother of four, she offers personal insights into the challenges women face in the workplace, drawing from her own journey of resilience and growth. Her talk “Escaping Poverty by Owning Your Path: My Journey as a Woman in the Male-Dominated Tech World” reflects on her time as a single parent on welfare, highlighting how open-source tutorials, bootcamps, and community support helped her transform her life and career. Esmeralda is a dynamic speaker and workshop facilitator, sharing insights on open source, leadership, and inclusion. She is also available as a panelist. Her talks and workshops include: “The Open Source Advantage: Driving Innovation, Security, and Efficiency” A deep dive into how open source fosters technological growth, strengthens security frameworks, and delivers cost-effective solutions for organisations. “Drupal Beyond the Code: Building Sustainable Solutions and Strong Communities” Exploring Drupal not just as a technology, but as a platform for building scalable applications and vibrant, collaborative communities. “Thriving in Open Source Communities: Collaboration, Contribution, and Growth” Practical strategies for contributing to open source projects, growing within communities, and maximising the benefits of open collaboration. “Escaping Poverty by Owning Your Path: My Journey as a Woman in the Male-Dominated Tech World” Personal reflections and actionable insights on overcoming challenges, building resilience, and creating space for women in tech. “From Diversity to Inclusion: Creating Tech Spaces Where Everyone Belongs” A candid discussion on moving beyond diversity metrics to foster genuinely inclusive environments in tech organisations and communities. In short, Esmeralda’s work bridges the gap between technology and people, inspiring diverse audiences to embrace open-source principles, foster inclusive cultures, and lead with purpose.
