Title: community-team-reps – Make WordPress Community --- # Tag Archives: community-team-reps [ ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/leogopal/) [Leo Gopal](https://profiles.wordpress.org/leogopal/) 11:11 am _on_ January 10, 2025 Tags: [community-team ( 229 )](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team/), community-team-reps, [highlight ( 18 )](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/highlight/), [mentorship ( 12 )](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/mentorship/), [team reps ( 24 )](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/team-reps/), team-update    # 󠀁[2025 Community Team Reps](https://make.wordpress.org/community/2025/01/10/2025-community-team-reps/)󠁿 We are beyond thrilled to introduce the new WordPress Community Team Reps for 2025! [[ ## In this article * [🌟 Reflecting on Progress: Evolving the Role of Team Reps](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/?output_format=md#reflecting-on-progress-evolving-the-role-of-team-reps) * [💪 The 2025 Selection Process: A Community Effort](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/?output_format=md#the-2025-selection-process-a-community-effort) * [🌟 A Fond Farewell and New Beginnings](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/?output_format=md#a-fond-farewell-and-new-beginnings) * [🎉 Welcoming the 2025 Team Reps](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/?output_format=md#welcoming-the-2025-wp-community-team-reps) - [Pooja Derashri (@webtechpooja)](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/?output_format=md#pooja-derashri-webtechpooja) - [Aditya Kane (@adityakane)](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/?output_format=md#aditya-kane-adityakane) - [Kasirye Arthur (@thehopemonger)](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/?output_format=md#kasirye-arthur-thehopemonger) - [Shusei Toda (@st810amaze)](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/?output_format=md#shusei-toda-st810amaze) * [🚀 Looking Ahead](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/?output_format=md#looking-ahead) This year’s selection process was a true celebration of community spirit, with record- breaking engagement and a shared commitment to shaping the future of our vibrant team. ## 🌟 Reflecting on Progress: Evolving the Role of Team Reps In 2024, we introduced a [new structure](https://make.wordpress.org/community/2023/10/13/2024-community-team-reps-nominations-and-proposal-for-reps-structure/) for Community Team Reps, inspired by thoughtful discussions at the [2023 Community Summit](https://make.wordpress.org/summit/2023/09/06/community-summit-discussion-notes-iterating-on-the-team-rep-role/). This updated framework brought several key changes: * Extending the term for Team Reps to **two years** to ensure deeper impact and continuity. * Increasing the number of Team Reps to **four**, - with two Team Reps continuing from the previous year. - and two Team Reps newly elected annually. These adjustments fostered a smoother transition between terms and allowed for a balance of fresh perspectives and experienced guidance. In 2024, our incredible team consisted of: * **Leo Gopal** ([@leogopal](https://profiles.wordpress.org/leogopal/)) * **Junko Nukaga** ([@nukaga](https://profiles.wordpress.org/nukaga/)) * **Isotta Peira** ([@peiraisotta](https://profiles.wordpress.org/peiraisotta/)) * **Shusei Toda** ([@st810amaze](https://profiles.wordpress.org/st810amaze/)) Their leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact, and we are profoundly grateful for their service. ## 💪 The 2025 Selection Process: A Community Effort This year’s nominations and voting process set a new standard for community participation! We received an impressive [nine nominations](https://make.wordpress.org/community/2024/11/01/community-team-rep-nominations-for-2025/), reflecting the enthusiasm and dedication of our members. During the [final voting](https://make.wordpress.org/community/2024/11/25/vote-for-the-2025-community-team-reps/), we saw unprecedented engagement, with the highest voter turnout in recent history. The results presented us with an exciting challenge: a tie for the second new Rep position. After thoughtful deliberation, the current Team Reps made the decision to welcome all three top-voted nominees, recognizing the value they bring to the team. ## 🌟 A Fond Farewell and New Beginnings As we welcome the new Reps, we also celebrate the achievements of those stepping down. * **Leo Gopal** ([@leogopal](https://profiles.wordpress.org/leogopal/)) and **Junko Nukaga** ([@nukaga](https://profiles.wordpress.org/nukaga/)) have completed their two-year terms, leaving a legacy of leadership and dedication. * **Shusei Toda** ([@st810amaze](https://profiles.wordpress.org/st810amaze/)) will continue into his second year, offering his invaluable experience and guidance. * **Isotta Peira** ([@peiraisotta](https://profiles.wordpress.org/peiraisotta/)) will transition into an honorary role as a _Team RepTeam Rep A Team Rep is a person who represents the Make WordPress team to the rest of the project, make sure issues are raised and addressed as needed, and coordinates cross-team efforts. Supporter_, providing mentorship and advice to the new Reps while stepping back from the official title. We deeply appreciate their contributions and know their influence will continue to shape the Community Team’s future. --- ## 🎉 Welcoming the 2025 Team Reps Please join us in giving a warm welcome to the **three exceptional reps** who will help guide the WordPress Community in 2025: * **[Aditya Kane](https://profiles.wordpress.org/adityakane)** ([@adityakane](https://profiles.wordpress.org/adityakane/)) * **[Pooja Derashri](https://profiles.wordpress.org/webtechpooja)** ([@webtechpooja](https://profiles.wordpress.org/webtechpooja/)) * **[Kasirye Arthur](https://profiles.wordpress.org/thehopemonger)** ([@thehopemonger](https://profiles.wordpress.org/thehopemonger/)) [[ [Pooja Derashri](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/?output_format=md#pooja) 🔽 [[ [Arthur Kasire](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/?output_format=md#arthur) 🔽 [[ [Aditya Kane](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/?output_format=md#aditya) 🔽 [[ [Shusei Toda](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/?output_format=md#toda) 🔽 --- [[ ### Pooja Derashri (󠀁[@webtechpooja](https://profiles.wordpress.org/webtechpooja/)󠁿) Pooja began her WordPress journey in 2013 as a developer. In 2015, she co-founded [WPVibes](https://wpvibes.com/), a pluginPlugin A plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory [https://wordpress.org/plugins/](https://wordpress.org/plugins/) or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party. development company. Her involvement with the WordPress community deepened in 2017 when she attended her first WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. [Learn more](https://central.wordcamp.org/about/)., marking the start of her contribution journey. Within the WordPress project, Pooja has held several significant roles. She served as **Co-Team Rep of the Training Team for the 2022 and 2023** terms and made notable contributions to the WordPress releases. She was part of the **release squad for [6.3](https://make.wordpress.org/core/6-3/)& [6.4](https://make.wordpress.org/core/6-4) as Test Lead**. In 2024, she represented the Test Team and continues to serve as a General Translation EditorGeneral Translation Editor General Translation Editor – One of the polyglots team leads in a geographic region [https://make.wordpress.org/polyglots/teams/](https://make.wordpress.org/polyglots/teams/). Further information at [https://make.wordpress.org/polyglots/handbook/glossary/#general-translation-editor](https://make.wordpress.org/polyglots/handbook/glossary/#general-translation-editor)( GTEGeneral Translation Editor General Translation Editor – One of the polyglots team leads in a geographic region [https://make.wordpress.org/polyglots/teams/](https://make.wordpress.org/polyglots/teams/). Further information at [https://make.wordpress.org/polyglots/handbook/glossary/#general-translation-editor](https://make.wordpress.org/polyglots/handbook/glossary/#general-translation-editor)) for the Hindi locale. She is a member of the **Plugin Review Team**, and a **co- organizer** of the Ajmer WordPress MeetupMeetup Meetup groups are locally-organized groups that get together for face-to-face events on a regular basis (commonly once a month). Learn more about Meetups in our [Meetup Organizer Handbook](https://make.wordpress.org/community/handbook/meetup-organizer/).. She is one of the organizers of the WordCamp Asia. Pooja’s dedication to WordPress was recognized with the [Kim Parsell Scholarship](https://us.wordcamp.org/2022/2022-kim-parsell-memorial-scholarship-recipients/), which granted her the opportunity to attend WCUSWCUS WordCamp US. The US flagship WordCamp event. 2022. Unfortunately, visa issues prevented her attendance. Based in Ajmer, a picturesque city in Rajasthan, India, Pooja balances her WordPress contributions with hobbies like gardening, exploring new places, and listening to music. [View Profile](https://profiles.wordpress.org/webtechpooja/) --- [[ ### Aditya Kane (󠀁[@adityakane](https://profiles.wordpress.org/adityakane/)󠁿) He is passionate about community building and that passion led him on starting his journey as a contributor in 2012.  He co-founded the WordPress meetup in Mumbai, which was the very first one in India. He currently contributes to the project as a Program ManagerProgram Manager Program Managers (formerly Super Deputies) are Program Supporters who can perform extra tasks on WordCamp.org like creating new sites and publishing WordCamps to the schedule. on the Community Team, along with being part of the WordPress Incident Report Team. Aditya Kane lives in Pune, India. He works as a freelance consultant for WordPress projects and agencies. He believes that open-source, the open web, an open culture that nourishes, informs, changes and invites participation feels inherently authentic. [View Profile](https://profiles.wordpress.org/adityakane/) --- [[ ### Kasirye Arthur (󠀁[@thehopemonger](https://profiles.wordpress.org/thehopemonger/)󠁿) Arthur has also spearheaded local groups such as the [Elementor](https://www.meetup.com/elementor-uganda-meetup-group/), [WooCommerce](https://www.meetup.com/Kampala-WooCommerce-Meetup-Group/), and [WordPress Entebbe](https://www.meetup.com/Entebbe-WordPress-Meetup/) communities in Uganda. Arthur Kasirye is a founding member of the [WordPress community in Uganda](https://www.wcuganda.org/), renowned for his leadership and mentorship roles. He has supported the global WordPress ecosystem as a community lead, mentorEvent Supporter Event Supporter (formerly Mentor) is someone who has already organised a WordCamp and has time to meet with their assigned mentee every 2 weeks, they talk over where they should be in their timeline, help them to identify their issues, and also identify solutions for their issues., and program supporterProgram Supporter Community Program Supporters (formerly Deputies) are a team of people worldwide who review WordCamp and Meetup applications, interview lead organizers, and keep things moving at WordCamp Central. Find more about program supporters in our [Program Supporter Handbook](https://make.wordpress.org/community/handbook/community-deputy/)., guiding numerous WordCamp organizers worldwide. A passionate advocate for localization, Arthur has contributed significantly to translating WordPress into Ugandan languages, including Luganda. He is also the founder of [Kasiryelabs](http://www.kasiryelabs.com/), a digital agency he established eight years ago, where he continues to excel as a web creator and creative designer. [View Profile](https://profiles.wordpress.org/thehopemonger/) --- [[ ### **Shusei Toda** (󠀁[@st810amaze](https://profiles.wordpress.org/st810amaze/)󠁿) Shusei is a creative director and business strategist based in Tokyo, Japan. With a background in web design and engineering, Shusei specializes in crafting comprehensive brand, corporate, and visual content for clients. His expertise spans project management, photography, videography, and creative strategy. Since joining the WordPress Community, Shusei has been an active contributor both locally and globally. [View Profile](https://profiles.wordpress.org/st810amaze/) --- We are excited to see their unique perspectives, creativity, and leadership come to life as they work alongside the broader community. --- ## 🚀 Looking Ahead This announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the WordPress Community Team. Thank you to everyone who participated in the nominations, voting, and discussions—it’s your engagement and passion that keep our community thriving. Together, let’s continue to innovate, support one another, and grow as a community in 2025. Here’s to an incredible year ahead! A big thanks goes out to ([@nukaga](https://profiles.wordpress.org/nukaga/)) ([@peiraisotta](https://profiles.wordpress.org/peiraisotta/))( [@st810amaze](https://profiles.wordpress.org/st810amaze/)) for all their hard work and contributions during this process. None of this would have been possible without their deep care and understanding. Sincerely, Leo Gopal ([@leogopal](https://profiles.wordpress.org/leogopal/)) Loading… [#community-team](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team/), [#community-team-reps](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/community-team-reps/), [#highlight](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/highlight/), [#mentorship](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/mentorship/), [#team-reps](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/team-reps/), [#team-update](https://make.wordpress.org/community/tag/team-update/) * [Login to Reply](https://login.wordpress.org/?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fmake.wordpress.org%2Fcommunity%2F2025%2F01%2F10%2F2025-community-team-reps%2F%23respond&locale=en_US)