Black in Drupal Summit – Community, Careers, and the State of Drupal
Black in Drupal Summit – Community, Careers, and the State of Drupal
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Black in Drupal is a volunteer community providing Black people in Drupal a safe space to connect, network, mentor, share ideas, and contribute back to the project.
This summit focuses on experiences in GovTech, public sector digital work, and broader tech, exploring how Drupal can be a vehicle for impact, visibility, and career growth for Black professionals.
Intended audience:
Black technologists working with Drupal in government, education, and public sector tech.
Allies interested in equity, representation, and supporting Black colleagues in Drupal spaces.
Schedule / agenda
9:00 – 9:10am
Welcome Intro
Brief introduction to Black in Drupal: mission, history, and how the group supports Black community members in Drupal.
Framing the summit: centering lived experience, visibility, and practical next steps in GovTech and beyond.
9:10 – 9:40am (30 minutes)
Session: Drupal in the GovTech space
A strategic discussion on how Drupal is still the premiere solution that continues to power government, education, and public sector digital services, and what that means for Black technologists.
Where Drupal shows up in government and public institutions (federal, state, local, higher‑ed).
Opportunities and barriers for Black professionals in government digital roles (hiring, contracting, security clearances, leadership tracks).
Strategies for leveraging Drupal expertise to enter, stay, and advance in GovTech and civic tech roles.
9:40 – 10:25am (45 minutes)
Open discussion: Addressing the “State of Drupal”
Open circle conversation about the state of Drupal and how it relates to attendees’ personal and professional journeys.
Facilitators introduce a few core prompts to ground the discussion in Black experiences across government work, the tech industry, and everyday Drupal practice.
10:25 – 11:10am (45 minutes)
Workshop: Growing Black presence in Drupal & tech
Participants split into small, interest‑based groups to design practical actions that increase Black in Drupal visibility, leadership, and participation in Drupal and the wider tech ecosystem.
Breakout groups
Public speaking & session submission
Organizing Camps, meetups, and engagement outside Drupal events
Drupal contribution how‑to and best practices
Government/education scholarships, internships, partnerships
Mentor/mentee seekers
Each group captures 2–3 concrete actions and one “first step” to take within 30–60 days.
11:10 – 11:30am (20 minutes)
Call to action: Serve on the Black in Drupal Committee
This closing segment invites attendees to move from conversation to sustained involvement.
Areas of Need:
- Marketing & outreach
Support social media, newsletters, and community announcements that highlight Black voices and upcoming events.
Help shape messaging when collaborating with Drupal4Gov, Drupal Association, and local camps.
- Website & digital presence
Assist with content, accessibility, and ongoing maintenance of the Black in Drupal web presence, including event listings and resource pages.
Explore ways to feature member stories, contribution opportunities, and a visible calendar of BiD‑related events.
Location
Adele Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland (Acquia Room - Charles Carroll), 20742