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OpenSSF at Grace Hopper Celebration 2024: Advancing Diversity and Security in Open Source

By September 20, 2024Blog

The Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) is the world’s largest gathering of women and non-binary technologists, where diversity, innovation, and inclusion come together to shape the future of technology. Named after pioneering computer scientist Grace Hopper, this event is organized by the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology, bringing forward the research, contributions, and career interests of women in computing.

As we look forward to GHC 2024, taking place in Philadelphia, PA from October 8-11 (with virtual attendance options available), OpenSSF is proud to be part of this important event. Our mission aligns with GHC’s values, as we work to promote diversity in open source security and ensure a secure, inclusive digital landscape for all.

Security will take center stage at GHC 2024, with over 17 sessions focused on key topics like cybersecurity, AI-driven threat intelligence, and open source software security. This year’s event will spotlight the critical contributions of women and non-binary individuals who are shaping the future of security within open source, creating safer, more inclusive digital environments.

Spotlight on OpenSSF Community Members at GHC

Breakout Session with Katherine Druckman: Secure Consumption of Open Source Software

We are excited to highlight Katherine Druckman, Open Source Evangelist at Intel Corporation, who will be leading a breakout session titled Secure Consumption of Open Source Software: Evaluating, Utilizing, and Contributing Safely [3310].

In this session, Katherine will unpack the basics of secure open source consumption. As the number of open source projects continues to grow exponentially, evaluating and safely consuming this software has never been more critical—or more challenging. Katherine will cover:

  • Evaluating Open Source Projects: Learn how to assess projects based on maintenance best practices and overall health.
  • Understanding CVEs: Explore the significance of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) and how they are addressed within open source projects.
  • Project Maturity and Governance: Understand the role of project maturity and the importance of well-documented contribution and bug-reporting processes.
  • Tooling and Initiatives: Discover how tooling can harden the development process and learn about broader OpenSSF initiatives aimed at enhancing open source security.

This session is a must-attend for anyone interested in the fundamentals of secure open source software consumption.

Security Session with Chris de Almeida: How Security is Handled in Open Source Projects

We are also excited to feature Chris de Almeida, Software Architect at IBM and representing the OpenJS Foundation at GHC. Chris will discuss how security is handled in open source projects. He’ll cover key challenges like managing vulnerabilities and securing contributions, offering insights into how open source communities collaborate to stay secure. Be sure to add this session to your GHC schedule!

Panel Session: Discover Yourself through Open Source Software Security

Another highlight of OpenSSF’s presence at GHC 2024 is the panel session titled Discover Yourself through Open Source Software Security [3302]. This panel brings together remarkable women who have made significant contributions to the open source community, sharing their inspiring journeys and discussing the global impact of their work on the tech industry.

Panelists Include:

  • Yesenia Yser, Senior Security Program Manager at Microsoft, known for her work in application security, open source software and as an advocate for folks entering into the field.
  • Tabatha DiDomenico, Open Source Developer Relations Engineer at G-Research, who brings over two decades of experience in community development and cybersecurity.
  • Chujiao Ma, Principal Security R&D Engineer at Comcast, with expertise in security and privacy automation.
  • Glenda Garcia, a former mentee on the Alpha-Omega project, now an Associate Security Engineer in the media industry.

The moderator for the panel, Annika Peterson, is a highly experienced engineering leader currently serving as the Director of Engineering, Products at Semgrep, where she leads cross-functional teams focused on enhancing the company’s product lines. She has a strong background in software engineering and data engineering from her previous roles at Cisco Meraki.

This session will explore how these women have overcome barriers in the open source realm, their significant contributions to enhancing security, and their advice for those looking to succeed in the field. Attendees will gain actionable insights into thriving in open source communities and be inspired to contribute to a more secure digital environment.

How to Engage with OpenSSF at GHC 2024

We invite you to connect with OpenSSF at GHC 2024! Whether you’re attending in person or virtually, don’t miss the opportunity to engage with our community, learn from industry leaders, and contribute to a more diverse and secure digital future.

Get Involved with OpenSSF: Visit openssf.org/getinvolved to explore opportunities to connect with us and contribute to open source security.