Wikimania 2025

JStephenson (WMF)

I am Colombian, British and Brazilian and grew up moving around the world.

I studied politics and history and have a Master's in Development Studies. For the last 25 years I have worked in project design, management and evaluation in issues related to education, peace building, improving livelihoods, youth and gender equity. A main feature of my work has been empowering diverse communities through innovative movement strategies. This has ranged from working with indigenous women's movements in remote regions in Colombia to youth groups in Brazil.

I have been part of the Movement since April 2021 when I joined the Wikimedia Foundation. I currently work within the Community Devleopment team supporting hub initiatives and Let's Connect.


Sessions

08-07
14:00
85min
Are you the builder, the listener or both? Put your communication skills to the test with Legos.
Let’s Connect & the Let’s Connect Working Group, JStephenson (WMF)

This Connectathon challenges Listeners to collaboratively build a Lego castle based solely on verbal instructions from the Builders, who have already constructed the lego castle. Separated by a barrier to prevent visual interaction, the Listeners must replicate the Builder's creation without seeing it until their attempt is complete. Builders must articulate each step clearly, while Listeners can ask clarifying questions but cannot hold up pieces for confirmation. This Connectathon highlights the importance of patient active listening, clear communication, and following instructions within a team. The end goal is to demonstrate how effective communication and listening can enhance collaboration, whether working with familiar or unfamiliar Wikimedians. By the end, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these skills contribute to a multigenerational, sustainable, inclusive, and impactful movement.

Clubhouse Social
ELDORET (Clubhouse)
08-08
14:00
85min
Cup stacking with peers, without your hands!
Let’s Connect & the Let’s Connect Working Group, JStephenson (WMF)

A hands on, (maybe even no words necessary for those who are shy!) interactive, Connectathon with your peers. Build a castle of cups with only string, rubber bands and your team members.

Clubhouse Social
ELDORET (Clubhouse)
08-09
14:00
85min
Creating Newcomer-Friendly Spaces: Building an Inclusive and Multigenerational Wikimedia
Let’s Connect & the Let’s Connect Working Group, JStephenson (WMF)

This session will explore strategies to build welcoming environments that support beginners and foster long-term engagement across different age groups and experience levels. We will bring in the learnings from the Let’s Connect evaluation report where we will go over the needs/desires Let’s Connectors wish to see more of in the peer to peer learning space. Through success stories, mentorship opportunities, WikiLearn, and other interactive discussions, participants will gain practical tools, ideas and meaningful connections. The learnings from this session can be brought back to local communities, leading to a sustainable, diverse and thriving multigenerational Wikimedia ecosystem.

Clubhouse Social
ELDORET (Clubhouse)