I believe the big changes don’t come from a bright light, but mainly from the shadows. They’re made by those restless people who believe that teaching others and spreading the word is the key part to our self knowledge and evolution. I wouldn’t say I’m too much of a technical person, and while I’m or was involved in many web events or groups, I don’t really consider myself part of the tech family, so finding an unsung heroin for this Ada Lovelace Day might not be that easy... but...
I believe the one who suits the most this description to me would be Stephanie Troeth.
From my point of view, she is totally dedicated to technology as a mean to enhance the way we’re communicating and therefore living. The fact that this living is part of an overall state of mind is of course what makes her even more unique.
Listening to her wise comments, be it during conferences, or individually is always an experience of great interest: people listen, stand still and drink words flowing from her. That might be the kindness she’s capable of, the professionalism, the accuracy in the comments... (I stop before I’m getting too subjective).
I never saw anybody so techie (don’t remember this story about coding something in UTF-8 years ago...) and so sensitive in so many different domains in the same time (piano, photos, arts & crafts and writing anyone?) . I’m impressed by the art that’s popping out of those fingers and brain (with quite a lot of seriously tickling humor).
I don’t know if my vision is even close to the truth about her, but hey... you can believe that: Steph’s great. Thanks for that.