Talk Time: Episode 001 – Velda Christensen

18 minutes read time.

Before we talk about WordPress, plugins, or contribution, I’d like you to meet the person behind them.

For more than fourteen years, Velda Christensen has helped people as a Happiness Engineer at Automattic while contributing to the WordPress project and the wider open source community. But beyond her professional role is someone who enjoys hiking, dancing, gardening, experimenting in the kitchen, and finding joy in creating things, whether it’s a website, a collage, or a home-cooked meal.

In this first Talk Time conversation, Velda shares stories from both her WordPress journey and her everyday life. From contribution pathways and community building to homegrown tomatoes, gluten-free cooking, family traditions, favorite teas, and the memories that shaped her, this interview reminds us that every contribution begins with a person.

So grab a cup of tea, pull up a chair, and enjoy our very first Talk Time conversation.

👋 INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

Let’s start by getting to know you. This section covers your background, current work, interests, and the experiences that have shaped your journey.

Please introduce yourself.

I’m Velda, a long-time fan of Open Source and WordPress.

What’s your hometown, and where do you currently live?

I grew up in American Fork, Utah, and currently live in rural New England. That’s a long story in itself, but I love the snow the sticks, mountains I can climb, and fireflies in June.

What do you do professionally?

On 6th July, I celebrated 14 years as a Happiness Engineer at Automattic.

What is your educational background?

School of hard knocks? Lots of natural curiosity? I always did great with tests but poorly with homework, and didn’t get an ADHD diagnosis and treatment until middle age. I finished my associates degree the year I turned 40.

What are you working on these days?

My favorite project is Contribution Pathways for make.wordpress.org. There are so many ways to contribute to WordPress. We’re documenting some of the clearer routes to reduce decision fatigue and help new contributors get started.

What achievement are you most proud of?

Related to that? When the project started getting PRs from the community. I’m delighted to see others helping this happen.

What hobbies do you enjoy outside WordPress?

I love hiking and dancing! And I like creating things, whether it’s website or a collage or a tasty meal.

What motivates you in life?

Connection and impact. I want to be part of something that matters.

What is something the WordPress community doesn’t know about you?

Oh goodness. I’ve been around for a long time. Maybe this: I designed the interface for an early Software for Starting Students CD.

How would your friends describe you?

I’m honestly not sure. A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. I think someone actually said that once.

< /> CONTRIBUTION JOURNEY

Contributions are at the heart of the WordPress project. Tell us about your contribution, experiences, motivations, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.

What does open source mean to you?

I believe Open is the future of our world,, and not just with code. Can you imagine if we were as open with technology, science, medicine, and other wisdom as we are with recipes?

How did you get involved in contributing?

My first open source contribution was in the early 2000s. I worked on an interface design for the Software for Starving Students CD.

What was your first contribution experience like?

Some friends who knew I was decent at tech and design and into _using_ open source software asked if I could help. Of course I was happy to.

Which contribution are you most proud of?

Right now?  I’m really excited about the Contribution Pathways project. There are so many ways one can help with open source. This project documents a few dozen pathways as simple guides.

Which teams or projects have you contributed to?

I’ve been involved for a long time, giving here and there. Currently mostly with the education team and GatherPress. In the past I did work behind the scenes with open source conferences and WordCamp.

What motivates you to contribute?

At this point it’s my hobby as well as my job, but if I ever get to retire I think I’ll continue helping how I can. I just like being a part of something that’s making the world better.

What have you gained from contributing?

Joy. Learning. And of course a living for all those years I was a single mom, too.

What challenges have you faced as a contributor?

When I think I’ve understood and am helpful but it turns out it wasn’t. But, I learn from it.

How has contribution changed your career?

Open Source has been a part of my career for more than 20 years, I really can’t imagine where I’d be without it.

Why should others contribute?

Because life feels good when we’re helping each other out.

🗓️ COMMUNITY & EVENTS

The WordPress community is built by people. We’d love to hear about your experiences with meetups, WordCamps, community building, and the connections you’ve made.

What was your first WordCamp experience?

Joseph Scott and Sheri Bigelow convinced me to attend WordPress Utah in 2008. It was delightful.

Have you organized a meetup or WordCamp?

Yup! I ran a workshop at a Small Business Development Center in Utah for about three years before the pandemic.

What makes a great community event?

I love those “TIL” moments, whether it’s from a cool talk or someone sharing a solution in a helpdesk type meetup.

What advice do you have for new community members?

Keep going. Show up once and you’ll probably meet some interesting people and likely learn a few new things. Keep going, and you’ll build real connections and friendships. Find ways to help too, if you can.

📈 WORK & PRODUCTIVITY

How do you approach your work and manage your day? This section explores your work habits, productivity, tools, and professional insights.

What does a typical workday look like?

That’s another riddle. It really depends on the day and what needs to be done.

Where do you usually work from?

I currently have a small desk tucked into a nook in the living room.

Morning person or night owl?

Natural night owl, but I’m trying to do better about getting my sleep.

How do you handle stress?

When I can, I love to take a walk while I think through an issue.

🤖 AI & THE FUTURE

Explore how AI is changing the way we work, learn, and contribute.

What AI tool do you use most often today?

For me, AI is still most useful when evaluating a lot of data and helping me spot any issues with my code. My favorite tools right now are the transcript + notes tools from Slackbot and Granola AI, especially since I can ask granola to compile my to-dos from a given week.

What concerns you most about AI?

The costs we haven’t paid yet, both in terms of pricing that will likely change once the products feel necessary enough, and impact on the environment. Part of my job is staying on top and utilizing tech, but when I can build a tool once that saves me from future token spend, I do that.

How do you think AI will impact WordPress over the next five years?

There are so many directions things could go. But honestly, I think a lot more about how WordPress and Open Source has impacted AI, and will likely continue to impact it. These models would not be what they are without the open web and shared code.

If AI could completely automate one task for you, what would it be?

Right now?  Reporting, both in stuff I need to keep an eye on, and what details I need to share at the end of my work weeks.

What advice would you give WordPress professionals adapting to AI?

Catch the wave, but don’t let it replace your mind.

🍽️ FOOD & DRINKS

Now for the fun part! Share your favorite foods, drinks, food memories, and the meals that bring you comfort, joy, or inspiration.

Tea or coffee?

Tea for me, especially cinnamon, mint, or earl grey.

What food reminds you of childhood?

German chocolate cake. I asked for it for every birthday and started making it for myself before I was ten.

What is your favorite breakfast?

Pancakes (here’s my favorite me-friendly pancake recipe) with garden fresh berries.

What local dish should visitors try?

I can’t speak for New England, but in my home state, definitely try the funeral potatoes.

🔥 COOKING & KITCHEN

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, we’d love to learn about your cooking experiences, favorite dishes, and kitchen stories.

Do you cook?

I sure do! I learned young and could make several things by the time I was 8 years old.

What was the first thing you learned to cook?

Probably bread, but I had help with that. My first independent foray into cooking was likely a boxed German Chocolate cake mix with a can of pre-made frosting.

What dish can you cook perfectly?

I had to learn how to cook again after finding out I can’t have gluten or animal protein. Learning to bake again was hard, but I’ve developed a very good german chocolate cupcake recipe that is both vegan and gluten free.

Who taught you to cook?

My mom, who had learned from her mom and mother in law. None of them measured anything.  I still mostly measure ingredients with my heart, but I try to write them down when baking now.

What ingredient do you always keep at home?

All of them?  We buy bulk beans and rice, and enjoy  a sprawling vegetable garden. But for fresh ingredients I purchase: probably tofu. It’s an incredibly versatile protein!

If a team of WPKitchen visited your home, what would you serve?

Depends on what’s out in the garden or in the pantry.

What is the most challenging dish you have ever cooked?

I used to make bread all the time, but haven’t figured out a perfect celiac-friendly version I can easily make at home yet. Feels like a holy grail.

What meal would best represent your personality and why?

Probably the thing I cook most often: a one-skillet meal with a little of this and that. Whatever happens to be on-hand and sounds good together, with a seasoning that suits my mood. It’s always a surprise, and always enjoyable. A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma! And I can be kind of random, but I do aim to be good.

🏡 FAMILY, HOME & TRADITIONS

Discover the people, traditions, and memories that helped shape your journey.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Photo

If you’re comfortable, feel free to share a family photo or a photo with your partner, children, parents, or loved ones. This helps readers get to know the people who support your journey beyond WordPress.

Since we couldn’t all be in the same place at the same time, I tried sketching the family. Then I called in AI for backup.

What food instantly reminds you of home?

Oh, certainly Grits. I grew up in Utah, but my dad was from the US south where that’s a very popular dish. My simple variation: grits with vegan butter, salt, pepper, and sliced cherry tomatoes.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life outside of WordPress?

My dog Feebee, absolutely. We met when she was a senior already, and we only had 3 years and 7 months together, but in that time, she completely changed my life.

What is a family tradition you cherish?

Singing. I grew up poor, and we couldn’t give much for Christmas. But we sang beautifully together and shared that with friends and neighbors.  I taught my kids to sing, too.  And now I like singing with my partner.

What’s a lesson from a parent, partner, grandparent, or family member that still guides you today?

My grandma had a lot of spices and a little spinny wheel that could suggest what spices went together well. But when I watched her cooking, she was throwing in all kinds of things. I learned to just get to know how each spice tastes and smells, and use my imagination to find my own best combinations.

Who is the best cook in your family?

Hard to say. My sister in law Megan is fantastic, though, and when my family gets together, she’s always mindful to share something I can eat. I appreciate that care.

What meal brings your family together most often?

I live across the country from most of my family. But my partner and I enjoy those skillet meals I mentioned.

What’s your favorite childhood food memory?

Figuring out that I could make wheat dough taste like chicken. If I could still eat wheat, I’d still be a fan.

If you could share one meal with your entire family tonight, what would be on the table?

The ENTIRE family?  Between my siblings, in-laws, and their kids, that’s well over 50 people now. So it’d be something simple.  Maybe my favorite vegan cheese, crackers, fruit, and olives, and a simple summer squash soup.

What does “home” mean to you?

Feeling safe, relaxed, and loved.

😋 WORDPRESS & FOOD

Tell us about the meals, drinks, and food experiences connected to your WordPress journey.

What do you usually drink while contributing?

Flavored water out of a 64oz jar. Or cinnamon tea, or a Coke Zero, or Dr. Pepper.

Have you made friendships over a meal at a WordPress event?

Of course! Shout out to new friends I met in Poland.

Which country had the most memorable WordCamp food?

Everything I’ve had at WordCamps in the states seems pretty normal to me, except perhaps the hand-pies served once at WordCamp San Francisco. But I recently went to WordCamp Europe for the first time, and now I’ve even tried making vegan Gołąbki at home. I haven’t figured out how to make them pretty yet, but they tasted good.

What meal best represents your local community?

I’m in maple country, so how about pancakes?  I’ve got a good celiac-friendly recipe for those, too!

😄 FUN & REFLECTION

A collection of lighthearted and thought-provoking questions designed to reveal more about your personality, perspectives, and interests beyond WordPress.

Sweet or savory?

Both!

What food do you love that surprises people?

My partner makes an amazing habanero sauce. We put it on everything.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

I dreamed once that I had a magical aura that gave everyone around me what they wished for others. If I met someone who hoped for other people’s happiness, they would find happiness, too. But spiteful wishes also circled back. Sometimes I wonder how that might play out.

What is something on your bucket list?

I want to see the Aurora when it’s very bright.

What are you grateful for today?

Cooling systems, whether it’s a fan or a freezer or a window AC, or a little container of ice cream for that matter. It’s going to be 36°C this week and very humid.

🧐 LOOKING AHEAD

As we conclude, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the future of WordPress, your personal goals, and the impact you’d like to make in the years ahead.

What would you like to see improved in WordPress?

I’d love for people to blog just for fun again. For it to be as easy as posting on social media, and just as easy to connect to people, too.

What advice would you give new contributors?

Sometimes getting started can be difficult. Find a way to push past that friction, then if you can, find a way to make it easier for the next person.

If you could share one meal with the whole WordPress community, what would it be and why?

Something showcasing the versatility of tofu. I used to think I hated it. Now it’s my primary source of protein besides beans and rice, and I can even make chocolate pie with it.

How would you like to be remembered by the WordPress community?

I don’t need them to remember me personally, but if the projects I’ve worked on can help people make and remember their first contribution to open source, I’d be pleased.

🧂 VALUEABLES FOR INTERVIEW

Add extra flavor to your story.

☕ Favorite Mug: Share a photo of your favorite tea cup, coffee mug, or drinking glass.

I combined it with my selfie:

🖥️ Workspace: Share a photo of your workspace.

I work tucked into a nook in the living room. The desk came with the house and was probably thrifted when the previous owners got it.

🐾 Pet Photo: If you have a pet, share a photo and tell us about them.

In my kitchen photo, I chose one of Feebs in the tea room. She was nine and half when I got her from a rescue in 2022. I figured we could just be two cranky old ladies together while we rode out the pandemic. But she ended up changing my life.

🌱 Something You’re Growing: A plant, garden, herb collection, or anything you’re growing.

Ask me in August and I’ll show you some of the produce, but here’s what we gathered before frost last year. Still enjoying green tomato salsa I made from these.

🍴 Favorite Recipe: Share a recipe, cooking tip, or family dish.

Here’s one I just made!  German Chocolate Cake is my favorite cake ever. I lost a lot of things when I found out about my food allergies and intolerances. Glad to have this back.

📖 Current Book: What book are you currently reading?

I’m not loving my current read actually, but my favorite recent read was Giver of Stars.

🔤 Urdu Localization Pick: If WPKitchen could help translate your own or another WordPress-related project, plugin, theme, or resource into Urdu, what would you choose and why?

GatherPress! It’s the future of WordPress gatherings.

BEYOND THE QUESTIONS

Every Talk Time interview includes five personal elements that make it different from traditional interviews. These simple details help readers connect with the person behind the WordPress profile and add a uniquely WPKitchen touch to every story.

🍽️ Current Meal or Drink: Please share a photo of a meal, snack, tea, coffee, or drink you are currently enjoying. What are you having today?

In the above picture, I’m enjoying “Tea, Earl Grey, Hot” with a splash of oat milk creamer.  Or, this weekend I enjoyed a lovely buckwheat crepe with mushrooms, butternut, and pesto:

🏠 Kitchen Photo: Please share a photo of your kitchen or cooking space. Tell us a little about this space.

I’ll share two, since I’d need a fisheye lens to catch the whole thing.  This is small kitchen in a farmhouse. Its breakfast nook couldn’t hold a family table and chairs, but it’s my favorite space in the house. I use it for drinking my tea and staring out the window. Here it is with my sweet dog Feebs, who loved gazing out the window just as much as I did: https://legendofvelda.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/the-tea-room.jpeg  Also since it’s a bit cramped, I pulled the cupboard doors off to make an open pantry of sorts. It’s always stocked with dry beans, gluten-free grains, and produce.

Upload Your Autograph for the Talk Time Guestbook: Preferred:

Write your autograph on paper, take a photo, and upload it. This helps us create a unique Talk Time Guestbook featuring contributors, community members, and WordPress leaders.

💬 A Message for WPKitchen: Share your thoughts, feedback, wishes, or a message for WPKitchen and its future.

Thanks for the delightful way you bring the community together! If we’re ever in the same place at the same time, let’s share a meal. 

By the end of this conversation, it becomes clear that Velda’s contribution to WordPress isn’t only measured by the projects she works on or the years she has served the community.

It’s reflected in the way she encourages new contributors, finds joy in helping others, grows food in her garden, experiments in the kitchen, treasures family traditions, and believes that open source can make the world a little better.

Perhaps that’s the biggest lesson from this first Talk Time interview.

Behind every plugin, release, meetup, or contribution is a person with a story that deserves to be heard.

Thank you, Velda, for opening your home, sharing your journey, and becoming our very first Talk Time guest. We’re honored to begin this series with you and hope your story inspires many more people to contribute, connect, and keep the conversation going.