As we countdown to WordCamp Asia 2024, each week we’re inviting you to go behind the lineup and get to know the folks who will be taking to the stage. In today’s post, we chat with Joe A Simpson Jr, the co-founder of BlackPress, is known for his WordCamp contributions and dedication to WordPress accessibility and community growth.
Q. Firstly, welcome to the lineup! We’re so glad to have you here. Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself? Where will you be joining the event from, and what does your day-to-day look like?
I’m traveling to Taipei from the west coast of the United States. I live in a town in the northern part of LA County named Castaic, CA. I manage our WordPress network for the 3rd largest transit agency in the US, Metro Los Angeles.
Q. We’re lucky to be welcoming a diverse range of speakers to our program in 2024. What interested you to apply to WordCamp Asia as a speaker?
I live in Los Angeles and I’m drawn to the region by work relationships with colleagues whose parents are from Taiwan, an intern of mine traveled frequently to Taiwan, so it felt natural. I’m a ‘foodie (adventurous eater) and I can’t be more excited to experience a flagship WordPress event abroad and the foods I’ve tried variations of here in LA. First time to the Far East as well!
Q. What can audiences expect to learn from your talk/s? Are there any advance sneak peeks or knowledge bombs you can offer us?
My presentations are always engaging and interactive – I encourage sharing and participating to provide takeaways that the audiences carry back to their local events and projects. Accessibility is a common topic but this topic is probably not discussed as often as it should be. My hope is that they’ll be a paradigm shift about accessibility, but also learn why as a community it should be a foundation of all we do.
Q. What are you most looking forward to at WordCamp Asia 2024? Is there someone you’re looking forward to rubbing shoulder with, or a local delicacy you’d like to sample?
During the pandemic and the virtual WordCamp years, I met, worked alongside, and go to know Ahmed Chaion across thousands of miles. I can’t wait to see him and thank him for being such an incredible contributor and someone I consider a friend.
A colleague I worked with for 7 years said I should try her favorite, stinky tofu, but will probably enjoy mango rice a bit more! I’m loading up on food videos and ALWAYS ask friends and colleagues to share their favorite foods with me!
Engaging with the WordPress Community in general is always exciting!
Q. Tell us something about yourself that we might not know. Party tricks? Secret hobbies?
I’m an illustrator/animator and won a state film festival in high school.
An accomplished home cook and scratch cook – great stress reliever and something friends and family appreciate.
Q. Lightning Round!
Most-visited website: Foodnetwork.com (I’m a scratch cook).
Most-have gadget: Hiking shoes and a hillside.
Most-read book: The Color of Law Richard Rothstein.
Go-to podcast: The Sporkful, Kitchen Sink WordPress, or The Moth.
Find out more about Joe’s appearance at WordCamp Asia 2024 here.