Lorena Mesa

Lorena Mesa: Driving Diversity and Inclusion in Python

Lorena Mesa is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the Python community. As the current Chair of the Python Software Foundation (PSF) Board of Directors, she is working to make Python more welcoming and accessible to underrepresented groups.

Professional Background

• GitHub Data Engineer: Lorena currently works as a data engineer at GitHub.15
• Python Software Foundation Board Chair: She has served on the PSF Board since 2017, becoming Chair in 2020.346
• PyLadies Chicago Co-Organizer: Lorena co-founded the PyLadies Chicago chapter in 2014 to create a supportive community for women and minorities in Python.13

Driving Change in Python

As Chair, Lorena is focused on several key initiatives:

1. Establishing a formal relationship between PyLadies and the PSF to better support diversity efforts.3
2. Growing the PSF's financial security to fund more diversity and inclusion programs.3
3. Diversifying the PSF Board to bring in more global perspectives beyond the US and Western Europe.5

Passion for Social Justice

Lorena's background in political science and research fuels her passion for using technology to drive social change.12 She is committed to an anti-racist mindset and building empathy into the technology she creates.1

Through her leadership in the Python community, Lorena is making significant strides in creating a more welcoming, diverse, and inclusive space for all Pythonistas.5