Samyak Jain
Samyak Jain is the Fedora Release Engineering Lead, a Sysadmin-Maintainer, and an active contributor to open source communities. He has been instrumental in managing Fedora's release processes, infrastructure, and automation, shaping the experience for over 1.2 million users. With a background in software engineering, Samyak has worked on GitOps services at Red Hat and contributed to major Fedora releases. He is also an Agile Practitioner, guiding teams through process improvements and community engagement. A passionate speaker, he has presented at conferences like Flock, DevConf, and GNOME Asia, advocating for open-source collaboration and mentorship.
Beyond work, Samyak is an avid reader, constantly exploring books that challenge his perspectives. He has a deep love for travel and enjoys the thrill of solo trips, embracing new experiences along the way. A true foodie at heart, he loves experimenting with unique and unconventional food combinations, always on the lookout for something surprising and delicious.
@jnsamyak:matrix.org
Session
Mentoring in open source is a powerful catalyst for change—it not only fosters individual growth but also strengthens communities and builds tomorrow’s leaders. This talk will explore the crucial role of mentorship in the open source world, going beyond simply sharing technical skills. It's about guiding contributors, cultivating collaborative spaces, and creating ripple effects that resonate far beyond a single project.
Through personal stories, real-world examples, and practical advice, you'll learn how mentorship can bridge gaps, inspire new talent, and drive innovation. We will delve into what mentoring is—and isn’t—shedding light on the misunderstandings and highlighting the true essence of a successful mentor-mentee relationship.
Outreachy is conducted by Software Freedom Conservancy and it provides internships in open source and open science. Over the years, there has been an explosive reach in the public about this program. As a Outreachy intern in the summer of 2022 for the Fedora Badges Design Project and eventually becoming the general Fedora mentor for the 2024 summer cohort, I want to highlight how it works for both the mentors and the mentees. Taking inspiration from experience, I want to discuss best mentor practices and what all changes can we bring to make the Fedora Outreachy experience better.
Attendees will discover the dual impact of mentorship: it benefits not just the mentees but also enriches the mentors by helping them learn, lead, and leave a legacy. We'll cover how to find the right mentor, how to be one, and why it matters in the open source ecosystem. You'll gain insights into fostering an inclusive, supportive culture that encourages growth, promotes diversity, and empowers contributors to excel and, eventually, become mentors themselves.
Whether you’re a newcomer eager to learn or a seasoned contributor looking to give back, this talk will equip you with the tools and mindset needed to make a lasting impact. By mentoring, you’re not just teaching; you’re shaping the future of open source—and the universe.
Join us for a session that will inspire you to engage, mentor, and make a difference in ways that extend beyond code and into the heart of the open source community.