Yoast Care fund: An interview with Arslan Ahmed

Today we have another recipient of the Yoast Care fund: Arslan Ahmed! Arslan was nominated by Muhammad Kashif for his contributions to lots (and we do mean lots!) of different WordPress Projects. He is also the organizer of WordPress Meetup Ghotki in Pakistan and, together with his co-organizers of this meetup, works really hard to translate WordPress into their native language Sindhi. That sounds quite awesome, so let’s get to know him!

How did you know about WordPress?
I came to know about WordPress during a session on WordPress and Freelancing by my mentor Mr. Kashif. He shared his journey with WordPress and how WordPress changed his life personally and professionally. The thing which really clicked deep inside was when he said “I also belong to a small town like every one of you, if I can do this then everyone among you can do that. I would really love to see one of you giving a session like this somewhere sometime soon”

Why WordPress?
Because WordPress is so awesome. It’s for anyone and everyone, it’s free to use and easy to learn. There will be a theme or plugin for anything you imagine to build on WordPress. Also, the WordPress community globally is huge and amazing.

Why and when did you start contributing?
When I started using WordPress I was amazed by its features and I joined WordPress slack to get to know people who contribute to this amazing thing. Then I got a chance to attend WordCamp Karachi and I was inspired by people doing business around WordPress and giving back to the community as well by contributing in WordPress in different projects.

It motivated me to choose WordPress and my tool of making my living and also giving back to the community by contributing in any possible form I could.

What contribution or moment are you most proud of?
I was the happiest man on earth when I became a WordPress Core Contributor. And when I organized my first WordPress Meetup and it was attended by more than 30 people. Also translating WordPress in my native language was an amazing feeling as well.

Another moment that is very special for me is when I attended WordCamp Karachi 2019 where I learned more about WordPress. After attending this WordCamp I selected my career as a WordPress developer and work for a long. Now, I am a WordPress Core Contributor which is also a proud moment for me.

Where can people find you? Online, WordCamps, other meetups?
Anyone can always find me online on WordPress Slack (@passoniate), Facebook, LinkedIn, and GitHub. I love getting to know fellow WordPress folks, so don’t hesitate to say hello.

Does this interview inspire you to nominate someone like Arslan? Someone who pours their heart into the community and could use some recognition for it? Wait no longer and nominate them for the Yoast Care fund by filling out the form on our Yoast Care fund page.