Silona Bonewald

She/Her
Type of Seat:

I am a passionate advocate and leader in the open source, blockchain, and technology governance spheres, with a comprehensive career dedicated to fostering transparency, innovation, and collaboration. My journey began with the pioneering Transparent Federal Budget project, employing Distributed Ledger Technology to enhance government spending transparency. My commitment to utilizing technology for the public good started here and set a precedent for my future endeavors. Further exemplifying my dedication to promoting blockchain technology within an open source framework, my work with Hyperledger at the Linux Foundation demonstrates my dedication to promoting cross-industry collaboration and standardization.

At PayPal, I authored “Understanding the InnerSource Checklist,” a cornerstone document that has significantly advanced collaborative development practices. This work improved internal processes and served as a model for other organizations striving to adopt open source methodologies within their corporate structures. My efforts have increased efficiency, innovation, and team cohesion, demonstrating the tangible benefits of open source principles in enterprise environments.

As the Executive Director of IEEE SA OPEN, I championed the development of cloud-based platforms to support open standards, significantly impacting how global technology communities collaborate and innovate. I focused on implementing a governance model that significantly broadened participation in open source development. This model was designed to empower a diverse range of contributors, enabling them to have a tangible impact on the direction and evolution of open source projects. By prioritizing inclusivity and widening access, I ensured that individuals from varied backgrounds could contribute their unique perspectives and skills, thus enriching the open source ecosystem and driving innovation forward.

Beyond these professional achievements, I have actively contributed to the broader open source community by founding Citability.org and leading structured codeathons. These initiatives have facilitated the development of open source software solutions for nonprofit organizations, reflecting my belief in technology as a tool for societal benefit. My ongoing involvement with respected industry groups, such as the Government Blockchain Association and the OSPO Alliance, highlights my commitment to advancing fintech, open government, and open data through open source principles.

How will you contribute to the board

Upon joining the OSI Board of Directors, I intend to harness my experience in technology governance, community engagement, and advocacy for open standards. I aim to initiate and champion projects that cultivate a broad and inclusive open source community, utilizing my background in fostering collaborative spaces and driving transparency and innovation. My leadership style is marked by forward-thinking and a solid adherence to open principles, which are crucial for promoting the open source ecosystem’s growth and resilience. I am committed to propelling OSI to new heights by advocating for a visionary approach to navigating the evolving technological landscape, ensuring OSI remains a pivotal force in open source advocacy worldwide.

Why you should be elected

My diverse experiences, from initiating blockchain technologies to spearheading global open source platforms, make me a prime candidate for the OSI Board of Directors. I have demonstrated an ability to bridge diverse technological communities, enact effective governance, and champion open standards, aligning with OSI’s core mission. My unwavering dedication to the open source philosophy and a clear, strategic vision for its future underscores my capability to serve the community effectively. Electing me to the board means securing a committed, visionary leader poised to further OSI’s mission and amplify its global impact in the open source domain.