DSF announces winner of the 2014 Malcolm Tredinnick Memorial Prize

The Django Software Foundation (DSF) is proud to announce the winner of the 2014 Malcolm Tredinnick Memorial Prize: The Django Girls organisation!

Django Girls was founded by Ola Sitarska and Ola Sendecka as an event at EuroPython 2014. From that small start, and with the assistance of a small army of volunteer co-organizers and mentors, they've been able to rapidly grow Django Girls into a worldwide phenomenon. Using the template and tools established in Berlin, there have been events held in Brisbane, Taipei and Nairobi, with 12 other events planned by the end of the year. These events will introduce hundreds of women to the Django community.

For this contribution to the community, the membership of the Django Software Foundation wishes to recognise the Django Girls organization as an organisation who exemplifies the spirit of Malcolm's contribution to the Django community: someone who welcomes, supports and nurtures newcomers; freely gives feedback and assistance to others, and helps to grow the community.

When we notified Ola and Ola about their win, they said "We were surprised and extremely happy when we heard that Django Girls was nominated for the prize. Something that started as a simple idea for a workshop grew up beyond our expectations and we are thrilled that so many wonderful people contribute to Django Girls every day. Organizers, supporters, volunteers, contributors and sponsors - we are overwhelmed by the number of people who helped us make this a reality. It's like open-sourcing the Django community! We are genuinely thankful for all the support we get and to all the people who make Django Girls something more than just a one day workshop. We are extremely honored and proud to be awarded with the Malcolm Tredinnick Memorial Prize and we will use it to bring new people to Django community."

The Malcolm Tredinnick Memorial Prize is named in honour of a leader of the Django community who suffered a brain aneurysm and passed away in March 2013. Thanks to donations from the Django community, and a generous contribution from Malcolm's family, the award is accompanied by a $1000 cash prize. Django Girls will use the award stipend to continue their good work organising Django Girls events, continuing in the spirit of Malcolm’s contribution to the community.

Congratulations, Django Girls!