Meet Baddý Sonja Breidert and her vision for sustaining community growth

Created
Mon, 29/09/2025 - 19:10
Updated
Mon, 29/09/2025 - 19:10

Baddý Sonja Breidert headshot

We are thrilled to welcome back Baddý Sonja Breidert to the Drupal Association Board of Directors, with her new term beginning 1 November 2025. She is not only returning to the board but will also be serving as Chair for the coming term.

Baddý has been actively shaping the Drupal community for more than a decade. She co-founded 1xINTERNET in 2013 and has since become one of Europe’s leading voices in open source and digital business. She has served on the Drupal Association Board since 2017, including as Treasurer, then as Board Chair, and most recently in an advisory capacity as Immediate Past Chair.

Her contributions extend far beyond governance. Baddý has organised Drupal camps and major events such as Drupal Europe 2018 and DrupalCon Amsterdam 2019, co-founded the Drupal Business Deutschland Association, and represented Drupal at conferences across Europe, including the Web Summit in Lisbon. In 2020, she was honoured with the Aaron Winborn Award for her outstanding commitment to the Drupal community.

Her long-standing dedication to open source, community building, and supporting the Makers of Drupal has made her a trusted and respected leader in the project.

We are thrilled to have Baddý bring this perspective to the Board once again. Here are her reflections as she continues her journey with the Drupal Association:

What are you most excited about when it comes to joining the Drupal Association Board?
After completing my six-year term on the Board, as per the bylaws, I had the unique opportunity to continue my work with the executive team as past chair. Now, I am really excited to officially rejoin as a board member and chair. I am eager to build on the progress we have made and continue working with the Drupal Association staff and the Drupal community to push the Drupal project forward. This is a unique chance to keep that momentum going and ensure we are serving the community's needs effectively.

What do you hope to accomplish during your time on the board?
My main goal is to continue making the Drupal Association sustainable, not just financially, but in how we support our community. This means ensuring our programs and initiatives have a lasting impact. I also want to double down on our work with the Makers of Drupal, the developers, designers, company leaders, and organizers who are the heart of this project. By ensuring they have the resources and support they need, we can empower them to innovate and keep the Drupal project vibrant for years to come.

What specific skill or perspective do you contribute to the board?
My time on the Board since 2018 has given me a deep understanding of the Drupal Association's journey. I have seen our challenges, our victories, and how we have grown. This long-term perspective allows me to bring our history to the table. I can help us make sure we are building on what we have learned, not just repeating past conversations. It is about using that knowledge to stay focused and move forward effectively.

How has Drupal impacted your life or career?
Drupal has had a major impact on my career, opening doors and shaping my professional journey in ways I never could have imagined. But the most significant impact is not about technology or job titles; it is about the people. The Drupal community has taught me the power of collaboration and the incredible things that can be built when people from all over the world come together.

Tell us something that the Drupal community might not know about you.
I have two teenagers who know more about Drupal than many other teenagers in the world. When I am not spending time with them and my husband Christoph, I love playing golf. My goal this year is to play at least 52 rounds. I am halfway there, so I need to focus on playing more in the next few weeks.

Share a favorite quote or piece of advice that has inspired you.
"I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I have been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." — Michael Jordan

We look forward to the contributions Baddy will make during her time on the Drupal Association Board. Thank you, Baddy, for sharing your time and expertise with the Drupal community. You can connect with Baddy on LinkedIn.

About the Drupal Association Board of Directors

The Drupal Association Board of Directors comprises 13 members with nine nominated for staggered three-year terms, two elected by Drupal Association members, and one seat is reserved for the Drupal Project Founder, Dries Buytaert, while another is reserved for the immediate past chair (non-voting). Terms start on 1 November of each year.

The Board meets twice in person for weekend retreat and about 5 times virtually each year. The Board provides strategic guidance to the Drupal Association and oversight of the Association’s management, policy development, management, budget, and fundraising efforts.