HeroPress, a platform founded by Topher DeRosia to elevate voices within the WordPress community, has just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Initially created to shine a light on individuals who overcame personal and professional challenges through their connection to WordPress, HeroPress has grown into a unique storytelling hub. For a decade now, it has featured inspiring narratives from diverse individuals who have leveraged the platform for new opportunities and successes.
The Mission of HeroPress
At its heart, HeroPress is about connection and shared experience. Through stories, it highlights how WordPress users from varied backgrounds have used the platform to build not only websites but also careers, connections, and dreams. Each story captures a personal journey of resilience, creativity, and sometimes unexpected success, all facilitated by WordPress.
A Shift in Strategy
In 2015, HeroPress encountered a setback when an initial plan to produce video interviews with translations didn’t secure enough funding. Rather than halting the project, Topher chose to pivot: he launched HeroPress as a text-based series, creating written essays that would be easier to translate and accessible to more people around the globe, even in areas with low bandwidth. The first essay, penned by Andrey “Rarst” Savchenko, marked the beginning of what would become a treasured repository of personal stories within the WordPress community.
A Truly Global Project
HeroPress’s reach is evident in its vast network of contributors. To date, it has published 278 essays in 29 languages, spanning 66 countries. The stories are authored by 136 women, 134 men, and three non-binary individuals, illustrating the incredible diversity and inclusivity of the platform. These essays serve as a testament to how WordPress is used worldwide—not just as a technical tool, but as a vehicle for personal growth, career development, and community engagement.
A Word from the Founder
Reflecting on the past ten years, Topher DeRosia shared, “HeroPress has been a blessing in my life. It has been a deep privilege to share the stories of WordPress with the world.” His dedication to this project has been unwavering, and his commitment to amplifying the voices of others has fostered a supportive, global community.
Supporting HeroPress’s Future
As HeroPress looks forward to the future, the platform is seeking financial support to continue its work. Topher expressed that HeroPress “isn’t just a website — it’s a platform that brings hope and connection to the global WordPress community.” With community support, HeroPress can keep sharing stories that inspire, educate, and unite people around the world through WordPress.
Share Your Story
If you have a unique story involving WordPress, HeroPress encourages you to contribute. By sharing your experience, you’ll not only add to this global narrative but may also inspire someone else who’s just beginning their journey.
HeroPress, with its decade-long commitment to storytelling, shows how technology can bring people together in meaningful ways. From every corner of the world, these stories capture the power of resilience and the boundless opportunities WordPress offers. Here’s to ten more years of powerful stories and community connection.
HeroPress is 10! In these times, I find calm and inspiration in reading these amazing stories. How about you? https://t.co/PJQQWi3xwf
— Tonya Mork (@hellofromTonya) October 11, 2024
