The Trailblazing Story of Sue Gardner: From Journalist to Leading Women in Tech
Introduction
Sue Gardner is a prominent figure in the world of technology. She is a Canadian journalist, broadcaster, and prominent advocate for free speech and open access to information. Gardner is known as a trailblazing force in the tech industry, having served in various roles at major tech companies, including Wikimedia Foundation, CBC, CBC Radio, and the New York Times. She is an advocate for online free speech and access to knowledge, and her achievements have earned her numerous accolades and awards.
Early Life and Career
Sue Gardner was born on May 11, 1967, in Canada. She grew up in the small town of Port Hope, Ontario, and attended Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. She began her career as a journalist, working for The Canadian Press and The Globe and Mail, where she covered a wide range of topics, including politics, education, and the environment. Her work as a journalist led her to a role at CBC, where she would make a significant impact on the tech industry.
Her Role at CBC
At CBC, Gardner served as senior director of the digital media division. She led a team of journalists and developers who created new content and services for the web. Gardner’s work at CBC focused on making the organization more nimble and innovative in the digital age, and her efforts were instrumental in the development and launch of the CBC News app, one of the leading news apps in Canada.
The Wikimedia Foundation Years
In 2007, Gardner was appointed executive director of the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization that supports Wikipedia and its sister projects. Gardner’s tenure was marked by significant growth and expansion for the organization. Under her leadership, the foundation’s annual budget grew from $4.6 million to $30 million, and the number of employees grew from 30 to 200. Gardner also oversaw the development and launch of the Visual Editor, a tool that makes it easier for people to edit Wikipedia.
Open Internet Advocacy
Gardner’s strong belief in access to knowledge and online free speech led her to become an advocate for open internet policies. She has spoken out against government censorship and corporate control of online spaces, and has called for more transparency in data collection and usage by tech companies. Gardner is also a vocal supporter of net neutrality, and has worked to protect it from rollbacks and threats.
Notable Awards and Recognition
Gardner’s achievements in the tech industry have earned her numerous awards and recognition. In 2012, she was named one of the top 100 most powerful women in the world by Forbes Magazine. In 2013, she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to Canadian journalism and technology. Gardner has also received honorary doctorates from Ryerson University and the University of Alberta.
Seven FAQs About Sue Gardner
1. How did Sue Gardner get involved in the tech industry?
Gardner’s background in journalism led her to a role at CBC, where she became interested in the potential of digital media. She later joined the Wikimedia Foundation, where she made significant contributions to the growth and expansion of Wikipedia and its sister projects.
2. What is Gardner’s stance on open internet policies?
Gardner is a strong advocate for open internet policies, which she believes are essential for protecting online free speech and access to knowledge. She has spoken out against government censorship and corporate control of online spaces, and has called for more transparency in data collection and usage by tech companies.
3. What were Gardner’s accomplishments at CBC?
As senior director of the digital media division at CBC, Gardner led a team that created new content and services for the web. She was instrumental in the development and launch of the CBC News app, one of the leading news apps in Canada.
4. What is the Visual Editor, and how did Gardner contribute to its development?
The Visual Editor is a tool that makes it easier for people to edit Wikipedia. Gardner oversaw its development and launch during her tenure at the Wikimedia Foundation, and it has since become one of the most widely used tools for editing Wikipedia.
5. What are some of the awards and recognition Gardner has received?
Gardner has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to the tech industry. She was named one of the top 100 most powerful women in the world by Forbes Magazine, and has received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to Canadian journalism and technology.
6. Why is Gardner a trailblazing figure in the tech industry?
Gardner’s achievements and contributions to the tech industry have earned her a reputation as a trailblazer. Her work at CBC and the Wikimedia Foundation has had a significant impact on the growth and development of digital media, and her advocacy for open internet policies has made her a respected figure in the tech world.
7. What is Gardner’s position on net neutrality?
Gardner is a strong supporter of net neutrality, and has worked to protect it from rollbacks and threats. She believes that net neutrality is essential for ensuring that the internet remains an open and free space for all users.
Conclusion
Sue Gardner is an inspiring and influential figure in the technology industry. Her work as a journalist and her advocacy for online free speech and access to knowledge have earned her numerous awards and recognition. Gardner’s contributions to the tech industry have made her a trailblazing figure, and her legacy continues to inspire and inform the work of those in the field. As we look to the future of technology, it is clear that Gardner’s influence and impact will continue to be felt for years to come.