Outreachy 2026 – Enhancing the Fedora Release Schedule Planner API: Introduce yourself!

Project Discussion
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Hi My name is Praise
I am new to open source contributions. I have used open source tools in my projects and know Git basics, but this is my first time contributing to a larger project. I am excited to learn how open source communities work.

I chose this project because it’s practical, replacing manual XML editing with a modern API that people will actually use. The tech stack (Python, FastAPI) matches what I want I am learning and know

I want to learn how to write production ready code and understand the full contribution workflow.

Being able to explain technical concepts clearly would help in tech and in life. It would also make it easier to help other newcomers in open source communities.

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Hello Emmanuel here,

Your Open Source journey:
I’ve contributed to open source a couple of times before, mainly around Python-based projects. I’m still learning a lot, but working in real projects has helped me understand collaboration, code reviews, and how open source communities operate.

Why I chose fedora-release-schedule-planner
I chose Fedora and the Fedora Schedule Planner project because it’s built with Fastapi which happen to be my primary framework.

My goals
The main thing I hope to learn in the next few weeks is understanding better and deepen my knowledge on how collaborative projects handle team at scale.

And for fun?
If I could instantly become world-class at a non-technical skill, it would be communication and team collaboration. I think being able to work and communicate effectively with people is a superpower in any field.

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Hello everyone :waving_hand:

My name is Anishere Mariam Adeola , and I’m excited to be part of this Outreachy cohort.

My Open Source Journey:
I’m still relatively new to open source, but I’ve started contributing recently and I’m focused on learning by doing and improving with each contribution.

My “Why”:
I’m a data person, so I naturally like structure and when things are organized properly. That’s what drew me to the Fedora Release Schedule Planner API project. The motive of this project is to help keep everything aligned behind the scenes, and I find that really interesting. I see it as a great opportunity to learn by doing, not just in theory.

My Goals:
I want to get better at working with real projects, not just learning things in theory. I’m hoping to understand the code better, contribute more confidently, and honestly just enjoy the process of figuring things out.

Just for fun :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:
The non-technicall skill I’d want is storytelling, no debate. A really good storyteller can hold a room without trying too hard. And okay, maybe being a polyglot too :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

Looking forward to learning and contributing with everyone! :blush:

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Hi everyone, I am Sonali S K. I’m starting my open source journey through Outreachy and am excited to contribute to this project. I have experience as a Big Data Engineer, working with Python, PySpark, AWS, Airflow, SQL, and MongoDB. Initially, the required skills (Python and REST APIs) drew me to this project. As I learned more about it, I became interested in its goal of replacing a cumbersome process with a modernised one. I hope to contribute in ways that make release planning easier for everyone involved, while also strengthening my backend development skills. My hobbies include listening to music and playing badminton!

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Hey folks! :waving_hand: I always enjoy reading through the introductions and seeing the energy y’all are bringing to the contribution phase.

In case you missed it or didn’t see the calendar invite, we hosted an onboarding session yesterday called Demystifying Open Source, Free Software, & 46 Years of a Legacy.

We recorded the whole presentation and Q&A! If you are new to Open Source, or if you just want to get a better understanding of the “why” behind the Fedora Project, I recommend checking out the replay. I introduce FOSS history, the Four Freedoms, and some practical career advice on how to find your way in the tech industry.

:television: Watch the replay here:

Getting started in open source can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but remember that every single contributor started exactly where you are right now. Keep asking questions, lean into the hard stuff, and keep connecting with the community.

Good luck with the rest of your contributions! We are rooting for you. :flexed_biceps:

2 Likes
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Hello everyone,

My name is Ayush Khati, and I’m an Outreachy applicant for the Enhancing the Fedora Release Schedule Planner API project.

Your Open Source Journey:
I come from a full-stack development background (MERN), with a growing focus on backend systems. My open source experience is hands-on and contribution-driven. During this Outreachy cycle, I’ve actively worked on the Release Schedule Planner API, contributing to multiple issues involving API documentation improvements, task dependency modeling, metadata enhancements, and datetime precision updates.

Additionally, I was involved with Fedora during the 2025 Outreachy cycle under the DEI project, where I contributed during the contribution period by working on documentation and community-focused improvements. That experience helped me build a strong foundation in open source collaboration, especially in communication, documentation, and working within a global community.

Your “Why”:
I chose Fedora because of its strong engineering culture and its impact on real-world open source infrastructure. The Release Schedule Planner API project specifically stood out to me because it involves solving backend problems like scheduling logic, data relationships, and API consistency—areas I’m deeply interested in. It’s not just about writing endpoints, but about designing systems that are reliable and maintainable.

Your Goals:
My primary goal is to develop deeper confidence in contributing to complex open source systems—especially in understanding existing architecture, making meaningful improvements, and maintaining code quality. I want to strengthen my skills in backend design and real-world data modeling through this project.

Just for fun:
If I could instantly become a world-class expert in a non-technical skill, it would be public speaking. Being able to communicate ideas clearly and confidently is a force multiplier in any collaborative environment.

Looking forward to contributing more and learning with the community.

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My Open Source Journey
I am at an early but actively growing stage in my open-source journey. While I have experience building back-end systems using FastAPI, Django, and REST APIs, I am relatively new to contributing to large, collaborative open-source projects.

So far, most of my work has been on personal and academic projects where I focused on designing APIs, working with databases, and building real-world systems. Through Outreachy, I am now transitioning into contributing in a more structured, community-driven environment where code quality, collaboration, and maintainability are critical.

Why I chose Fedora
I chose to participate in Fedora because of its strong reputation in open-source innovation and its emphasis on building robust, community-driven infrastructure.

What specifically drew me to the Release Schedule Planner API project is its focus on modernizing a legacy system into a production-ready FastAPI service. This aligns closely with my interests in back-end engineering, API design, and building scalable systems. As well as the opportunity to work on real-world challenges such as authentication (OpenID Connect), test reliability, and integration with live infrastructure. These are the kinds of problems I want to solve as a backend engineer.

My Goals
The number one thing I hope to gain from these next few weeks is the ability to confidently contribute to a production-grade backend system within an open-source environment.
More importantly, I want to learn how to think and operate like a contributor to a real-world system where reliability, collaboration, and long-term maintainability matter.

Fun Facts
If I could instantly become a world-class expert in one non-technical skill, it would be public speaking.

The ability to clearly communicate ideas, teach others, and confidently present in front of any audience is extremely valuable not just in technology, but in leadership and community building.

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Hi everyone​:waving_hand:

I’m Grace Ssuubi, an Outreachy applicant. I’m incredibly excited to be part of this cohort and to contribute to the Fedora Release Schedule Planner API.

My Open Source journey:

I am a software developer and a recent graduate of a software engineering apprenticeship at Refactory. While I have been building full-stack applications with React, Django, and PostgreSQL, this is my first deep dive into a large-scale Open Source ecosystem like Fedora. I’ve spent the last few days exploring the Release Schedule Planner codebase, and I’m already enjoying the modular FastAPI architecture!

My “Why”:

I chose Fedora because I’m passionate about how robust, open infrastructure can drive technical growth, especially within the African context. I was drawn to the Release Schedule Planner specifically because it transitions manual XML processes into a modern API. As someone who loves organizing data and building tools that make life easier for other developers, this project felt like the perfect fit.

My goals:

My number one goal is to understand the “Fedora Way” of collaboration,learning how to contribute code that meets high production standards while engaging effectively with a global team. I’m especially keen to learn more about OpenID Connect and deploying at scale.

Just for fun:

If I could wake up tomorrow as a world-class expert in any non-technical skill, it would be Storytelling and Public Speaking. I run a small initiative called Digital Kids to help kids get into STEM, and I’ve realized that being able to tell a powerful story is just as important as writing a bug-free function. I’d love to inspire the next generation of developers with the same precision I use when I’m debugging.

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Hello everyone, I’m Himanshi. I’m really excited to be a part of this community.

My open source Journey:

I used to contribute to small projects years ago as a way of learning and experimenting with open source. This year I’ve come to open source again and I’m trying to engage with much larger open source projects for the first time and contribute meaninfully while sharpening my skillset.

Why Fedora?

Fedora stood out to me amongst the listed outreachy projects because it utilises a good mix of skills I have and those I want to improve. I’ve also been a Fedora user in the past and it is a friendly and thriving community, so it made sense to join here.

My Goals:

While I’ve a pretty good experience working with Python, I want to become a stronger Backend dev who’s more systems oriented and can work within a large community. I also want to engage with the open source community more and find my footing here.

Fun Facts:

This year I’m really into swimming. As someone with a fear of deep water, it is hard for me to trust to keep going by myself. It has been a slow and steady progress but I would love to instantly become a pro swimmer.

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  • our Open Source journey: What is your current level of experience with open source software?

I would say I am an intermediate when it comes to open source contributions. I have contributed to small codebases but not very big projects such as the fedora project.
This does not make me intimidated though, it makes me very excited.

  • Your “Why”: Why did you choose to participate in Fedora, and what drew you to this specific Release Schedule Planner API project?

I have a very keen obsession with getting things right, but I feel I do not have enough time sometimes. That is an illusion though, one just has to optimize the time available.
A planner has always helped me in life. So when I saw the topic for the contribution and read more about it, I knew this would pique my interest. I read more about it and was determined as I realised it was more API focused. I have always wanted the chance to build my API skills more in relation to real life production. But felt overwhelmed previously. This is the perfect chance for me to do more and not give excuses.
From my understanding, the aim is to build a modern FastAPI backend and upgrade it to the next level so it can be deployed into production.

One more slight bias for my interest is Fedora being part of the linux based. I recently dived into the world of Linux and open source last year but I feel into it so deep. At some point I abandoned my previous OS to be exclusively Linux-based, experimenting with the different variations and linux distros available.

  • Your goals: What is the number one thing you hope to learn or take away from these next few weeks?

Well, I want to be a better contributor so I can understand more of the logic and reasoning as well as work being put into building these open source projects.
I also want to meet with more developers (virtually of course) from different walks of life, ask them questions if they would be willing to respond, and learn more from them. The new shift in technology had me questioning myself before, but I pushed forward and am very happy I did not give up due to the change. I know I can be better and can build the fundamental skills needed.

  • Just for fun: If you could instantly become a world-class expert in any one non-technical skill or hobby, what would it be and why?

I would be a world class pastry chef who splits her home into a half-cafe. I would stream online, create a youtube channel to build a community then have a small private community in which I would dedicate my time to teaching others how to build a successful pastry business from their homes as well.
It would be quite the challenge, though, but I hope it would fulfill me.
The world needs more third spaces where people can be and connect without pressure.

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Hi everyone! I’m not starting from zero — I’ve been a user of open source tools for a while now — but I haven’t yet made the leap to contributing. I’ve relied on open source software in my day-to-day work and personal projects, so I understand its value deeply. This Outreachy cohort feels like the right moment to finally cross over from user to contributor. Three things pulled me here. First, I wanted a genuine entry point into an open source community — not just code review, but belonging to something collaborative. Second, the Release Schedule Planner API is a chance to build real-world software skills on a project that actually matters to people. And third, Fedora’s commitment to freedom and openness aligns with how I believe software should work. This project sits right at the intersection of all three.I want to learn how to contribute meaningfully in a real open source workflow — understanding the full cycle from picking up a ticket, communicating asynchronously with mentors and peers, submitting quality work, and iterating on feedback. The technical skills will follow naturally; what I want most is the confidence and know-how to keep contributing long after this cohort ends. I want to learn how to contribute meaningfully in a real open source workflow — understanding the full cycle from picking up a ticket, communicating asynchronously with mentors and peers, submitting quality work, and iterating on feedback. The technical skills will follow naturally; what I want most is the confidence and know-how to keep contributing long after this cohort ends.

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Hi everyone, my name is Saurabh Pareek from India.

I am interested in backend development and API security. I have been working with Python, FastAPI, REST APIs, Git, and testing, and I want to grow by contributing in a real open source production style project.

I chose this Fedora project because it is practical and impactful. The move from legacy XML workflows to a secure and reliable API is exactly the kind of engineering problem I want to work on.

My goal for this Outreachy cohort is to improve in API design, validation, testing discipline, and authentication, while contributing consistently and communicating clearly with mentors and the community.

I have already started contributing:

For the non technical question, I would choose public speaking as a skill to improve, because it helps with collaboration, clarity, and leadership in open source work.

Looking forward to learning and contributing with everyone here.

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Hi everyone, I’m Oscar Kandir, a CS student from India. I have experience with Python, FastAPI, REST APIs, and CI/CD.

  1. My Open Source journey: I’m relatively new to open source but I’ve been actively contributing to the Fedora community as part of the RamaLama RAG project and now looking to also contribute here.
  2. My “Why”: This project interests me because it involves FastAPI, Pydantic, and authentication tools I already use and want to get better at in a production context.
  3. My goals: I want to make meaningful contributions to the codebase, especially around testing and validation.
  4. Just for fun: I like exploring new ideas and building things from scratch.
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Hi everyone, my name is Dorcas Bamisile, a Cloud and DevOps Engineer from Nigeria.

Your Open Source journey: I have contributed to open source projects and have experience with AWS, Terraform, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines. This is my first time contributing to a Fedora project.

My “Why”: I chose the Fedora Release Schedule Planner API project because it combines backend development with real infrastructure impact. The FastAPI and Python stack aligns with my interest in building reliable backend systems and APIs.

My goals: I want to deepen my Python and REST API skills, understand how production-ready APIs are built and maintained, and grow as an open source contributor.

Just for fun: If I could instantly master a non-technical skill, it would be writing. Being able to communicate ideas clearly and compellingly is something I find incredibly valuable in both tech and life.