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Hi Reader, June was one for the books, packed with global adventures, local celebrations, and major milestones that reminded us why we love what we do. From volunteering at WordCamp in Switzerland to raising a glass with Maryland’s best and brightest, Team Drio was on the move, building community, launching purpose-driven websites, and celebrating meaningful recognition along the way. Here’s what we’ve been up to: 🌍 Drio Goes Global: Highlights from WordCamp Europe in Basel, SwitzerlandWe crossed the Atlantic and landed in Basel, Switzerland for WordCamp Europe, where the global WordPress community came together to talk tech, trends, and teamwork. A standout session for us was from Sabrina Zeidan, who delivered a smart (and funny) talk on Core Web Vitals. Using a bank robbery analogy, she reminded us that chasing every possible culprit of poor site performance is a wild goose chase. Instead, we need to examine the real clues, apply some deductive reasoning, and fix the actual problem. One clear suspect. One clean solution. A powerful shift in mindset for building better user experiences. We also met with the team at Greyd to explore how their WaaS (Website as a Service) platform could enhance Drio's services. The Greyd Suite not just great for one-off builds, it’s ideal for organizations with multiple chapters, franchise locations, or repeatable site structures. And of course, one of the best parts of WordCamp is the people. We connected with incredible entrepreneurs and creators like Vineet Talwar, Jurij Oblak, Nicole Steindorf-Rentzsch, and Luminița Ciobanu, each one passionate about building and growing purpose-driven businesses around the world. The community is welcoming, the collaboration is real, and the inspiration is what keeps us coming back. We returned home full of ideas (and maybe a little Swiss chocolate), ready to put what we learned into action. 🌐💡 🌐 Websites LaunchedThis month, Drio launched a wave of fresh brands online. Each one thoughtfully crafted to showcase the unique identity and purpose of the organization it represents. 🏆 Drio Named a Fastest-Growing Minority-Owned Business by BBJ 🌿 Summer Soirée at Black Eyed Susan FarmOn June 26th, Hazel soaked in Maryland summer vibes at a stunning Summer Soirée hosted by L4 Property Services. Flowy, feisty, and full of charm, the evening brought together familiar faces and new connections under twinkling lights and blue skies. Big thanks to Britt Bowers and the team for creating such a warm and welcoming event. It was the perfect blend of business and barefoot elegance. 🎧 Tech Night in BaltimoreBack in Baltimore, Rachel represented Drio at Maryland Tech Council’s Tech Night at the CFG Bank HQ. The night was a high-energy celebration of growth in Maryland’s tech scene, complete with a live DJ, buzzing conversations, and lots of local pride. It was inspiring to be surrounded by innovators, founders, and community leaders who are shaping the future of tech in our region. Fun fact: this marked the third anniversary of the Baltimore Regional Council. Cheers to more collaboration, creativity, and innovation in our hometown! Thank you for being a valued Drio client, your partnership inspires us and we’re excited to keep moving forward together, building what’s next. |
Hi Reader, The first time our website server had a serious security breach (circa 2012), damage control was a nightmare. I essentially had to manually rebuild every client website. Hours and hours and hours of work… If I hadn’t done that, however, I wouldn’t have accidentally become an expert in website security. I’ve been able to apply everything I learned to every other website project, which means we’ve avoided a ton of threats. While it’s much less of an ordeal to problem-solve nowadays,...
Hi Reader, I recently spoke at Loyola University’s event, Beyond the Algorithm: Human Insight in the AI World. As the name suggests, the conversations were about how we can keep leading the way with our human experiences, even though it feels like AI’s everywhere you look. I know many people, whether they’re young scholars or seasoned business owners, are reading the headlines about AI and wondering if they should be worried. And I get it. Some of the changes are nerve-wracking. While we...
Hi Reader, September reminded us just how powerful human connection and purpose-driven work can be. From Hazel inspiring the next generation of business leaders at Loyola to Rachel running in support of women rebuilding their lives at Marian House, this month was all about using our skills and energy for good, both inside and outside the office. Website Launch: IBEW Local 26 We’re thrilled to unveil the new IBEW Local 26 website, built for the hardworking electricians powering the D.C.,...