Introducing Heather VanCura

Heather VanCura is the director and chair of the Java Community Process (JCP) program, an international keynote speaker and presenter, a leader of global Java adoption programs in conjunction with Java User Group (JUG) leaders, expert-in-residence for MedicMobile at Rippleworks, and the organizer of developer hack days (Hackergartens) all around the world. She is passionate about community building, raising the profile of women and all unrepresented people in tech, and meaningful STEM education for students across the globe. Heather has over 15 years’ experience in Java tech leadership, engagement, and community development. Find Heather on Twitter: @heathervc.

Geertjan Wielenga: Could you start by describing what you do?

Heather VanCura: I'm the chairperson of the JCP at Oracle. That's a broad role because there are many different things involved. The JCP acts as the standards organization for Java. The JCP oversees everything that goes into the Java platform and the evolution of the platform itself.

I have an internal group that I manage, which oversees the JCP, the website, and the coordination of all the Java specification requests. I also work with JUGs, trying to increase the adoption of Java tech and their participation in the evolution of Java tech. That's where the international speaking and developer advocacy aspect comes in. I work with the Java development community around the world.

Geertjan Wielenga: What is it specifically about Java that you're passionate about?

Heather VanCura: When I first got started, I felt that the way Java was developed was really unique, and that was intriguing to me. I was interested in the community and the human behavior aspect of it. Java is used literally everywhere. All of the different ways that Java is used are really compelling stories and we don't hear them enough.