Lizz Ehrenpreis Wins Kinsta’s $1,500 Travel Scholarship

Last month, Kinsta announced it would give away one $1,500 travel scholarship to pay for an individual’s airfare, lodging, and admission ticket to WordCamp US. The company has announced on Twitter that Lizz Ehrenpreis, who resides in Portland, Oregon is the winner.

Congratulations to Lizz of Portland OR on winning the #WCUS scholarship! Enjoy the WordCamp. https://t.co/awKZEwZE55 @ecehren @WordCampUS pic.twitter.com/lPD1Q1UnFt

— Kinsta (@kinsta) October 13, 2016

I reached out to Ehrenpreis to learn what the scholarship means to her, how it impacts her life, and what she’s looking forward to at the event.

What does winning this travel scholarship mean to you?

It means so much! I have had the privilege of working with several WordPress companies as an agency employee and now as a freelancer, as a communications and marketing maven, but haven’t had a chance to attend many WordPress events.

I’ve gone to two WordCamps, but that’s it! Being able to go to this huge event, learn more about WordPress, and connect with people I’ve only thus far interacted with through the magic of the internet and to see friends and colleagues is an enormous gift.

In what ways does the scholarship change or impact your life?

Well it certainly changes my December schedule in a good way! Aside from giving me the opportunity to meet new people and see the ones I adore, it’s also a huge learning and networking opportunity that I wouldn’t otherwise get–and its incredible timing considering I just went full-time freelance and launched out on my own.

Would you have been able to attend the event without the scholarship?

No, I wouldn’t have.

Is this your first WordCamp US and what are you looking forward too most?

It is my first WordCamp US! I lived vicariously through social media and post-event recaps last year, and it looked enormously fun. I can’t wait to see who is speaking this year, and I can’t wait to expand my WordPress knowledge.