Readme
Hello, World! 👋
I’m Billy Jo (he/they), an experienced software development leader and Eagle Scout with a lifelong passion for service. I believe in using technology to make the world a more just and equitable place for all humans, especially those who’re traditionally underserved by society at large. I’m a Tech Lead at Children International, a nonprofit sponsorship organization dedicated to ending generational poverty. Prior to finding my home in the nonprofit sector, I consulted across a diverse range of industries, including education, healthcare, sport, and telecom.
I live in Kansas City, where I’m active in advancing queer representation in local tech businesses and embedded tech teams. In my free time, my husband and I shepherd an online brave space for the LGBTQIA2+ gaming community.
Favorite quotes
“Gods [Love, the Universe, Karma, cosmic Oneness, goodness for goodness’ sake] are first. Others are second. I am third.” – adapted from Gale Sayers, American football player, and Bill Easton, American track and cross country coach
“The first question I ask myself when something doesn’t seem to be beautiful is why do I think it’s not beautiful. And very shortly you discover that there is no reason.” – John Cage
“A gentle reminder that your heart is a muscle and so should be exercised regularly. Love often and love deeply.” – Beau Taplin
“[W]e should always remember—all of us: No matter what color we are, no matter what language we speak, no matter the form of our politics or the expression of our faith; we all live under the same moon and the same stars, and we’re not so very far apart.” – John Denver, “Live at Five Seasons Center” concert, Cedar Rapids, IA, December 1987
“The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth.” – Niels Bohr
“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” – George Bernard Shaw
“If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?” – Shantideva, eighth-century Buddhist scholar
“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing right things. Management’s efficiency lies in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.” – Peter Drucker
“There are two kinds of light—the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures.” – James Thurber
“Happiness isn’t something you experience; it’s something you remember.” – Oscar Levant
“I don’t run what other people run. I run what I run.” – TacticalGramma, referring to her Call of Duty kit
“Be strong. Speak truth. Spread the peace. Choose only love.” – Melissa Etheridge
“Service is the rent you pay for having room on the Earth.” – Fortune cookie
“The Seeing [verb] of Truth cannot be dualistic (a ‘thing’ seen). It [Truth] cannot be seen by a see-er, or via a see-er. There can only be a Seeing [noun], which itself is Truth.” – Wei Wu Wei, “All Else is Bondage; Non-Volitional Living”
