Meet Jannis Leidel

Welcome to our “People from PSF” interview series! In this series, we introduce the individuals behind the Python Software Foundation, exploring their unique journeys, contributions, and insights. Today, we are excited to feature Jannis Leidel, Software Engineer, longtime open source contributor, and PSF Board Director.

Let’s get to know Jannis better!

Can you tell us a little about yourself? (Your background, hobbies, education, etc.)

I’m a software engineer at Anaconda, where I focus on improving Python packaging and infrastructure, especially conda and conda-forge. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve contributed to many core tools in the Python ecosystem, including pip, virtualenv, PyPI, and conda.

I’m a member of the conda Steering Council and an active contributor to open-source sustainability efforts like conda-forge and Jazzband. I serve on the board of the Python Software Foundation (PSF) and am a PSF Fellow. I’ve chaired communications and supported strategic planning and governance efforts, including the User Success Working Group.

I was deeply involved in the Django project as a core developer, translation coordinator, and co-founder of the German Django Association, which organized DjangoCon Europe 2010.

I studied media art and design at Bauhaus University Weimar, which shapes my focus on usability, accessibility, and community-centered design in software. Before Anaconda, I worked at Mozilla, contributing to MDN Web Docs and Firefox’s data pipeline.

Outside of work, I support communities like OpenStreetMap, Changing Cities, and the Open Source Initiative, and enjoy home automation and cycling.

How did you first get involved with the Python community?

I first got involved with the Python community through the Django project in the mid-2000s. Python’s elegance and accessibility drew me in, and Django’s welcoming and collaborative community made it easy to stay.

I started by contributing translations and Django apps, which eventually led to joining the Django core team. That experience opened the door to contributions to pip, virtualenv, PyPI, and later to community infrastructure projects like conda-forge.

Over time, I became more engaged with community governance and sustainability, which led me to run for the PSF Board. The Python community’s values of openness, empathy, and collaboration are a huge part of why I’ve stayed so engaged.

What personal or professional projects are you currently focused on?

Professionally, I’m focused on improving Python packaging infrastructure at Anaconda, particularly within the conda and conda-forge ecosystems.

What PSF activities are you involved in, and which working groups are you contributing to?

As a PSF board member, I contribute to:

Strategic planning and communications
Supporting fiscal sponsorships and packaging efforts
The Packaging Working Group
Fiscal sponsorees Jazzband and PyPA
Co-founding the User Success Working Group, which aims to improve the Python user experience across various domains
The Finance Committee, helping guide the PSF’s long-term sustainability

What advice would you give someone considering running for the PSF Board of Directors?

I’d tell them to go for it, especially if they care about the community and are willing to learn.

Serving on the PSF Board isn’t about being the most technical person—it’s about stewardship, collaboration, and supporting others.

You’ll need to understand how a U.S. nonprofit operates and how to make decisions that serve a global community. It’s meaningful, behind-the-scenes work that truly makes a difference.

Just a thank you—for the opportunity to contribute to a community that’s meant so much to me over the years. I’m always happy to connect with others working to make Python more welcoming, sustainable, and open.

📌 Connect with Jannis:
🔗 GitHub: github.com/jezdez
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jezdez