“Catherine singlehandedly restarted the Silicon Valley Web 2.0 Mapping and Social Networks Meetup in early 2008. This monthly meetup provides its attendees with the opportunity to hear presentations by and interact with leading edge web-based spatial and social networking technologists and entrepreneurs as well as to network and share interests with each other. Catherine's hard work and creativity has kept the meetup well stocked with fresh, lively presentations. I've worked with her as co-organizer and been very impressed with her ability to create and grow a thriving community of shared interest.”
Alec Dara-Abrams, Senior Staff Software Engineer, Sony Electronics
“I got to know Catherine through Web 2.0/Social Mapping events that she has hosted to help educate people on the subjects and help people of similar interests network. She is extremely dedicated to the application, distribution, and training of social and mapping technologies, and helping people who work in these areas connect. She has not just knowledge, but true passion about the subject and has helped me broaden my horizons.”
Steven Savage, Technical Project Manager, IGN Entertainment
“Catherine has created a top-notch group for exploring the social aspects of location and mapping technology. There are groups that handle similar topics in general way, such as Mobile Monday, and others that concentrate on location technology exclusively such as the WCA's LBS SIG. However, the Web 2.0 Mapping and Social Networks Meetup Group led by Catherine serves a unique focus of tying mapping to social applications.”
Richard Fuller, Sr. Vice President, Geotrax Protection LLC
“Catherine does an amazing job at organizing the "Web 2.0 Mapping and Social Networks Meetup" in Silicon Valley. The quality of the presenters is always something to look forward to and the post-presentation environment is a great place to meet other people interested in Geospatial technologies.”
Ragi Burhum, Software Engineer, Digital Production & Design, LLC
“One of the beautiful things about Silicon Valley is all the forums on everything technical. I've attended a lot of these events and organized a number of them. Catherine has done a great job recruiting speakers. On any give night, it is a good bet that the audience is loaded with interesting people. Catherine takes advantage of this. The format, several short talks, creates multiple clusters of conversations after the presentations. She also fosters networking by asking people to introduce themselves.”
John Kern, Senior Software Developer, Kern Computing
“It was a pleasure working with Catherine recently to organize a joint meeting between her group and our Silicon Valley Google Technology User Group. As someone with years of experience running user groups, I am really impressed by Catherine as a group leader. The best leaders make it look easy, but, I know firsthand how difficult it is to keep a group running smoothly. The vibrant WebMapSocial community that she has fostered in just one year is truly amazing.”
Michael Van Riper, Founder & Leader, Silicon Valley Google Technology User Group
“Catherine is a detail-oriented person who is knowledgable on Web 2.0 Mapping and Social Networks that are the future of delivery of quality current info on fast maps.”
Eddie Godshalk, Founder, REmapper Corp
“Catherine is the successful organizer of the Web 2.0 Mapping and Social Networks Group, a meet-up held in Silicon Valley at the Google-plex. She has a good ear for listening to our varied community members interests and translates them effectively into unique meetings that inform as well as inspire. I am amazed at how she has negotiated a wonderful mixture of VIP speakers each month. Under her keen leadership, Web 2 Mapping/Social Networks in the Bay area, has grown to over 900 members, and close to 500 members on LinkedIn. Catherine has taken the additional step of archiving podcasts, slides and videos of events, to non-members so all can benefit.
She is a dedicated, competent and pleasant organizer who understands her community - mapping enthusiasts and software developers in the Bay area and beyond. Under her leadership, presentations she has arranged at Web 2 Mapping and Social create information ripples into conferences, blogs and other meetings.
She has personally taken the initiative to share recommendations for my/our efforts with Indigenous Mapping Network (IMN). Her organization's excellent archives have often been reviewed by our various readers who are examining an idea or a new mapping/GIS or network development in Indian Country. We respect and appreciate your work, Catherine!”
Rosemarie McKeon, Talking Circle (Board Member), Indigenous Mapping Network
