By Ken Edwards

Back in 2005 I was a secondary school Business Studies teacher developing interactive online teaching and learning resources for my students.

I needed the means to better be able to do this. I discovered Joomla!

I can honestly say that Joomla! changed my life. If its use could empower me then I thought it can surely empower others too!

And now it does because Joomla! offered me the means to 'walk the talk'.

I loved teaching but I had also always wanted to run my own business. Now I do both.

By Troy Hall

Without Joomla! and the Joomla! Bug Squad I would not have the mental clarity that I'm enjoying today.  It spurs me and inspires me on an almost daily basis.  From the fledging concept in 2005 when we first met, to the Mature young person its become today its been an interesting and invigorating ride.

I would not have half the friends I have today, nor the skill sharpness I do without this amazing CMS.

I've not had the privilge of attending a conference yet, though that is defintely on my Bucket list.

Thanks Joomla! for awakening in me the skills I was taught those decades ago in college.  I only hope I can give to you one tenth what you've given to me.

By AndreD

I had the first touch with Joomla in the year 2005. From now on i used it for all my customers. I learned to love the community and the the fantastic organised events like the JDays in Germany and the JandBeyond Events. The Joomla Community is unique and everybody is warmly welcome. Since 2014 i am involved in the Certification Team. What I wish for the Future: New ideas for Joomla 4.

By Shadrack Serem

I first came across Joomla in 2010 when I needed a quick solution to update website content withouth messing with the code everytime. What I have enjoyed most about Joomla is its community, It has and continues to teach me alot about human diversity, software development, and the internet world in General.

Happy birthday Joomla! 

By Alison Meeks

It was in 2006 I was approached about a website and asked if I knew how to use Joomla. What's a Joomla? As it became more user friendly I switched and built all client sites in Joomla. It was in 2012 that I first joined the JUG Toronto and everything changed. There was this community and I've met so many amazing people I can't say how grateful I am. As a member of the Joomla Social Media Team, JUG Toronto Executive, and as an admin on the Joomla No Spam group I am pleased to be able to give back to this vibrant community even though I am not "a coder". 

In May I embarked on the journey of my lifetime. Chosen amoungst so many to attend JaB 2015 in Prague via the JET travel program I would have to fly half way around the world by myself to meet people I'd only spoken to online. Wow and Wow it was. Never could I have imagined how immediately comfortable I would be with my online friends. Some it felt I'd known forever. What an experience and what a gift. 

Thank you for everything Joomla and have a very Happy Birthday!