Meet the Speakers: Liv, Steven, and Holly!
Olivia Barrow
Inclusive Writing Isn’t About Being Vague — It’s About Being Precise
Olivia Barrow (she/her/hers)
Olivia Barrow is a writer, a runner, and a creative problem-solver. She graduated from the University of North Carolina and began her career as a newspaper reporter. In 2016, she pivoted into marketing and moved to Madison to launch her own business. As the founder of Olivia Barrow Communications, she helps her clients develop and execute effective content marketing strategies. She is passionate about racial justice and collective liberation and healing. She loves being outside, chasing big athletic goals, and reading novels that expand her understanding of what it means to be human.
Here’s what she has to say about her talk:
“Inclusive writing isn’t about watering down your message to avoid offending anyone—it’s about clarity, precision, and respect. In this 20-minute talk, we’ll explore how writing inclusively starts with understanding exactly who you’re writing for: what they share, what they don’t, what you know to be true about them, and what you’re only assuming based on your own perspective. We’ll unpack the common misconception that inclusive writing means trying to speak to everyone, and instead show how it’s a practice rooted in curiosity, specificity, and intentionality. Whether you're writing web copy, blog posts, or UX content, this talk will leave you with practical tools to better serve your audience without losing your voice—or your message.”
Steven Boutcher
AI-Assisted Testing: DOs and DONTs
Steven Boutcher (he/him)
Hi, I'm Steven! I'm a QA Automation Engineer based in Door County, Wisconsin. I've been in QA since 2020 when I worked for Fetch, and I've been using AI since ChatGPT came out in 2023. For the past year, I've been using Cursor to help me with various testing tasks.
My wife and I have 2 black cats, and we like to travel and go to state parks. Outside of work, I am leaning into my passion for education and parkour and will be teaching my first parkour class this fall at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA!
Here’s what he has to say about his talk:
“AI can be used to make testing easier for everyone, but it does not replace testing expertise. Knowing when and when not to use it determines the outcome you get. In this talk, you’ll gain a set of practical tools to make testing faster, easier, and smarter, without falling into common traps.”
Holly Anne Burns
Design Thinking for Devs: A Crash Course to Up Your Game
Holly Anne Burns (she/her)
Holly Anne Burns, MPS, LEED Green Associate, is the founder of Burns Design Strategy and a master connector who helps people find clarity in complexity. With Australian-American roots and a master’s degree in design management from Pratt Institute of Design, Holly has spent many years leading cross-functional teams across the globe, while living in New York City and Madison, WI. She specializes in bringing people together to solve tough challenges with integrity and purpose. Holly loves exploring how design thinking and human-centered design can drive innovation, improve collaboration, and deliver real impact. She blends a growth mindset with a down-to-earth approach, making problem-solving both strategic and engaging. Beyond design leadership, Holly is an artist, children’s book author and illustrator, outdoor enthusiast, and mom.
Here’s what she has to say about her talk:
“In fast-paced dev environments, it’s easy to skip over empathy and jump straight to building. But what if small design thinking habits could make your work more impactful—without slowing you down? In this fast, practical session, you’ll learn how to spot assumptions, gather real insights, and prototype smarter. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or engineer, or part of a team, you’ll walk away with accessible tools to build tech that people love.”