Celebrating Fedora's Unsung Heroes: Mentor and Contributor Nominations 2026

The Fedora community thrives on the passion and dedication of its contributors—people who write code, test features, mentor newcomers, organize events, and much more. To honor these vital champions, the Fedora Project launches its Contributor Recognition Program for 2026, inviting everyone to nominate the mentors and contributors who have made a difference. Whether it's the veteran who guided your first steps or the innovator who reshaped a project, now is your chance to give them the spotlight. Winners will be announced at Flock To Fedora 2026, in conjunction with the Fedora Mentor Summit. Read on to learn how you can participate and make someone's year.

What is the Fedora Contributor Recognition Program 2026?

The Fedora Contributor Recognition Program is a community-driven initiative to celebrate the exceptional individuals who keep the Fedora Project moving forward. Each year, nominations are collected from the community, and select mentors and contributors are honored at the Flock To Fedora conference. In 2026, the program returns with a renewed focus on both mentorship and direct contributions. The goal is not just to say “thank you,” but to inspire others and highlight the diverse ways people shape Fedora—from developing testcases and writing documentation to organizing events and onboarding new contributors. This recognition is a meaningful way to show gratitude and encourage continued participation.

Who can be nominated for Fedora Hero status?

Anyone who has contributed significantly to the Fedora community is eligible for nomination. This includes two broad categories: mentors and contributors. Mentors are those who have guided others, helped newcomers find their footing, or offered consistent support through the Fedora Mentorship Program or informal channels. Contributors are individuals who have made tangible impacts through technical work (like code, testing, package maintenance) or nontechnical roles (like event coordination, design, community management, or advocacy). There is no limit on the number of nominations you can submit, and you can nominate someone from any part of the Fedora ecosystem.

What types of contributions are recognized?

The program celebrates a wide spectrum of contributions. On the technical side, recognized work includes developing testcases, writing code for Fedora features, maintaining software packages, and improving infrastructure. On the community side, it covers creating documentation, translating content, designing artwork, organizing Fedora events (like release parties or hackfests), and of course, mentoring newcomers. The program deliberately avoids a narrow definition of “contribution” so that everyone—regardless of their role—has a chance to be celebrated. The key is that the work has positively shaped the Fedora community, whether through a single remarkable achievement or sustained effort over time.

When and where will the winners be announced?

The winners of the Fedora Contributor Recognition Program 2026 will be unveiled at Flock To Fedora 2026, the annual Fedora contributor conference. This event is scheduled to take place in coordination with the Fedora Mentor Summit 2026, creating a perfect backdrop for celebrating both mentors and contributors. The exact dates and location for Flock To Fedora 2026 are announced separately, but the nomination process runs independently. By announcing winners during the conference, the Fedora community ensures that honorees receive a live, public acknowledgment in front of their peers.

How do I submit a nomination?

Nominations are submitted via an online form. Find the form and full nomination guidelines on the Fedora Project wiki at this page. The direct submission link is: https://forms.gle/mBAVKw4qLu14R5YY7. You will need to provide the nominee’s name, the category (mentor or contributor), and a brief explanation of why they deserve recognition. The deadline for nominations is 15th May 2026. Don’t delay—your timely nomination could be the push someone needs to continue their amazing work.

Why should I nominate someone?

Nomination is more than a simple “thank you.” It’s a powerful way to show appreciation, motivate contributors, and strengthen the community fabric. When someone you’ve worked with receives public recognition, it validates their efforts and often inspires them to do even more. It also sets a positive example for others, showing that Fedora values collaboration, mentorship, and dedication. The encouragement doesn’t stop with the winner—every nominated individual gets a moment of pride, and the community as a whole feels the warmth of gratitude. By nominating, you help build a culture of recognition that keeps Fedora vibrant and welcoming.

Can I nominate myself or someone I work with closely?

The nomination process is open to anyone, and there’s no restriction against nominating someone you work closely with. However, the spirit of the program is to celebrate contributors who may not always be in the spotlight. Self-nomination is not explicitly prohibited in the original announcement, but the language suggests that nominations are meant to come from peers who have experienced the nominee’s impact firsthand. If you feel your own contributions are noteworthy, consider asking a colleague to nominate you instead. The review committee will evaluate all nominations based on merit and community impact.