Open edX is one of the world’s most powerful open-source learning management systems (LMSs). And honestly, there’s no greater show of trust than the institutions that rely on it. We’re talking Harvard, MIT, Western Governors University (WGU), Arizona State University, Zoom, and the list just keeps going. It’s a platform trusted by universities, governments, and enterprises to deliver flexible, scalable, and engaging online learning experiences.
But behind a platform as trusted as Open edX isn’t just great technology, it’s the people who make it thrive. Developers, designers, and educators around the world continue to shape Open edX, constantly improving it to make learning more accessible to everyone.
And those people deserve a little celebration. Cue the drum roll...
At this year’s Open edX Distinguished Contributor Program Celebration, the community came together to recognize individuals whose dedication, innovation, and collaboration have helped to make the platform one of the most future-ready open-source LMSs in the world.
We’re proud to share that four OpenCrafters were named finalists, and two of them walked away with top honours as Distinguished Engineers.
Everyone in the community knows Xavier, and we’re lucky to have him leading our team. As the project’s very first external contributor (way back in 2013) and a long-time member of the Technical Oversight Committee (TOC), Xavier has played a key role in shaping how the Open edX platform has evolved over the years.
His leadership has opened TOC elections to the broader community, introduced transparent decision-making and public summaries, and co-created lasting initiatives like the Core Contributor Program. From live TOC Town Halls to collaborative working groups, Xavier has championed practices that keep the Open edX LMS rooted in openness, equity, and sustainability.
Braden has been contributing to Open edX since 2014, as a developer, maintainer, and one of the original seven Core Contributors. He’s been at the heart of key technical advances across the Open edX LMS, leading efforts behind Content Libraries, Tagging, and SAML Authentication, and spearheading major modernisation initiatives such as TypeScript adoption and React 18 upgrades.
As maintainer of the Authoring MFE (Studio), Braden is known for his responsiveness, deep technical care, and tireless efforts to reduce technical debt. He also introduced Meilisearch, now the platform’s default search engine, and has been a driving force in collaborations between Open edX and LabXchange, extending the LMS far beyond traditional MOOCs.
With nearly 400 PRs, over 500 forum posts, and contributions across 10 Open edX conferences, Braden continues to embody the spirit of sustainability, accessibility, and open collaboration.
Since becoming a Core Contributor in 2021, Ali has been one of the driving forces behind improving the user experience of the Open edX LMS, and improving processes within the community. She’s contributed thoughtful, user-centred improvements to key features such as Content Tagging, Studio Search, and the Paragon design system, while co-leading the UX/UI Working Group for a couple of years, and being an active member of the Core Product Working Group.
Ali is the kind of person you turn to when you need sharp, empathetic product insight. Her design sensibility and attention to detail are unmatched.
Alongside Cassie Zamparini, Ali has also designed the Open edX Conference branding and artwork for several years, helping strengthen the visual identity of the event.
Cassie has helped shape how the Open edX community collaborates, communicates, and grows. Since 2023, she’s been an active contributor, leading process design and communication efforts that make participation smoother and more inclusive.
She authored the Core Contributor Experience Report, led the planning and facilitation of the Core Contributor Summit, and is developing the Core Contributor Handbook, all aimed at improving transparency, participation, and onboarding. Cassie also co-designed the new Product Review Process, making proposals easier to submit and evaluate, and continues to contribute to both the Product and Design Working Groups.
Beyond process work, Cassie has also helped define the Open edX visual identity for its annual conferences since 2022.
The Distinguished Contributor Program recognises not only technical excellence but also the collaborative heart of open-source learning. It honours those who ensure the Open edX learning management system, and the wider educational ecosystem, remains adaptable, transparent, and human-centred.
At OpenCraft, we see these awards as a reflection of what drives our own work: a shared belief that open-source technology can transform education, one thoughtful contribution at a time.
You can read more about the Distinguished Contributor Program on the Open edX Wiki.
If you’re exploring learning management systems or trying to figure out what really matters when choosing one, we’ve put together a practical guide to help you cut through the noise.
Read our 2025 Guide: The Best Open-Source LMS for Universities, Governments & Enterprises
It breaks down everything you need to know so you can make an informed choice that truly fits your learners and organization.
And yes, you’ll also see why top institutions like Harvard, MIT, and WGU consistently choose Open edX 😉
Open edX is one of the world’s most powerful open-source learning management systems (LMSs). And honestly, there’s no greater show of trust than the institutions that rely on it. We’re talking Harvard, MIT, Western Governors University (WGU), Arizona State University, Zoom, and the list just keeps going. It’s a platform trusted by universities, governments, and […]
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At OpenCraft, we are often approached by clients who want to push the boundaries of what the Open edX® platform can do. In this case, the request was clear: design and develop a suite of 10 custom XBlocks that would enhance interactivity, support innovative teaching methods, and remain fully compatible with the core platform. Project […]
