PHILADELPHIA, PA — The global Ruby programming community will gather in July for a first-of-its-kind celebration honoring the people who built, guided, and sustained one of the world’s most influential programming ecosystems.
Ben Greenberg and David Hill, co-chairs of the inaugural Ruby Central Gala Dinner, announced that the first annual fundraising event will take place Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Red Rock Casino & Resort, bringing together developers, educators, and community leaders from around the world. The Gala Dinner will recognize individuals whose work has shaped Ruby’s technical foundations, culture, and long-term vitality, while supporting programs designed to expand and strengthen the community.
Organized by Ruby Central, the Gala Dinner will spotlight achievements in technical innovation, mentorship, inclusion, and community leadership, while raising funds to sustain initiatives that attract new members, foster professional growth, and reinforce local and regional Ruby communities.
The evening’s highest honor, the Ruby Brilliant Gem Award, recognizing lifetime achievement and transformational impact, will be presented to four figures whose work underpins the Ruby ecosystem. Honorees include Yukihiro Matsumoto, creator and chief designer of the Ruby programming language; Chad Fowler, an early community leader and Ruby Central co-founder; Rich Kilmer, co-creator of RubyGems and a co-founder of Ruby Central; and David A. Black, a longtime educator and author whose teaching shaped generations of Ruby developers.
The Ruby Heart Award, recognizing extraordinary compassion, mentorship, and community care, will be presented to Emily Samp, cited for her sustained work fostering inclusion and confidence among Rubyists. The Ruby Guidepost Award will honor Saron Yitbarek, founder of CodeNewbie, for creating accessible pathways into software development and helping newcomers navigate pivotal career moments. The Cutting Edge Award will go to Nadia Odunayo, founder and CEO of The StoryGraph, whose work highlights Ruby’s creative and practical potential at scale.
A Community Leadership Gem award, selected through community nomination, will be announced at a later date.
“These awards are a community thank-you,” said Shan Cureton, executive director of Ruby Central. He said Ruby’s success is rooted in years of teaching, mentoring, organizing, and maintaining by people who chose to build something bigger than themselves, adding that the Gala Dinner also funds the programs that bring new contributors into the community.
Greenberg said the evening is designed to honor Ruby’s past while investing in its future, supporting initiatives that help new Rubyists find mentors, peers, and opportunities to contribute.
The Gala Dinner will precede RubyConf 2026, which will be held the following day at the same venue. Additional details on RubyConf programming and tickets are expected in the coming months. A conference prospectus is available at rubyconf.org.
Sponsorship opportunities for individuals, companies, and organizations that build with or support Ruby are available through Ruby Central. Additional Gala Dinner information and ticket details will be released ahead of the event.
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