Katrina, an Open Source Advocate at GitHub, encourages individuals to submit speaker proposals for the upcoming GitHub Universe conference in San Francisco, emphasizing the value of unique problem-solving experiences over prior speaking engagements. The conference aims to feature diverse voices in breakout sessions, with participants receiving an honorarium and travel accommodations to ensure inclusivity. The proposal process highlights the importance of audience-centric storytelling, setting stakes by clearly defining and addressing relevant problems, and providing actionable solutions. Notable sessions from the previous year showcased impactful discussions, such as Anjuan Simmons's exploration of privilege, Keavy McMinn's insights into GitHub integrations, and Pamela Vickers's examination of coding education, all of which effectively engaged audiences by connecting personal experiences to broader themes within the tech community.