[Giveaway] Humans of IT @ Microsoft Ignite 2020

[ShonaBang]

Attending Microsoft Ignite virtually this year and missing good ol' conference swag? Want to win a special limited edition Humans of IT swag box? Here's your chance - read on to learn more!

You've probably already seen these boxes all over social media, but if you haven't and want to know what's in the box, click here or here. 

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A MICROSOFT HUMANS OF IT SWAG BOX

3 easy steps:

1. RSVP and attend at least one of the eight Microsoft Humans of IT sessions. View the entire session list at https://aka.ms/MSIgniteHumans. Be sure to hit the RSVP button to guarantee your spot since they are limited capacity only. Unfortunately, only folks who tune in live are eligible to participate as we will be picking winners that same day and session recordings will not be available until after the conference has ended. 

2. After the session, comment on this blog post below with your response to the 3 questions below:

- What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? (Please note: Only entries mentioned Humans of IT sessions will be eligible)

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

3. When you're done posting the above response, post a tweet with the URL to your response with the hashtags #MSIgnite #HumansofIT so that we can contact you if you're the winner. 

Two winners will be selected at the end of Day 1 (Sept 22) and Day 2 (Sept 23) of Microsoft Ignite.

Terms and conditions apply.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• This giveaway is opened to anyone aged 18 and above in any country where domestic/international shipping from the US is permitted. If you have not reached the age of majority in your legal place of residence, then you must have consent from your parent/legal guardian to participate.
• Each selected winner can only win once. You may submit multiple entries for different sessions, however you will only be eligible to win once.
• Winners must consent to providing us their shipping address so we can deliver this to you.
• Winner may not resell this giveaway item for commercial profit. 
• We reserve the right to withdraw/cancel this giveaway if the winner is found to be in violation of the Community Code of Conduct.
• Winners will be notified within 3 days following the drawing via their Tech Community account and/or Twitter handles with prize claim instructions, including a submission deadline of 3 days. If a selected winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim a prize or fails to return any forms, the selected winner will forfeit their prize. If you are a potential winner but have not reached the age of majority in your legal place of residence, we may require your parent/legal guardian to sign all required forms on your behalf. 

ENTRY PERIOD

The entry period starts at 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time (PT) on September 22, 2020, and ends at 9:30 p.m. PT on September 23, 2020 (“Entry Period”). Please see https://time.is/UTC or another time zone converter for your local time.

We look forward to seeing you at Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT sessions starting tomorrow!

#HumansofIT

#MSIgnite

[troystaylor]

I deeply enjoyed CON122 Leveraging Tech for Good: Empowering Nonprofits in a Global Pandemic. As someone who used to work for an NGO (and hope to again someday!), hearing stories of volunteers and non-developer nonprofit workers building low-code solutions to aid their organizations. Often when talking about a Microsoft product, it comes down to getting more customers, increasing sales, building enterprise solutions, etc. But these stories show every day there are opportunities to help students, communities, people in need - the humans who might not directly use the Microsoft tech, but benefit from it immensely. I keep saying I should help a local nonprofit with the Power Platform skills I have and now I really have no reason not to.

I've been following all sorts of people on Twitter sharing MS Ignite news (especially @meetdux!).

[Timothy Balk]

- What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why?

Leveraging Tech for Good: Empowering Nonprofits in a Global Pandemic - Inspiration to be on the lookout for places where I can help utilizing the skills that I have and to learn new skills as well.

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

There is always a place where an individual can help, no matter what their talent and background is. On the flip side, it's OK to ask for help especially since the world has shifted so much within a short amount of time.

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

I'm looking forward to participating in the Ignite Your Creativity: Brain Games session

[lsimon7]

CON122 Leveraging Tech for Good: Empowering Nonprofits in a Global Pandemic was my favorite Humans of IT session. It never ceases to amaze me just how selfless and caring humans can be, especially during a time where one might prioritize their safety over others. People like Foyin, Mario, Dux, Shing, and Sam are leveraging the technology available to them to build a better tomorrow for their communities and organizations.

In an age where buzzwords like artificial intelligence and neural networks are ever-increasing on most tech mediums, it's important that we still learn to embrace the human side of tech. A machine will never be able to replace the creativity and empathy a human being produces, nor can they take away the contributions a community can do for their peers. Volunteering your time and energy during a pandemic for a non-profit organization shines light out into a world that's been filled with darkness throughout this year.

Joining the Humans of IT community blog was a great start in connecting with others during the Ignite conference. Since joining, I've followed some of the speakers non-profit Twitter accounts, and will be attending the You + Power Platform: Be the Hero Of Your Own Story session tomorrow! This is my first Ignite conference, and I hope to be able to attend one live in the future!

I've also reached out to a local non-profit in my area to see if my technology skillset can aid them in any way. Giving back to the community is something I want to be a part of, and this seminar was the motivation I needed to get that goal started!

[ProfReed]

Such a powerful session!  

- What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? (Please note: Only entries mentioned Humans of IT sessions will be eligible)

Leveraging Tech for Good: Empowering Nonprofits in a Global Pandemic was not only my favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session, but one of my favorite sessions overall. I loved how this session featured several nonprofits. I am a volunteer for the Boys and Girls club and I love how they were featured in the session.  During this pandemic, often the less fortunate are significantly impacted, but often forgotten.  Nonprofits are not as well suited as their for profit partners at quickly adapting to crisis situations where new technology is needed.  This session highlighted the need for technology to ensure these nonprofits can function efficiently and serve the people they need to.  It is always great to learn how to do more with less.  During the pandemic, our school was the site of a drive through food bank that help ensured people who needed food had access to it.  I am sure there were underlying technologies that helped ensure that service ran smoothly.  Thank you for highlighting these issues in your session.

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

Technology has the ability to build bridges, to help people stay connected.  However, technology can often do the exact opposite by build barriers and spreading misinformation that can divide us.  To embrace the human side of tech, we need to realize that we are all human and we need to be compassionate and treat everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve.  Often times, people hide behind technology to spread hate and we need to embrace the human side of tech to call out that hate and ensure it does not have a platform to spread.

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

Being the first day of the conference, I have only had limiting connection with other humans so far.  We have a viewing party here at the college I work at and several of us are enjoying the sessions together.  I had the pleasure of meeting and engaging with one of the vendors located in another state.  We managed to share stories and experiences regarding remote learning and remote working.  I hope as the conference continues, I will have the opportunity to meet and engage with more people as that is one of the highlights of attending conferences.

[MayaSaleh]

Hello World and hello fellow Humanitarians ;)

1- What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the panels of the session Leveraging Tech for Good: Empowering Nonprofits in a Global Pandemic and all the attendees who contributed by their questions/ shared experiences from the field and the cloud. It was indeed an excellent opportunity to further our knowledge in the different ways IT experts can contribute to bring people together and to help the most vulnerable in a world hit by a global pandemic, natural disasters, famine, wars, etc...

2- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

Technology is often looked as a privilege of the rich (countries, organizations and communities) yet once we realize that we live in one world and that we have a moral obligation towards our fellow humans, that in sharing the wealth, the technological advancement  equally among us all we can reach new highs, we can build on each others experience and most importantly build a better future for the future generations.

I have had the privilege to witness first hand the impact of relief work whether it is by bringing knowledge, medical services, food supply and basic needs both as a volunteer and a Humanitarian worker. Yet, there was always a group of individuals that worked in the shadows and sought no recognition, the Humans of IT.

So to all the invisible heroes who made sure that amid this global crisis the flow of humanitarian relief kept going on,  thank you for making the world a better place, for giving all local non profit organization a much needed boost to keep up in a rapidly changing world.

3- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

It is only the first day of Microsoft Ignite, yet the digital arena has never been so close and near. I already came in contact with 2 former colleagues and planned our schedule together. My better half is also attending Microsoft Ignite (of course being the better half means he is attending way more complicated sessions than I am ).

I would nevertheless take this opportunity to connect with fellow Humans of IT, experts and attendees. I have so much to learn of each and everyone.  

[pascalyacc]

- What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? 

Sustaining Human Connection in a Virtual World with Technology

It’s eye opening for me, I learned how people work on building accessible technologies and how people with disabilities such as deaf people use these technologies to stay connected from remote places.  Also I like sign language is used throughout the session. Hats off to accessibility evangelists ! 

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

AI has been getting popular and has been used everywhere in recent years. We’ve seen countries use social robots interfering in elections or changing public view.  Humans should drive technology, not the other way around. We humans should stop the spreading negativity and hate. 

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

I use the Microsoft team to communicate with my coworkers in the same group who also participate in the event this year.  I also use “My messages” and conference directory to find other people in the same organization. 

[girlgerms]

I was lucky enough to both get an RSVP and be up early enough (6:45am!) to attend CON121: Sustaining Human Connection in a Virtual World with Technology, a panel session moderated by Megan Lawrence that discussed accessibility in this "new normal" we're experiencing. Thankyou so much @ShonaBang for including this session as part of your #HumansofIT stream.

Understanding how we can help everyone connect, be understood and felt listened to and seen is vitally important to how we work in this current environment of remote work.

I was so disappointed to hear that remote work, something disability advocates had been pushing for and had been denied because it was "too hard" was only possible once able-bodied and neurotypical people suddenly required it in order to get work done. The disability community has so much to offer and I feel that we're missing out on so much innovation and so many ideas by not seeing their voices represented.

I was so thrilled to hear about how Microsoft, the company I work for and that I'm proud to work for, is reaching out to the disability community in order to ensure our products and systems are accessible.

Due to being in one of the stranger timezones, connection is so important to me - not least because I'm not neurotypical and I have a hidden disability - so being able to utilise technology to connect with my customers, my colleagues, my friends and my family has been so vital to my mental health. I probably spend way too much time on Teams, on Twitter, on Discord and on Facebook. But it's what keeps me connected - and I am so grateful for that.

[njfan39]

What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? 

My favorite session today was the Sustaining Human Connection in a Virtual World with Technology. You know a discussion is good when you are disappointed it had to end. This session focused on managing disabilities and better working with those who are disabled in a technological world. My favorite part was when one of the moderators explained the importance of downtime for mental wellbeing and how you can use the Microsoft Analytics tool (get that purple box) to help keep yourself honest. 

Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

We're not robots (as much some of us wish we were/could be!). In order to thrive and be our most productive, we have to fine tune our individual environments constantly.  

How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

During the live sessions, the chat feature has been pretty good. Also, colleagues post links to interesting articles and sessions they found enlightening. A couple have lead to some interesting conversations. 

[systemsmaven]

So far Sustaining Human Connection in a Virtual World with Technology CON121 has been my favorite.  Learning about how people with different disabilities are working in this remote environment was so interesting.  It’s great that MS has the tech that can be used for everyone and they have such a focus on making sure to include everyone. Also, how the brain can handle this new remote environment we find ourselves in was fascinating!

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

We need to make sure we’re learning from and benefiting from all human perspectives. It will only make the tech better!

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

I’ve been in touch with my amazing textable tribe, make sure to join as many table talks as possible, and made good use of my twitter account. :smiling_face_with_smiling_eyes:

[Christopher Clai]

My current favorite was the most recent one, Sustaining Human Connection in a Virtual World with Technology CON121. It has provided some great insight about how different people have been managing with different disabilities with the changes brought around by COVID-19. There was also a lot of great information around how we have to better handle how we work and connect to avoid exhaustion or even burnout. Great research and looking forward to hearing more around the subject soon. I hope? :D 

It's so important to embrace the human side of tech because when we are ourselves, and we don't feel held back from who we are, we are at our best and can truly empower the world.

I've kept connected through Twitter and my textable tribe so far with others during the conference.

[KennethXu]

- What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? (Please note: Only entries mentioned Humans of IT sessions will be eligible)

• My main focus was on how to sustain and better the human connection in a Virtual World with Technology because there are a lot of people who are not used to today’s virtual world.  Such as Virtual Reality, Video gaming, being able to connect in ways that may be easy for some, but tough for others who are used to that 3D in-person individual or group connection. Having and being able to attend “Sustaining Human Connection in a Virtual World with Technology” helped me learn a lot and how we can utilize the information and re-design it in a way to help others that are in need because mostly everyone who is handling the remote environment may be new in using certain technologies and dealing with people remotely.

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

• It is important to embrace the human side of technology because people use technology in different ways, whether its video, chat, captions, and more.  Having video can show if a person is paying attention and or see how their facial expression changes pertaining to a topic of discussion. Having chat can help those who may be more comfortable with typing rather than talking. And having captions can assist users for those who want to read and or listen. The better we embrace the human side of tech, the better we can adapt and become versatile for everyone in this world, together as one.

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

• Coming in contact with fellow colleagues and sharing information on what we’ve learned so far and how we can better each other and our users. Another was the Q&A during the Sustaining Human Connection in a Virtual World with Technology, it was great to see and read what others thought which lead to interesting answers and having a positive conversation.

#HumansofIT #MSIgnite

[SmithCorona]

Hot to be a Social Technologist in a Virtual World - S Handelman & G MacJones.  My favorite quote was if the community you want does not exist create it.  We such a great privilege and opportunity to make the world a better place.  Using technology for good.  #MSInspire 

[John Yoakum]

I thoroughly enjoyed session CON120. Seeing how others have been dealing with the current situation and the changes that we have all had to go through is inspiring to keep going. 

It is always good to see why we have to embrace the human side of tech. I related to how since this has began that my leadership and others have softened up on guidelines and understanding as we go through this time. 

I haven't had any personal contacts with others from Ignite. This is my first time attending and pretty lost.

#Humans Of IT

[MelissaHoughton]

I loved tuning in to How to be a Social Technologist in a Virtual World this morning (for me) with Grace Macjones and Scott Hanselman. Due to timezones, it was the only Humans of IT session I caught today, but I am delighted I was able to see it! It was a perfect way to start my day and my MS Ignite experience. I am growing my online presence and trying to stay connected in our virtual world and found all the content very relevant.

Balancing between home life and work-life when its all in the same place and online is a tricky situation, and I echo their sentiments of balancing between meetings, online social interactions, productivity and our home lives. "Who goes back to watch the recording" really got me  I always want to stay on top of it all but often find I don't go back to watch the recordings. Catching up on absolutely everything would result in burnout. It is all a balance. They said we don't actually have more time in the day, which I think is an important thing to remember. 

As someone who loved attending in-person conferences and meetups and helped to organise them, I think it's important we stay connected. The community and support from my fellow humans in tech is what makes me love it. We work better together and can innovate more when we are collaborating and staying connected. I miss the ability to turn to a colleague when I am stuck and ask them a question, but we can still do that with a quick Teams call. There are extra steps now but embracing the human side of tech keeps us connected, drives engagement, innovation and growth. 

So far, with the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference, I have enjoyed reading everyone's tweets as they prepared for the event and shared thoughts on sessions that happened while I was sleeping. The beauty of technology is we can catch up later and connect across timezones in new ways. There are so many awesome talks I won't be able to catch them all and look forward to hearing from other humans who make the sessions I cannot. 

Thank you for making Ignite accessible for us all over the world! 

[Aadtips]

My favourite session in the Humans of IT was the How to be a Social Technologist in a Virtual World, apart from it being the only one possible for me to attend it is also very informal and really talks about how we in the community address every situation in our day to day life. Having the speakers talk about stuff made me think about how I am doing in this new way of working and address early signs of burn out. This acknowledges how all of us are still human and that we have other things going on outside of work and that's where we can harness the energy to keep going. The "ask a question" section which turned into a "chat" section LOL was really a great area to see what others think about the topics, comment on them and connect with attendees and the speakers.

[ShonaBang]

Congratulations @ProfReed , @lsimon7 and @MelissaHoughton - you are the winners of the Humans of IT Day 1 giveaway! :) Please check your Tech Community mailboxes for information on how to claim your prize.

For those of you who missed your chance to win a limited edition Humans of IT swag box today, fret not - we'll be back TOMORROW with another round of giveaways for our Day 2 sessions! Be sure to attend the sessions and participate :) Full list of sessions here: https://aka.ms/MSIgniteHumans

Rest well and we will see you on Day 2! #MSIgnite

[DavidRichards]

- What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why?

How to be a Social Technologist in a Virtual World Session code:CON120

I really enjoyed the idea that a well rounded IT person is not just about the technology, but it is about how you treat yourself and others. I really appreciated the concept of mentorship in this presentation. The presenters had great perspectives on living life.

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

IT is about making technology work for humans. And as a technology professional, it is about treating other IT professionals as human. Enjoying the diversity and intellect of the people we work with daily, and providing value to other people.

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

We have several people from our organization attending Ignite. We have a Teams channel open to discuss the sessions we are attending and plan to have a debriefing later in the week.

[Jennifer Eimertenbrink]

What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? 

CON123 You + Power Platform: Be the Hero Of Your Own Story 

These personal stories inspire me that it is never too late to try something new in your life. I found the different perspectives of the speakers interesting. Everyone can find their way in IT. 

Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

Every person has something that makes them special and this uniqueness and cooperation with other people produces great things.

IT is made for people and that's where the focus should be. I love to exchange ideas with my colleagues, to bring new ideas to life. Starting a volunteer association is one of these ideas and the recent stories on the last Ignite inspired me to go this way with friends. You get to know great people and you can give something back and all the people we meet give us so much back too.

How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

Together with some friends we have founded an association which should enable access to IT for all people. Many friends participate in the Ignite and I love the Twitter posts and discussions and the spirit of the other participants. The exchange with people all over the world is great and offers new views on your own life. It's great that the Connection Zone was created.

Thank you very much for such sessions on the Ignite and this movement.

#MSIgnite #HumansofIT 

[MikeBergin]

What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? (Please note: Only entries mentioned Humans of IT sessions will be eligible)

    CON123 You + Power Platform: Be the hero of your own story

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

    I believe it makes technology relatable for all of us. Once we embrace the human side of tech, we can create technology that is human focused. We are brought closer together by the human side.

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

   I have communicated with other humans during Ignite by joining Facebook groups of fellow techs (The Krewe of Ignite) as well as Slack and WhatsAPP groups. I have done some "one sided" connecting by reading blog posts, listening to podcasts and watching videos posted by the community.  It goes without saying, I CANNOT wait until we can connect IN PERSON and really get the creative juices flowing!!!!

[technine]

I really enjoyed the session "You + Power Platform: Be the Hero of Your Own Story" because of the honesty of the attendees in regards to what got them into Technology, which really helps people understand that you don't need to be a computer science student to be interested in technology. Even better was when they mentioned how they continue to bring their own identity into their job, share the things they love and are passionate about and the positive effect those "passions" have both on how they succeed in their job and bring their unique qualities with them.

The human side of technology is what makes it unique, relatable and personal. There were people involved with building Microsoft Office, Edge and the operating system that's used world-wide. It is good to remember that every thing you interact with has had some kind of interaction by a person. I am also happy to see Microsoft continue to be vocal about how they can leverage the voice they have to bring more awareness to how technology affects the environment around us, specifically the Sustainability Calculator :)

I have been able to share comments through Microsoft Teams which have received feedback generally and specifically as well. It helps because the interaction has been with people who care about what they do.

[abigayle]

What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why?

Just finished CON123 You + Power Platform: Be the Hero of Your Own Story and it was amazing   It's so powerful to hear not only the stories of real people and how their different stories all lead them to where they are, really get a sense for the passion they have about the impact of IT. 

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

Technology is a fantastic lever to bring new ideas and capabilities into reality, but it truly is the human impact that makes it's benefits meaningful.  What's the point if we aren't creating real change in people's lives?  Embracing the people behind and within technology helps us think about how we can all work together to make that happen. 

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

Twitter! As much as social media is useful during Ignite at all times, it's been especially fun during the virtual event to see other's experiences, and communicate in real time. 

[Phil Erb]

- What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? (Please note: Only entries mentioned Humans of IT sessions will be eligible)

I really enjoyed "CON123 You + Power Platform: Be the Hero Of Your Own Story" for two reasons. First, it highlighted that you can get into tech from any background. Second, the mentions that we all make mistakes! How much more human can you get??

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

Because tech is driven by humans. It's not robots writing code, racking servers, integrating systems, and training users. We are all human. We need to take care of ourselves and each other.

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

I've been trying to stay connected with folks via The Krewe Facebook group, who are people that I normally try to connect with at the in-person conferences - we even decided to pull together a virtual group photo via Teams together mode, since we can't do it in person this year. This new normal throws us all for a loop, but it's important to try to keep ourselves connected.

[jkjerman]

- What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? (Please note: Only entries mentioned Humans of IT sessions will be eligible)

You + Power Platform: Be the Hero of your Own Story was seriously the best! I plan to tune into more, but this was the one that range true with me. I loved the format and how it just felt natural and not rehearsed. It was people talking and just learning more about each other. Hearing the story from Ashley about her own struggles with mental health and how getting into the tech industry has made a difference in her life was inspiring. Technology can be such a huge benefit and tool for those of us with mental health struggles. It was nice to hear from people and see that they are human just like me, but have been very successful. It gives me hope!

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

It's important because we are all human. We aren't the machines that we are using. We aren't the computer that will just do a task. We have families and friends. We live outside of the work environment and don't just constantly do the tasks asked of us. Embracing the human side of tech keeps us human and reminds us that we have needs to fulfill to be our best self. 

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

I was part of an interactive video call style session where I could see everyone attending and it was really cool. During another session I was in the chat having a good time with the moderator. While we are all attending virtually and in different ways, we can still connect. My friend and I have made our own event out of Ignite. Bouncing room to room for various sessions, making food together and talking about everything we are learning.

[Anne Roberts]

What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? 

My favorite was "The Intersection of AI and Humanity: Solving World Challenges through AI Innovation" so much nicer to see people doing what they are passionately and caring about. Especially Alice. 

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

Because you can use the tools and knowledge you have to change the world for better and it will make you a better person in your own eye as well as all others who know you as a result.

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

I've following chats during sessions and attempting to respond with good replies. I have also found a few people to follow as well. 

[Gaelyn1090]

Just finished attending:

Wednesday 9/23 1:00 PM: Choose Your Adventure: How to Hack Your Tech Career and Carve The Path YOU W...

Speakers: Iasia Brown, Ryen Macababbad, Chloé Brown, Karen Alarcon

and SO glad I joined. I've been doing a lot of sitting and listening and this session really hit home that we're all real people with flat butts (except for Iasia, who rocked the roller skates) and grand dreams and sometimes we have to connect to gain whatever we need to take the next step.  Need a reality check? Need a confidence boost? Need direction? We're a community and that's beautiful.

[LindsayTShelton]

- What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? 

I just had the privilege of seeing "Choose Your Adventure: How to Hack Your Tech Career and Carve The Path YOU Want" and as someone who came from a fairly homogeneous field (teaching for 10 years) to a fairly homogeneous field of tech, it was SO nice to hear from a diverse group of women who really did choose their own adventure and arrived to Microsoft from such different places in different ways.

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

What is the point of doing anything without embracing the human side?  Humans are flawed in ways that tech generally isn't, but that is what also makes them so interesting and compelling and worth fighting for, even when they disappoint us.  Plus, it's humans using our tech, so it needs to work for them and not the other way around.

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?  On Twitter!  My favorite connection so far was the MS_Ignite handle tweeting me back about my cat Archie, and so I feel like he's pretty famous now and might be getting a bigger head than he already has.

[Niko_IT]

1. What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why?
   (Choose Your Adventure: How to Hack Your Tech Career and Carve The Path YOU Want (Iasia Brown, Ryen Macababbad, Chloe Brown, Karen Alarcon)
   This session reignited the feelings of excitement and validity for the path that I have had for myself for years. Why? It is easy to become overwhelmed and drown yourself with doubt when your plans for your future do not seem to take shape. Instead of looking forward for the future, you begin to count how many days seem wasted. This session was a lighthearted and inspirational collection of stories that show they were not always as they appear today—It took many yesterdays to get there, and tomorrow might bring something completely different.
2.  Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?
   Sometimes tech can feel isolating, which can be a strange concept since tech is meant to connect. Tech is meaningless without ensuring a human bond exists between it. Tech allows endless information to be collected, but what does the tech need the data for? It is a responsibility to turn numbers into intentional and well-informed acts of kindness through health and other social programs to improve human condition. Embracing technology is also taking the Tech Hippocratic Oath to do no harm.
3. - How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?
   I have connected in unintentional ways, in that I reached out to old contacts who I feel would be impactful mentors for my path. Additionally, I have looked up presenters from this year’s Humans of IT to explore their work and resources to aid me in my journey of IT my way.

[Nicole Leonoff]

- What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? 

Choose Your Adventure: How to Hack Your Tech Career and Carve The Path YOU Want (Iasia Brown, Ryen Macababbad, Chloe Brown, Karen Alarcon - loved hearing how careers in IT are don't have to be a direct path from a computer engineering degree anymore, and how your experiences and interests can guide you.

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

It's so important to remember that tech is there to solve problems and to understand who you are solving them for, how you can use tech to make somebody's job, or even their day a little bit easier.

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

I've been watching sessions with colleagues in other provinces and holding side-chats over Teams during sessions to point out things of interest, or even just comment on the topics... it's taking the place of sitting with them during in-person sessions and giving them a nudge when the presenter says something interesting or relevant to a project we're working on.

[Troy Briley]

- What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why?

      I have two favorites so far, in no particular order: How to hack your career and The Intersection of AI and Humanity. Aside from the fact of the presenter rolling around on roller-skates or another using AI to solve a hidden problem of elderly care. With all the muck that has risen to the surface all over the world, it’s very empowering seeing people of all shapes and colors and backgrounds excelling in their field. What is also very empowering is hearing from the attendees in the chat rooms and seeing we share a lot of the same issues in and out of work. It feels good to help people that are going trough issues that you have faces and overcome.

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

            The human side of tech is important to mold technology in a way that benefits people. The term “There is an app.” for that is misleading, the term should be “I haven’t created that app yet” or “The problem hasn’t been solved yet.”.

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

            My last second trip to Ignite last year in was a bit easier to talk to people when I was approached first. At one table there were pins that said “Talk to me if you know me.”, “Talk to me anytime”, and “Not talking right now.”. I took all three and placed them on my badge lanyard. I found more people opened up to find out why I would wear all three at the same time and it opened up many conversations on social anxiety and work issues in general. At this year’s Ignite I have tried to answer questions posted with my own experience in hopes of helping the attendee asking the question and getting other attendees to participate that would not otherwise. I am also adding people to my backpack or reaching out in chat to introduce myself for networking. Admittedly its much easier online than it is in person. Seeing all the different people at Ignite definitely Ignites a fire. You not only feel like you are part of a global tech community but also part of a  global human community.

[njfan39]

What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? 

My favorite session today was Choose Your Adventure: How to Hack Your Tech Career and Carve The Path YOU Want. I enjoyed hearing about the moderators' journeys into the IT field. It was refreshing to hear tech leaders who did not start out in IT yet have been able to accomplish so much in the field. Also, Iasia was on roller skates. That might seem trivial but her starting out the meeting on a pair, I thought it helped create a relaxing environment and encourage open dialogue. 

Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

Ultimately, we aren't servicing machines, we are servicing people and sometimes it's important not to lose sight of that. Specific to this morning's session, I thought the panelists emphasized the importance of diversity in mind and spirit in order to make the most of technology, push it forward, and challenging IT pros to think outside the box.  

How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

The tech community boards have been interesting and I signed up for the mentor app. Maybe I become one some day, lol. 

[mcamiolo]

1. Choose your adventure 2. It's who the results are for 3. Twitter!

[Hamida REBAÏ]

- What was your favorite Microsoft Ignite Humans of IT session and why? 

My favorite session was: Leveraging Tech for Good: Empowering Nonprofits in a Global Pandemic

We are facing a Global Pandemic and many families are impacted during the confinement period, it was interesting to talk about the big effort done by nonprofit organizations, and the world start understands how the technology can be a big asset to help humanity, the world needs to know how we can use it and the challenge that we are face, and what I liked really is the role of the women in the technology during this pandemic.

- Why is it so important to embrace the human side of tech?

Technology becomes essential and a prerequisite to productivity in any businesses. And companies need to understand the need to integrate technology into its overall growth strategy. Technology can helps creating a communicative and open business environment, offers tools to the people to stay connected virtually within the organization, it can help you improve employee motivation through more efficient tracking of progress, technologies offers an advanced business analysis and reporting.

- How have you connected with other humans during the virtual Microsoft Ignite conference?

Two years ago I met many persons Human of the IT Community, I believe in diversity and I would like to be a part of this community, I'm a women with a diffrence, I'm an arabic Tunisian woman living in another country. I'm connected with many members and I joined the application to be a mentor, It is an important thing for me because I know what we mean is different in your country or in any counry in the world. 

[ShonaBang]

Thank you everyone for your participation! It's really heartening to see so many amazing entries - what an amazing journey it's been. As a special thank you and to officially wrap Microsoft Ignite 2020, we're actually going to pick FOUR winners for Day 2 so congratulations @Jennifer Eimertenbrink , @jkjerman , @Niko_IT and @LindsayTShelton. Please check your DMs/Tech Community inbox for information on how to claim your prize.

Hope you had a great Microsoft Ignite 2020 and see you next year! :)

#HumansofIT

#MSIgnite

[LindsayTShelton]

@ShonaBang OMG I'm SO excited!!  Thank you for doing this and putting on amazing sessions!

[Hamida REBAÏ]

Congratulations @Jennifer Eimertenbrink , @jkjerman , @Niko_IT and @LindsayTShelton!

@ShonaBang Thank you for your engagement and the sessions!

[Niko_IT]

@ShonaBang Thank you! I am humbled and appreciative of all who shared their response. The vast diversity with the interpretation of the questions create a whole new dynamic and experience. 

[ShonaBang]

Thank YOU @Hamida REBAÏ ! We'll have more giveaways in future so keep checking back, OK? Keep doing all you do for the community and rock on! :)