People of Purview: Elie El Karkafi

How long have you been working with Microsoft products? 

I am a Microsoft MVP in Security and a results-driven and dedicated Senior Solutions Architect with more than 14 years of professional experience in Microsoft Technologies. I have in-depth experience in Cloud, Security, Enterprise Mobility, Messaging & Collaboration, and IT Infrastructure. I am dedicated to customer satisfaction with focused delivery of technical solutions.

I'm a proven leader in directing operations, maintenance, and support of complex systems. Highly adept in request for proposal development, technology needs assessment and staff training.

How (and when) did you get involved in the Microsoft Community? (MCCP, MVP) Tell us about your journey!

I became a member of the Microsoft Customer Connection Program (MCCP) in 2022 and was honored with the Microsoft MVP award in Security in 2023. Throughout my time in the MCCP, I’ve consistently contributed valuable insights and feedback to help enhance Microsoft Security products.

Over the past years, I’ve been recognized as one of the top contributors across several MCCP focus areas—ranking second in Security, and first in Identity, Management, and Purview in the last two years. My contributions have earned me multiple accolades, including the Community Rockstar Award and Community Leader Awards in Security, Management, Entra, and Purview, along with several Partner of the Month honors.

My engagement spans more than 150 private previews, 200 surveys, 50 focus groups, and 50 one-on-one feedback sessions with Microsoft product teams. I’ve been actively involved in shaping the future of AI and Microsoft Security Copilot, including identifying and resolving bugs in Copilot for Entra and Purview.

As a Security Design Partner, I’ve collaborated directly with Microsoft designers on key features such as XDR Case Management and Microsoft Entra Conditional Access Optimization Agent.

The MVP recognition not only validates my expertise but also enhances my professional credibility, supporting both client engagements and career growth.

Being an MVP provides early access to Microsoft products and services, allowing me to deliver cutting-edge solutions. It also opens direct communication channels with Microsoft product teams, enabling me to influence product development and stay informed about upcoming features and roadmaps.

What do you find most rewarding about being a community member?

Being part of Microsoft Customer Connection Program (MCCP) significantly enhanced and diversified my skill sets in many ways:

1. 1. Product Innovation: Contributed to the enhancement of Microsoft products—specifically Defender, Sentinel, Entra, Purview, and Intune—by supporting the development of new features and improved functionalities.
   2. Community Empowerment: Actively supported peers in engaging with Microsoft Customer Connection Programs (MCCP), helping them amplify their impact through increased contributions and facilitating more direct interactions with product teams.
   3. Program Advocacy: Championed participation in Microsoft initiatives by providing strategic feedback and encouraging broader community involvement to drive continuous improvement.
   4. Collaborative Development: Partnered closely with Microsoft Product Groups and UX Designers, delivering in-depth user feedback to influence product direction and usability.
   5. Program Shaping: Leveraged personal experience within Microsoft programs to help co-develop and refine these initiatives in collaboration with internal teams.
   6. Tool Creation: Designed and launched a security calculator—originally built for internal use—which is now widely adopted by CCP members to assess and compare Microsoft security solutions and simulate associated costs.

What advice do you have for others who would like to get involved in their Microsoft Community?

To all Folks, look for opportunities to join programs like the Microsoft Customer Connection Program (MCCP), MVP program, or private previews. These give you direct access to product teams and a chance to influence development through feedback.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, share your experiences, or offer help. Even small contributions like answering a question or sharing a tip can make a big impact and help you build credibility

Community involvement is a journey. Stay curious, keep learning, and show up regularly. Over time, your presence and contributions will be recognized!!!

And the most important thing is to stay humble!!!

Do you have anything you’d like to promote or recommend? (your blog or podcast, an article you recommend, a book everyone should read, etc)

• • Security Calculator that I Built: Login - Microsoft Security Calculator
  • Personal website where my blogs are posted : Elie El Karkafi - MVP - Personal Blog
  • LinkedIn Page: (1) Elie El Karkafi | LinkedIn
  • Credly Profile: https://www.credly.com/users/eliekarkafy
  • MVP Profile: MVP Communities

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Elie is based in Dallas, Texas and is a Senior Solutions Architect at ampiO Solutions. (Listen.Develop.Deliver - ampiO Solutions)
Banner photos (above) are from Elie's trip to Spain visiting Santiago Bernabeu stadium as he is a fan of Real Madrid football Team.

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Stay tuned to meet more People of Purview! If you would like to get involved with the Microsoft Security Community, here are some quick actions you can take: 

• Log in (here, on Tech Community!) and follow:
• The Purview Community - post questions, respond to community members
• The all-up Microsoft Security Blog 
• Join the Security Community mailing list
• Join the Customer Connection Program 
• Check out this Community Choice article for a comprehensive list of Microsoft Security Community offerings.