Contributor Stories: Kristina Devochko
Congratulations and welcome to this month’s recognized contributor, Kristina Devochko – cloud guru, tech contributor, content creator, blogger, speaker, and mentor. Kristina resides in Norway and is currently employed at Amesto Fortytwo as a principal cloud engineer. She’s the owner of the kristhecodingunicorn.com tech blog, a CNCF ambassador, Microsoft Azure MVP, CNCF TAG Environmental Sustainability tech lead, Kubernetes Unpacked podcast co-host, and co-organizer of multiple meetup groups. Throughout her career, Kristina has primarily focused on all things cloud native, Kubernetes, cloud security, and green tech. She believes in helping to make the world a better place, is passionate about volunteering with non-profit organizations, and frequently provides guidance to tech communities on building sustainable, secure, and cloud native systems. Recently, Kristina also added “Microsoft Learn contributor” to her list of accomplishments.Contributor Stories: John Aziz
We’re excited to have John Aziz here with us today. John, a frequent and valued contributor to both the Microsoft Learn platform and Microsoft Tech Community site, is passionate about Cloud Computing and Machine Learning. Based in Egypt, he recently graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and is now employed as a Software Engineer. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering, listening to music, attending events, and sharing his love of Microsoft Learn with others. John was chosen for this month’s Contributor Stories article because of his strong dedication to sharing knowledge with others on Microsoft Learn and other Microsoft platforms.Contributor Stories: Deepanshu Katara
If you’ve ever engaged with the content on the Microsoft Learn platform, the material you utilized was likely written or co-authored by dedicated contributors. These contributors, often volunteers, generously offer their time and expertise to fill knowledge gaps within our content portfolio by suggesting valuable updates to our material, sharing their knowledge within the Microsoft community, and/or answering questions on the Q&A area of the Microsoft Learn platform. In this interview series, we aim to acquaint ourselves with some of these valuable contributors. Through these conversations, we seek to understand their motivations for sharing their knowledge on Microsoft Learn and gain insights into their experiences. Welcome and congratulations on being our spotlighted contributor this month: Deepanshu Katara, a dedicated Lead Systems Engineer based in India. With around eight years of experience as a Cloud and DevOps Architect, Deepanshu has led high-impact projects for global clients in the retail, healthcare, and technology sectors. At EPAM Systems, Deepanshu spearheaded cloud migration and digital transformation initiatives using Azure DevOps, Terraform, and Bicep, ensuring seamless application deployment and operational excellence. Deepanshu is an active member of Microsoft Community Champions. This program identifies, engages, and rewards technology experts who frequently provide high-quality answers to customers' questions on Microsoft Learn Q&A. Deepanshu is an Azure technology subject matter expert (SME), specifically focuses on Azure Q&A. He has answered over 1,000+ questions - supporting thousands of Azure users on Microsoft Learn Q&A by unblocking them from technical roadblocks. Meet Deepanshu Deepanshu Katara, Lead Systems Engineer at Epam Systems and Microsoft MVP. Priyanka: Hi Deepanshu! It's great to have you with us today. Could you start by telling us a bit about your background and experience? Deepanshu: Absolutely, Priyanka! I’m happy to. I thrive in collaborative environments where I can mentor teams and drive innovation. My experience includes architecting Kubernetes infrastructure, implementing secure cloud solutions, and automating deployments. Additionally, I actively contribute to the Azure community by organizing and hosting the weekly Azure Tech Talk series, which fosters knowledge-sharing and collaboration within the organization. My dedication to excellence and innovation is evident in my commitment to mentoring, integrating Agile methodologies, and architecting secure, scalable cloud solutions. With years of experience as a Cloud and DevOps Architect, I bring a wealth of expertise in multi-cloud engineering, DevOps practices, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC). My journey has involved leading and contributing to high-impact projects for global clients across retail, healthcare, and technology sectors. Priyanka: That’s wonderful to hear! Thank you for sharing your impressive background, Deepanshu. Your extensive experience in multi-cloud engineering, DevOps practices, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is commendable. What inspired you to begin your journey with Microsoft Learn and the Microsoft Tech Community? Deepanshu: My journey as a top contributor began as a curious user seeking solutions to my Azure-related questions on a Q&A platform. Initially, I relied heavily on the community to resolve challenges, and this invaluable resource shaped my early understanding of Azure. Over time, as I gained knowledge and practical experience, I realized the power of shared expertise and decided to give back by contributing to the same platform that had once guided me. This transition from a learner to a contributor marked the beginning of a fulfilling journey. What keeps me motivated is the dual benefit of contributing: helping others while continuously growing myself. Sharing expertise not only allows me to support the community but also ensures I stay updated with the latest technologies and tools in Azure. Engaging with diverse questions and scenarios sharpens my problem-solving skills and deepens my technical knowledge. Additionally, it helps me refine my soft skills, such as communication and mentorship, enabling me to articulate complex concepts clearly and effectively. This mutual exchange of learning and giving back makes contributing a deeply rewarding experience, fueling my passion to remain an active participant in the community. Priyanka: It's truly inspiring to hear how you transitioned from a learner to a top contributor and how your dedication to helping others has fueled your own growth. Your commitment to fostering a knowledge-sharing culture and driving innovation within the Azure community is commendable. I’d love to know what led you to start contributing to Microsoft Learn. What inspired you to take that step and become an active participant in the community? Deepanshu: Contributing to the Microsoft Learn platform has been pivotal in advancing my career and enhancing my skill set. Engaging with the community has allowed me to explore a wide range of Azure technologies and scenarios beyond my daily responsibilities. This exposure has significantly broadened my technical expertise, keeping me up-to-date with the latest advancements in Azure and related tools. Additionally, crafting detailed and precise responses to complex queries has honed my problem-solving abilities and improved my capability to communicate technical concepts effectively. This experience has also boosted my confidence in sharing knowledge and mentoring others, positively impacting my leadership skills. It has strengthened my ability to think critically and adapt quickly to new challenges. By actively contributing, I have not only solidified my understanding of Azure technologies but also gained recognition within the community, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations in my professional journey. 🙂 Priyanka: That's fantastic! Having real-time visibility of potential problems on the Q&A site, along with exposure to diverse solutions, can significantly impact someone's technical growth. I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying it and making a difference by helping hundreds of users. Could you shed some light on your experience partnering with Microsoft as part of Microsoft Community Champions so far? Deepanshu: Partnering with Microsoft through the Azure Community Champions program has been an incredibly collaborative and empowering experience. One recent example that stands out is when I needed assistance in designing an audit framework for Azure resources at the management group level. The task was complex and required a thorough understanding of Azure's hierarchical resource organization, policies, and best practices. Reaching out to the community of fellow champions proved invaluable. I received exceptional support and insights from other champions who shared their expertise, tools, and real-world experiences, helping me craft a robust and scalable framework. This experience highlighted the strength of the Azure Community Champions program as not just a knowledge-sharing platform but a collaborative network where professionals support each other in solving advanced technical challenges. It reaffirmed the value of being part of such a passionate and knowledgeable group, fostering continuous learning and mutual growth while contributing to impactful Azure solutions. Priyanka: I’m glad you got that little nudge to join our Microsoft Q&A Community and to contribute to it – sounds like it was an excellent experience for you. What advice would you give to people who want to start contributing to technical community forums? Deepanshu: For those looking to start contributing to forums, my advice is to begin by identifying areas you are passionate about or technologies you frequently use. Start small—explore existing open-source projects, participate in discussions, or address issues flagged by the community. You don’t need to be an expert; even updating documentation, fixing minor bugs, or sharing feedback can make a significant impact. Platforms like MS Q&A and other community forums provide an excellent starting point for discovering projects and interacting with contributors. Consistency and collaboration are key to building your presence in the open-source community. Approach your contributions with a learning mindset and focus on adding value while honing your skills. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance from experienced contributors; open source thrives on inclusivity and mentorship. Over time, contributing will enhance your technical expertise and improve your collaboration and problem-solving skills, creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. Priyanka: Awesome insight and advice, thanks! One final question for you. One purpose of this interview is to learn a little about the person behind the contributions. What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Deepanshu: Outside of work, I am an avid sports enthusiast and love engaging in physical activities. I frequently participate in corporate cricket tournaments and enjoy playing basketball. Athletics have always been a significant part of my life—I used to compete in the shot put, which instilled in me discipline and a love for competition. Staying active through sports not only keeps me physically fit but also enhances my teamwork and focus, qualities I bring into my professional life. In addition to sports, I enjoy spending my free time watching movies and relaxing with my son, who bring immense joy and relaxation to my routine. These activities provide a perfect balance to my tech-driven career, keeping me refreshed and inspired while offering opportunities for connection and leisure. Priyanka: That's wonderful to hear! Engaging in sports and physical activities is a fantastic way to stay fit and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Participating in corporate cricket tournaments and playing basketball must be a lot of fun. Well, it was wonderful meeting you today. Before we finish up, is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience contributing? Deepanshu: Thanks, Priyanka. It was nice to meet you, as well! I'd like to share that contributing to the community has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has allowed me to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded professionals continuously. The support and collaboration within the community have been invaluable, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back and help others on their journey. Thank you for having me! Priyanka: It was great having you, Deepanshu. I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors. Kudos to you for all the great work you have been doing with the online communities and Microsoft Learn Q&A forum. Thank you. Keep up with Deepanshu: Personal website: https://dkatara.wordpress.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepanshu-katara-1ab365152 X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/imkatara Credly: https://www.credly.com/users/deepanshu-katara Medium: https://medium.com/@dkatara.pandit Contribute at Microsoft: To Contribute to Microsoft Learn, visit Microsoft Learn Contributor Home. To be a part of Microsoft Community Champions Program and contribute to the Microsoft Learn Q&A for Azure sign up using this formContributor Stories: Muhammad Samiullah
If you’ve ever engaged with content on the Microsoft Learn platform, it's highly likely that the material you utilized was written or co-authored by dedicated contributors. These contributors, often volunteers, generously offer their time and expertise to fill knowledge gaps within our portfolio and ensure the content remains up to date. In this Contributor Spotlight interview series, we aim to acquaint ourselves with some of these valuable contributors. Through these conversations, we seek to understand their motivations for sharing their knowledge and gain insights into their experiences. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Muhammad Samiullah, a valued and respected contributor to various Microsoft platforms and initiatives. Muhammad lives in Pakistan and is currently employed at a private IT company as a Cloud Engineer. In this role, he leverages his innate curiosity for tech to troubleshoot, resolve issues, and maintain smooth cloud operations. As part of his professional journey, Muhammad is also recognized as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP), a testament to his deep expertise and contributions to the tech community. He believes in empowering others through education and enjoys sharing his experiences to help others navigate their own journeys. In his free time, he loves connecting with nature, traveling, and immersing himself in different cultures. Here are some of Muhammad’s recent contributions to learn.microsoft.com and techcommunity.microsoft.com: Tooling, Git and GitHub products Introduction to Azure for Students – Training Exploring the Synergy between Web Development and Artificial Intelligence: A Beginner's Guide Free and Easy Coding: Your Guide to GitHub Codespaces for Students Meet Muhammad Sherry: Hi Muhammad! Wonderful to finally meet you! I know you have lots of great information to share with our listeners today, so let’s jump right in and get started! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, such as your background, experience, and involvement with Microsoft Learn? Muhammad: Hey Sherry! Sure, and thanks for having me here today. As far as my background, I’m passionate about cloud technology. I live in Karachi, Pakistan, and I’m in my final year of college, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science. I currently work for a private IT company as a Trainee Cloud Engineer. My primary responsibility is to maintain smooth cloud operations, so typically that means troubleshooting and resolving issues. While attending college, I’ve been very fortunate to serve as a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador. In this role, I’ve been able to contribute to lots of Microsoft initiatives that have allowed me to advance my career, gain valuable skills, achieve personal milestones, and give me a hefty sense of fulfillment! Some of the Microsoft Learn contributions I’m most proud of are: coauthoring user-friendly Azure Cloud training modules for students, identifying multiple bugs as part of the Microsoft Learn Bug Bash event, and adding a few Azure Static Web App and Azure App Service projects to the Microsoft Academic content repository. I’m a big fan of the Microsoft Tech Community site, as well – both reading the posts and publishing my own. Last year, I wrote and published a post about GitHub Codespaces and another one about the Online AI Text Translator. In addition to my enthusiasm for sharing my knowledge and experience via open-source content, I love mentoring students and organizing local community events. For example, I established a Microsoft Learn community at my university and later founded the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors (MLSA) Karachi community, a citywide community of Microsoft Learn that introduces Microsoft products and Azure cloud services to thousands of students. I also organized cloud study groups to help students successfully pass the Azure Fundamentals certification (AZ-900) exam. Recently, I mentored students for the Microsoft 2024 Imagine Cup event by teaching them how to use Azure, Azure Open AI Service, and Azure Cognitive Services. Sherry: I’m truly in awe of your determination and commitment (and multitasking abilities - hahaha) to juggle all that you do – college, career, and various Microsoft Student Ambassador activities. Thanks for sharing all that and huge kudos to you. What prompted you to start contributing to Microsoft initiatives in the first place, and what inspires you to continue? Muhammad: My inspiration to start contributing to Microsoft Learn and Microsoft Tech Community stemmed from two of my big passions – technology and a desire to empower others through education. As I advanced in my own learning journey, I realized how impactful both the Learn platform and Tech Community site were in providing resources and support to students and professionals alike. This sense of community and shared learning environment motivated me to get involved and contribute my own knowledge and experiences to help others navigate their journeys. Seeing the tangible impact of my work on the lives and careers of others is what motivates me to keep contributing. Whether through creating user-friendly learning modules, finding and reporting bugs in content, or organizing community events, every opportunity to support and guide individuals in their growth strengthens my dedication and continued involvement. Additionally, collaborating with industry experts and fellow contributors in the Microsoft Tech Community allows me to expand my own knowledge and fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. All of this fuels my motivation to keep giving back! Sherry: Wow! I don’t know if anyone’s ever told you this before, Muhammad, but whenever you mention your contributing and mentoring experiences, you truly LIGHT UP! Your heartfelt enthusiasm and genuine dedication for contributing are as clear as day! How about your own personal journey? Has contributing to Microsoft helped you gain any new skills and/or advanced your career/education? Muhammad: Yes and yes! Contributing to Microsoft Learn and Microsoft Tech Community have been instrumental in helping me to grow professionally, academically, and personally. Overall, my Microsoft experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of Azure services/cloud ecosystem, strengthened my passion for technology, and motivated me to continue helping students explore new technologies without limitations. Coauthoring Microsoft Learn modules and writing articles for Microsoft Tech Community have enhanced my communication skills and increased my knowledge of cloud technologies, open-source development, and documentation practices. Engaging with Microsoft sites and working with Microsoft professionals have improved my collaboration, leadership, and technical skills. And last but not least, organizing Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador (MLSA) events, mentoring others, and guiding students in their own technical journeys were invaluable experiences for me. These community-related opportunities helped me achieve two personal milestones: making a positive impact in the tech community and receiving public recognition for my efforts. I’m incredibly grateful for all that I’ve experienced and learned thus far with my Microsoft contributions and initiatives! Sherry: That’s fantastic! It’s wonderful to hear all the ways that contributing to Microsoft has enriched your life! Do you have any advice for folks who want to start contributing to the Microsoft Learn platform? Muhammad: That’s a really great question. I think it’s important for new contributors to first begin by simply identifying projects that align with their interests and expertise. Start with areas they’re passionate about and familiar with, as this makes contributions more meaningful and enjoyable. Basically, take the time to explore different open-source projects, read documentation, and understand their community’s guidelines and contribution processes. Once they find a project or content they want to contribute to, start small and gradually increase their involvement. Look for tasks such as fixing bugs, improving documentation, or adding new features. Also, they shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from the content’s maintainers and community members. Communication and collaboration are key to successful open-source contributions. Finally, be patient and persistent – open-source contributions can be incredibly rewarding, offering opportunities for growth and meaningful connections within the tech community. Sherry: Yes! That’s really helpful advice – start small to build up your comfort and confidence. Thanks for saying that. So, I have one final question for you, Muhammad. Do you mind sharing what your personal hobbies and interests are – what you like to do in your free time? I’d love to know more about YOU, the person behind all of the fabulous contributions! Muhammad: Of course, I’m happy to, Sherry. For starters, I definitely try to maintain a healthy work-life balance, so aside from work and college, I find great joy in doing things that allow me to relax and rejuvenate. One of my favorite activities is planting. I enjoy nurturing plants and watching them grow, which brings a sense of calm and fulfillment to my day. It's a peaceful way to connect with nature and take a break from the fast-paced world of technology. Traveling is another passion of mine. Exploring new places and immersing myself in different cultures opens my mind to new perspectives and experiences. Whether it's a short trip to a nearby destination or a journey to a far-off place, I cherish the opportunity to discover new landscapes, try local cuisines, and meet people from all walks of life. For me, traveling gives me incredible inspiration and energy to take back to my professional and academic pursuits. Sherry: Yep, I completely agree. Connecting with nature is super relaxing for me, as well. I love sitting outside in my quiet, wooded backyard – just reading and listening to nature sounds! Perfection! Thanks so much for spending this time with me today, Muhammad, and for sharing your experiences with our listeners. I’m looking forward to reading your future Microsoft contributions. Oops, I almost forgot! Wishing you a BIG congratulations on earning your bachelor’s degree and graduating college! 😊🎉👏🏼 Keep up with Muhammad: Personal website: https://msamiullah.tech/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msamiullah-dev/ X (Formally known as Twitter): https://twitter.com/samipak458 Azure Heroes: https://nft.io/profile/efSbK45fmZGhT2bu7aC7TZKjgHdhviHGaD6BqtQH8XUHTE69S/owned?sort=most-recent Credly: https://www.credly.com/users/muhammad-samiullah.4c8908f1 Learn more: To learn more about contributing to Microsoft Learn, visit Microsoft Learn Contributor Home. To learn more about both the Microsoft Student Ambassador Program and the Microsoft MVP Program, visit the Microsoft Community Leaders page. To learn more about the new Community Content site on Microsoft Learn, including how to join, visit Microsoft Learn Community Content.Contributor Stories: Amira Bedhiafi
If you’ve ever engaged with the content on the Microsoft Learn platform, it's highly likely that the material you utilized was written or co-authored by dedicated contributors. These contributors, often volunteers, generously offer their time and expertise to fill knowledge gaps within our content portfolio by suggesting valuable updates to our material, sharing their knowledge within the Microsoft community, and/or answering questions on the Q&A area of the Microsoft Learn platform. In this interview series, we aim to acquaint ourselves with some of these valuable contributors. Through these conversations, we seek to understand their motivations for sharing their knowledge on Microsoft Learn and gain insights into their experiences. Meet Amira Bedhiafi, who leads the Power BI User Group in Tunisia and has facilitated numerous sessions, including the “Dashboard in A Day” workshops. Amira is also recognized as a Microsoft MVP in the Microsoft Data Platform. Her contributions across platforms like Microsoft Learn, and the Fabric Community showcase her commitment to sharing knowledge and helping others navigate the complexities of business intelligence. Amira is one of our top contributors from the Microsoft Community Champions. This program identifies, engages, and rewards technology experts who provide high-quality answers to on Microsoft Learn Q&A. Amira's dedication and expertise significantly impact the community, helping users navigate and resolve their technical challenges effectively. She embodies the spirit of community support, contributing valuable insights and solutions. Her involvement in writing for MSSQLTips and C# Corner, along with her LinkedIn newsletter, highlights her passion for continuous learning and empowering organizations to leverage their data effectively. Meet Amira Full Stack Business Intelligence Engineer & Microsoft MVP Priyanka: Welcome, Amira! Congratulations on being recognized as a top Microsoft contributor in the Microsoft Q&A community and featured in this month’s Contributor Stories article! Our listeners are excited to learn about your contributions and what inspired you to get involved with Microsoft. Before we dive into that, could you share a bit about your background and experience? Amira: Thank you, Priyanka! I’m truly honoured to have been nominated for the Contributor Stories program. It feels surreal and incredibly exciting! My journey of becoming a tech Jedi, guided by the resources from Microsoft Learn has been great. Sharing my passion for data has not only brought me immense satisfaction but also helped me achieve my ultimate career aspiration—promotion! Through teaching others, I’ve transformed into a BI wizard, celebrated with high-fives from fellow data enthusiasts, and had the opportunity to speak at various events while securing exciting projects. My rise as a data nerd has led me to become a BI superstar, earning the esteemed Microsoft MVP award and acquiring a wealth of new skills along the way! Priyanka: That’s wonderful to hear! Your dedication and enthusiasm for helping others shine through! What inspired you to begin your journey with Microsoft Learn and the Microsoft Tech Community? Amira: My journey as a contributor in Business Intelligence started with a genuine passion for data and its transformative power. Early on, I recognized how valuable data-driven insights could be for businesses, helping them make informed decisions and drive growth. This realization motivated me to explore the data landscape, especially within the Microsoft ecosystem. The robust tools and platforms from Microsoft, both on-premises and in Azure, became my playground for honing my skills and crafting innovative solutions. The support and feedback from the community further ignited my desire to share my knowledge. What keeps me engaged is the ever-evolving nature of Business Intelligence. There’s always something new to learn—be it a cutting-edge technology, a fresh approach to data analysis, or a unique solution to a common challenge. The sense of community within the Microsoft tech communities, Stack Overflow, Microsoft Learn, and Fabric is incredibly inspiring. Knowing that my articles shared through my LinkedIn newsletter, MSSQLTips, and C# Corner, can positively impact someone’s project or career is immensely rewarding. Being recognized as an MVP in the Microsoft Data Platform not only validates my efforts but also motivates me to push the boundaries of what’s possible with data. Ultimately, my goal is to empower others to fully leverage their data, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement in the industry. Priyanka: Absolutely! I completely agree—continuous learning and sharing knowledge not only keeps our minds sharp but also fosters a vibrant community. As for my career, contributing has been incredibly beneficial. It has opened numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration, allowing me to connect with like-minded professionals and experts in the field. Through these interactions, I’ve gained new skills and insights that I might not have encountered otherwise. What about you? Have you noticed any specific skills or opportunities that have come your way through your contributions? Amira: Contributing to the Microsoft Learn platform has greatly enhanced my career and broadened my skill set. Engaging with this platform keeps me updated on the latest advancements in Microsoft technologies, ensuring my knowledge stays relevant. Creating and sharing content has deepened my understanding of complex concepts, as teaching often requires a more thorough grasp of the subject. This ongoing process of learning and sharing has not only solidified my expertise but also improved my problem-solving skills and adaptability to new tools and methodologies. Moreover, the exposure and recognition I've gained from my contributions have opened many professional opportunities. Being an active contributor has connected me with a wide network of like-minded professionals and industry leaders, fostering valuable collaborations and knowledge exchange. These connections have led to invitations to speak at conferences, participate in exclusive projects, and engage in thought leadership activities. Overall, my involvement with Microsoft Learn has been crucial for my professional growth, equipping me with new skills and establishing me as a thought leader in the Business Intelligence community. Priyanka: It’s inspiring to hear how much contributing to the Microsoft Learn platform has positively impacted your career! Your commitment to staying updated on the latest advancements in Microsoft technologies is commendable, and it’s great that creating and sharing content has deepened your understanding of complex concepts. The way you describe the connections you’ve made and the opportunities that have arisen from your contributions really highlights the value of community engagement. Speaking at conferences and participating in exclusive projects must be incredibly rewarding! What advice do you have for folks who want to start contributing to the Microsoft Learn platform? Amira: For anyone interested in contributing to open-source projects, my top piece of advice is to start small and select a project or community that resonates with your interests and expertise. Begin by tackling issues or feature requests that you feel comfortable with; this will help you build momentum and confidence as you make meaningful contributions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance from the community. Open-source communities are typically welcoming and supportive, with many experienced contributors eager to assist newcomers. Engaging in discussions and seeking feedback not only enhances your contributions but also fosters your learning and growth. Make it a habit to document your work and share your learning journey. Whether through blog posts, tutorials, or social media, sharing your experiences can inspire others and position you as an informed and active community member. Lastly, be patient and persistent. Open-source contributions can be challenging, but the skills you develop, the connections you forge, and the fulfillment of contributing to something greater than yourself make it all worthwhile. Priyanka: Great advice—thank you for sharing! I have one more question, if you don’t mind. I’d love to learn more about you—the person behind the contributions. What hobbies do you enjoy? How do you like to spend your free time when you’re not working or contributing? Amira: When I’m not deep in the world of data and technology, I enjoy immersing myself in books and documentaries that explore different cultures. This passion for cultural exploration fuels my love for travel, as I seek to understand the diverse opportunities and startup ecosystems around the globe. Whether I’m uncovering a new entrepreneurial hub or learning about unique cultural practices, these experiences enrich my perspective and inspire my work. Exploring new places and ideas keeps my curiosity alive and continuously sparks my creativity, both personally and professionally. Priyanka: That sounds incredibly enriching! Your passion for cultural exploration and travel really shines through. It’s amazing how immersing yourself in different cultures can inspire your work and creativity. Before we finish up, is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience contributing? Amira: I just want to emphasize how incredible my experiences have been contributing to Microsoft Learn, advocating for Microsoft products, serving as a Microsoft Community Champion in the azure data landscape, and recently becoming a Microsoft MVP! It’s truly been an amazing journey! Priyanka: That's a wonderful final note! Thank you, Amira, for sharing your insights and contributions. I can’t wait to read your future contributions. Keep inspiring us! Keep up with Amira: LinkedIn page (if applicable): https://www.linkedin.com/in/amira-bedhiafi/ X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AmiraBedhiafi?mx=2 Blog (C#corner): https://www.c-sharpcorner.com/members/amira-bedhiafi MSSQLTips: https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlserverauthor/458/amira-bedhiafi/ Contribute at Microsoft: Contributing to Microsoft Learn, visit Microsoft Learn Contributor Home. Be part of Microsoft Community Champions Program and contribute to the Microsoft Learn Q&A by signing up this formContributor Stories: Sean Killeen
We are excited to have Sean Killeen here with us today. Sean was chosen for this month’s Contributor Stories article because of his strong dedication to sharing knowledge with others. He is a frequent and valued contributor to the Microsoft Learn platform and is based in the USA.Contributor Stories: Samson Amaugo
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Samson Amaugo, a full stack Web Developer and Microsoft MVP. Samson is one of the top contributors for ASP.NET Core content, where he regularly contributes to by improving documentation, providing excellent code samples, and answering customer questions. Samson is also a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Lead and GitHub Campus Expert at Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Samson has deep passion for automation and building intelligent systems with the assistance of machine learning or AIContributor Stories: Emad Al-Mousa
Today, we’re pleased to introduce one of our recently recognized contributors, Emad Al-Mousa. Emad is based in Saudi Arabia and has 17+ years’ experience in the IT and Data Platform fields at the largest energy company in the world, Saudi Aramco. He has extensive experience in multiple domains such as Cloud Computing, Database Systems, and Cybersecurity and has been recognized by several tech companies for his security vulnerability findings that helped to improve the security of software products.
