From ASP.NET to Angular: My MVP Story - Sonu Kapoor
By Guest Blogger Sonu Kapoor Early Contributions and Community Building Nearly two decades ago, my curiosity about ASP.NET sparked something bigger than just learning a framework. I started writing technical articles, not just to document what I was learning, but because I wanted to make the path smoother for developers coming after me. To my surprise, some of those articles became the most-read in their categories. That success pushed me to take a bigger leap. I founded DotNetSlackers, one of the earliest community hubs for .NET, built in ASP.NET 1.0 with MS SQL Server as the backend and dozens of SSIS packages to automate SQL jobs. The site ultimately reached more than 33 million views and hosted contributions from over 100 authors. For many developers, it became their first doorway into ASP.NET and modern web practices. I eventually retired the platform after more than a decade of activity, and I am no longer affiliated with the domain that exists today, but its legacy remains part of the shared history of the .NET community. This commitment to community earned me recognition as a Microsoft MVP for ASP.NET in 2005, a distinction I proudly held for several consecutive years. More than the award itself, it symbolized that my contributions were making a global impact through mentorship, writing, and building spaces where developers could thrive. Growing Through Enterprise Experience As my career advanced, I carried that same mindset into the enterprise world. At Citigroup, Cisco, Sony, and American Apparel, I wasn’t just building systems; I was solving problems that impacted thousands of users and billions of dollars in transactions. From global trading platforms for bonds and swaps to RFID-enabled enterprise retail systems, my “why” was about reliability and trust: creating mission-critical software people could depend on just as developers depended on the knowledge I shared through community work. Coming Full Circle In 2024, more than a decade after my first MVP, I was re-awarded the MVP in Developer Technologies this time for my work with Angular and AI-powered applications. By then, my “why” had expanded. It wasn’t just about teaching anymore; it was about shaping the tools themselves. I helped co-author Angular’s Typed Forms (the most upvoted feature request in Angular history), authored multiple books, including AI-Powered App Development, Beginning JavaScript Syntax, and Practical Angular Signals. I have also joined the ranks of both Google Developer Experts (GDE) and the exclusive Angular Collaborators program (one of only 11 worldwide). Besides that, I became the core maintainer of ngx-layout, an open-source Angular library that now receives over 25,000 weekly downloads, helping developers across the globe structure applications more effectively. Why keep pushing forward? Because the ecosystem is bigger than any one of us. If I can influence a framework used by millions, or an open-source project relied on by tens of thousands each week, I can multiply my impact in ways I never imagined back when I was writing my first ASP.NET articles. A Legacy of Mentorship and Innovation Today, I continue to balance writing, mentoring, and enterprise engineering while also speaking at international conferences to share what I’ve learned with the wider community. I’ve seen firsthand that a single article, a single community, or a single open-source feature can change the course of someone’s career. My journey from creating DotNetSlackers to contributing to Angular is not just about recognition. It’s about building a culture of sharing, mentorship, and innovation that will outlast me. The MVP award has been an incredible honour, but I’ve always seen it as a milestone in a much larger journey of lifting others and shaping the future of technology. Want to join Sonu and others to make a difference? Nominate someone, share your journey, or encourage the next generation of innovators to join the MVP community. Learn more about the MVP Program on the MVP Communities site. Follow us on social media on X and LinkedIn.TechNexus: A Best Practice in Building Passion-Driven Tech User Group
This blog is part of a new Microsoft MVP-led Tech User Group Series highlighting the best practices of user groups worldwide. Across regions, user groups are inspiring people, building careers, and shaping the future of technology. Each story we share will spotlight leaders and communities who are proving that passion, collaboration, and inclusivity can change lives. To begin, we are proud to feature TechNexus Community from India—a movement that has reached over 10,000 people through 15 in-person tech events in just six months, and one that continues to set the bar for community-driven impact. The Story of TechNexus Technology is never just about tools; it’s about people who come together to share, learn, and grow. Over the last six months, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how a single idea—creating a space for authentic learning—turned into something far greater. The TechNexus Community, founded by Microsoft MVPs Vinodh Kumar and Mohammed Azarudeen, began with the vision of bringing people together. Today, it has become one of the most inspiring examples of what user groups can achieve: impact, belonging, and empowerment. TechNexus was founded by Microsoft MVPs Vinodh Kumar and Mohamed Azarudeen, united by a shared belief: knowledge should be shared freely, and impact should come before everything else. With backgrounds in Data & AI, they envisioned something more than meetups. They imagined a platform where professionals, students, and leaders could connect authentically, collaborate openly, and grow together. That vision quickly became reality. In only half a year, TechNexus has hosted 15 in-person events and delivered 64 technical sessions, powered by an incredible line-up of 64 speakers—including 32 MVPs, Microsoft employees, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and technologists. Each speaker brought their unique perspective, turning every session into more than just a talk. They became shared experiences that left participants inspired and empowered. Yet what sets TechNexus apart isn’t scale—it’s authenticity. The community runs on passion alone: no ticket sales, no agencies, no commercial agendas. Every event is organized and supported entirely by volunteers. That often means late nights, personal contributions, and countless hours of planning. But it also means something deeper: a sense of ownership and belonging that can’t be manufactured. This authenticity is why people trust TechNexus. It is why attendees return, why volunteers commit, and why the movement continues to grow stronger month after month. The Impact in Numbers—and Beyond In six months, TechNexus reached over 10,000 people. But the true measure of impact lies not in numbers, but in stories: 💬 “At first, I honestly wasn’t sure how a one-day event could change anything. I came in feeling like a loser with no job and no direction. But I met wonderful people here—techies who were open, supportive, and encouraging. Slowly, my confidence grew. Finally, I landed a good job after months of struggle. For me, that event wasn’t just a day—it was the turning point where I found hope, friends, and a future.” — Aravindh 💬 "From day one I felt included and encouraged to join discussions. Volunteering gave me a chance to give back, and what I love most is how people here share ideas and encourage each other. I’m glad to be part of TechNexus and look forward to contributing and growing with the community." — Lekhashree Y C 💬 "Having recently presented at a TechNexus conference, I was thoroughly impressed by their promptness and professionalism. This community bridges seasoned professionals and emerging talent beautifully. Their events are well-organized, inclusive, and vibrant—a model for others." — Prasanna V Nagarajan 💬 “Becoming a volunteer opened my eyes to the tech world. I’m an introvert, but this community is helping me speak up and grow into a better version of myself. For that, I’m truly thankful.” — Adithi These stories reflect the true success of TechNexus: transforming lives through learning, belonging, and collaboration. What Makes TechNexus a Best Practice Several elements make TechNexus stand out as a best practice for global user groups: Authenticity: Entirely community-driven with no commercial agenda. Inclusivity: Creating space for students, professionals, women, and volunteers alike. Collaboration: MVPs, Microsoft employees, and industry leaders working side by side. Impact-first mindset: Focus on transformation, not transactions. For Microsoft, communities like TechNexus represent the future of learning. They demonstrate that when people come together with passion, consistency, and a shared purpose, even the biggest challenges can be overcome. Call to Action The journey of TechNexus has only just begun. Over the next six months, the community plans to scale further—welcoming more voices, more collaborations, and more opportunities to grow together. For those inspired by this story, there are ways to get involved right now. Visual Studio Dev Days offers opportunities across the globe to join local user group events, explore the power of Visual Studio Code and GitHub Copilot, and connect with communities near you. It’s a great way to take the first step into authentic, in-person learning experiences. And if you’re based in India, you can follow the TechNexus Community and participate in the Skill-Up India program, designed to help students and professionals grow their skills in Azure and AI run by TechNexus. Because at TechNexus—and in every great community—the message is clear: together, we rise. Resources TechNexus Community LinkedIn TechNexus Community | Meetup Skill-Up India Program Visual Studio Dev Days Developer Communities | Microsoft DeveloperKCDC: Where Global Voices Drive Local Innovation
At the heart of the Kansas City Developer Conference (KCDC) is a vibrant, inclusive community—one that empowers developers from around the world to connect, collaborate, and innovate. This year, Microsoft MVPs brought their expertise and passion to the event, uplifting others and sparking curiosity across every session. We caught up with a few of them, to hear their reflections on the experience and what makes KCDC such a standout event in the developer world. MVP Dennie Declercq: Hospitality That Fuels Innovation How far would you go for a great developer conference? For MVP Dennie Declercq, the answer is over 4,500 miles (7,000+ km) —crossing continents and time zones from Belgium all the way to Kansas City, Missouri! Dennie’s journey to KCDC wasn’t just about the miles; it was about the magnetic pull of a truly special event. He shared, “KCDC has an incredibly welcoming vibe for speakers. They celebrate their Kansas City roots with legendary BBQ and unique speaker shirts, but what really sets them apart is how they treat their speakers. KCDC challenges the status quo—offering professional photo shoots that speakers can use for personal branding and their professional lives. It’s a level of hospitality and appreciation you don’t find everywhere.” Louella Creemers at KCDC MVP Louella Creemers: Belief That Crosses Borders Sometimes, the most important journeys aren’t measured in miles—they’re measured in encouragement and support. For MVP Louella Creemers, her path from the Netherlands to the Kansas City Developer Conference began long before she ever booked a flight. Lou’s KCDC story started in 2021 when she began sharing online her aspirations to speak and run workshops. The KCDC organizers saw her potential and reached out with a simple message: “You should totally come to KCDC and give a talk.” That early support made Louella feel part of the community, even when she was still studying and unable to travel. “I flew 7,000+ km to KCDC because it’s the conference that believed in me before I’d ever set foot on a stage.” Louella recalls. In 2025, with a job that supports her passion for sharing knowledge, she finally fulfilled that promise—bringing her unique perspective to sessions on topics like inclusive design and cross-platform development. Stepping into the Kansas City developer community was an eye-opening experience for Louella. Coming from the Netherlands, where the tech scene is close-knit and meetups are limited by geography, she was struck by the sheer scale and variety on display at KCDC. Lou shared, “At KCDC I noticed a totally different scale. In the sponsor hall I passed the community booths and saw a full page with names of developer meetups in Kansas City. The number and variety left my mind blown. Talking to these developer group organizers made me realize how much density matters: when you have that many groups in one region, you get more cross-pollination, more chances to learn, and more choices for new people.” Photo: MVP Samuel Gomez at KCDC MVP Samuel Gomez: The Power of New Connections For MVP Samuel Gomez, KCDC stands out for its commitment to welcoming newcomers and fostering meaningful connections. During the opening ceremony, organizers encouraged attendees to reach out and talk to someone they didn’t know—a simple piece of advice that Samuel finds truly transformative. “I love that advice because you never know how meeting someone at an event can change your life—I know mine has!” Samuel’s experience is a testament to the power of community-driven events like KCDC, where a single conversation can spark new opportunities, collaborations, and lifelong friendships. By creating an environment where everyone feels encouraged to connect, KCDC continues to empower developers at every stage of their journey. MVP Ben Dechrai: Curiosity and Collaboration in Action For MVP Ben Dechrai, speaking at KCDC isn’t just another stop on the conference circuit—it’s a return to a place where curiosity and connection thrive. For him, returning to Kansas City each year means rejoining a community where curiosity is celebrated and meaningful connections thrive. “I keep coming back to KCDC because of the audience - they're what make this conference truly special. The rooms are packed with people who come with incredible questions and a real hunger for learning. It's not just polite Q&A; these attendees are genuinely there to absorb as much as they can, and they'll approach you afterward to continue the conversation, ask follow-up questions, or just thank you for sharing your knowledge.” Ben continued, what really sets KCDC apart from other conferences I've spoken at is this combination of deep engagement and Midwestern hospitality. Many of the 1,800 attendees are locals, and that welcoming spirit is palpable throughout the event. While audiences around the world are always welcoming, there's something special about KCDC's community that reminds me of my own hunger for knowledge when I first started attending conferences.” That same spirit extends to speakers, too. From the first outreach to on-site logistics, the organizers go above and beyond to make presenters feel appreciated and supported—one of many reasons KCDC stands out in the global developer community. The Heart of KCDC: Community, Curiosity, and Collaboration From insightful talks to behind-the-scenes planning, MVPs helped shape KCDC into a vibrant and impactful experience for attendees. Their dedication to the developer community shines through in every session, hallway conversation, and late-night planning meeting. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or a first-time attendee, their stories offer a glimpse into the heart of what makes KCDC—and the MVP community—so special. How has a community or conference empowered you in your technical journey? Share your story and join the conversation—because innovation starts with people who believe in each other. Learn more about KCDC and how you can get involved. #MVPBuzzBuilding Connections and Fostering Growth: Highlights from the MVP Networking & Mentorship Event
A Community United by Collaboration and Growth The MVP Networking & Mentorship Event brought together technology enthusiasts and experts from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build valuable connections. This event highlighted how collaboration across roles and regions can spark innovation and personal development. The core message was clear: strong relationships are the foundation of growth and career success. This reflects the spirit of the MVP community - supporting each other and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through teamwork. Keynote Insights: The Power of Networking MVP and RD Dux Raymond Sy kicked off the event with a keynote titled “The Power of Networking – Making the Most of Your Connections.” One eye-opening fact shared was that 85% of jobs are filled through networking. This underscores the importance of cultivating authentic relationships, rather than just collecting contacts, to open doors and create opportunities. Interactive Breakout Sessions: Learning from Experience Attendees participated in breakout sessions on topics such as building your personal and community brand, organizing successful events, creating impactful technical content, and becoming a great public speaker. These sessions encouraged lively discussions and practical advice, with stories from participants illustrating how mentorship and networking have helped them grow, from advancing into leadership roles to gaining confidence and discovering career-changing opportunities. The Power of Mentorship and Community Mentorship emerged as a powerful theme, showing how guidance and support can boost visibility and accelerate career paths. The event concluded with a group discussion where attendees shared their key takeaways and celebrated the strength of community connections. A big thank you to all the facilitators and participants for making this event an inspiring success! Top Networking Tips for Building Meaningful Connections Whether you’re new to networking or looking to deepen your relationships, here are some tips inspired by the event: Focus on Building Relationships, Not Just Contacts Aim for genuine interactions that benefit both sides. True connections often lead to unexpected opportunities. Follow Up Promptly Reach out within a day or two after meeting someone to show appreciation and keep the conversation going. Be Authentic and Open People connect with authenticity. Be yourself, listen actively, and engage sincerely to build trust. Give Before You Get Share your knowledge and help others without expecting immediate rewards. Generosity builds goodwill and lasting bonds. Think Long-Term Networking is about nurturing relationships over time, not just quick gains. Consistent engagement creates a supportive network. Ask Open-Ended Questions Encourage meaningful dialogue by asking questions that invite stories and insights, making your conversations memorable. Continuing the Journey Together The strength of our community lies in the connections we build and the support we offer each other. This is the first of many mentoring activities we’ll be offering to the MVP community so be sure to check back here as we share more stories. Have a story about how networking or mentorship shaped your career? Share it in the comments or tag us! Interested in becoming part of the MVP community? Learn more about the MVP Program on the MVP Communities site. Follow us on social media on X and LinkedIn.Thinking of Joining the MVP Program? Hear What Makes It Special!
We’re thrilled to share our brand-new video spotlighting the heart of the MVP Program - our MVPs themselves! In this inspiring video, MVPs from around the world open up about what being part of this global community means to them, and why they love it. Watch the MVP Program video here If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be an MVP - or if you're considering applying - this is the perfect place to start! But that’s just the beginning. We’ve gathered a set of helpful resources to guide you through the program and how to get involved: New to the MVP Program? Start Here: MVP Communities Website – Find everything you need to know about the MVP Program, including how to apply, who the MVPs are near you, and the impact they’re making in their communities. MVP FAQs - Our updated FAQ page answers key questions about the application process, eligibility, expectations, and more. Live Event Replay - Don’t miss the replay of our recent live session, where MVPs Anastasia Salari and Zaid Zaim share their personal journeys, practical advice, and tips for those thinking about applying. Ready to Take the Next Step? If you’ve been actively contributing to the community over the past 12 months, this might be your moment. Whether through sharing knowledge, helping others, organizing events, or driving conversations - you’re exactly who the MVP Program is looking for. Dive into the resources, get inspired by the stories, and if you meet the criteria, consider applying or connecting with someone who can nominate you. Your journey to becoming an MVP could start today!Building Custom Chat AI: A Comprehensive Guide for Developers
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business operations has become a pivotal strategy for companies aiming to enhance their customer engagement and streamline their processes. This article delves into the foundational steps and considerations for developers embarking on the journey of building a custom chat AI for their company website. From understanding the core concepts of AI to selecting the right models and implementing effective prompt engineering techniques, this guide provides a comprehensive overview to help developers navigate the complexities of AI development. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience in the field, the insights shared here will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to create a robust and efficient chat AI tailored to your business needs. A discussion will be held with Nitya Narasimhan, Senior Cloud Advocate at Microsoft specializing in AI, and Wey Gu, a Chinese AI MVP, to delve into these critical topics. What are the first steps a developer should take when starting to build a custom chat AI for their company website? Nitya: If you are new to AI, start by familiarizing yourself with the core concepts and usage of AI models. A course like Generative AI for Beginnerscan be a great starting point. Next, get hands-on experience with models by trying out GitHub Models, which are free to use with just a GitHub account. This will help you build your intuition for model selection and prompt engineering. If you already have some experience, the initial steps to building a custom chat AI are as follows: Identify the use case and requirements (e.g., typical questions asked and valid responses). Choose a model to start prototyping (test the question with various models and compare results). If your chat AI is grounded in your data, identify the data sources and formats (where and what). Select an AI app template to jumpstart development and customize it with your model and data choices. How does understanding model choice impact the development of a custom chat AI? Nitya: Understanding model choice is crucial for developing a custom chat AI. It involves evaluating models based on three key factors: cost, customization, and performance. Customization: Start by identifying the task you want to execute (e.g., chat, image, embeddings, agents). Filter models that support this capability and validate them with a test prompt to ensure they fit your requirements. This process will narrow down your options from thousands to a few suitable models. Cost: Consider whether the model supports serverless deployments (pay-as-you-go, per token) or managed deployments (subscription-based, per VM). Evaluate costs not just for usage (chat completion) but also for end-to-end development (evaluations, iterative ideation). Performance: Assess models based on latency (e.g., chat completions vs. reasoning models) and the quality and safety of responses. Understand default model characteristics (model card) and perform custom evaluations to ensure quality for your desired prompts dataset. Can you explain the concept of prompt engineering and how it can be applied using GitHub models? Nitya: Prompt engineering involves guiding the model on how to process questions and generate responses to improve quality. Think of developers as teachers and models as students being taught to answer exam questions. Prompt engineering provides a rubric to guide models in giving relevant answers. This includes providing examples, creating personas (e.g., "answer politely using formal language"), defining output formats (e.g., "answer in 1-2 sentences", "reply with results in JSON format"), and configuring model parameters (e.g., temperature, stop-words, top-p, max tokens). When working with GitHub models, you can configure models using the Playground (UI) or move to an IDE with the Azure AI Inference API, offering both low-code and code-first options for prompt engineering. What is retrieval augmented generation (RAG), and how does it enhance the ability to chat with data? Wei: RAG involves grounding user questions in retrieved knowledge from private data sources to ensure responses are relevant to the application scenario. It works by wrapping the initial user prompt in a prompt template to create the final model prompt sent to the model. The RAG workflow includes retrieval of knowledge, augmentation of the prompt, and generation of the response. This dynamic process provides relevant grounding data and instructions to contextualize user questions for app-required responses. What are some practical tips for developers to streamline their end-to-end journey from catalog to cloud? Nitya: Here are three tips to get started: Model Selection: Use GitHub Models with diverse test prompts to build intuition for prompt engineering and model capabilities. Compare models side-by-side. Copilot Development: Start with an Azure AI app template. Deploy it to understand the application and its architecture before customizing it to your needs. Validate your development environment and get familiar with tools. Safety & Evaluation: Explore built-in content safety filters and evaluators in the Azure AI platform to understand metrics and effectiveness of your prompt engineering or RAG strategy. Use tracing and App Insights to monitor performance and cost. What are some common challenges developers might face when building a custom chat AI, and how can they overcome them? Nitya and Wei: There are many challenges we can think of - here are three that are important: App Architecture: Understand the app architecture for your scenario (e.g., RAG, multi-agent). Explore existing AI app templates to build intuition and customize one that fits your requirements. Model Choice: Choose models based on cost, quota availability, and flexibility for future configuration. Use the Azure AI model inference API to abstract provider-specific SDKs and decouple your code from your choice, allowing for easier model swaps later. Observability: Debug issues in app development or execution performance. Use platforms and tools that bring observability to the end-to-end workflow. Activate App Insights and use tracing tools to generate telemetry for insights locally or in production. What resources and samples are available for further exploration into this subject? Wei: Explore Azure AI App Templates, For Beginners Curricula, RAG Chat Workshop, AI Tour Workshops and Generative AI for Beginners. For more workshops and talks, visit https://aka.ms/aitour/repos. Feel free to check out opensource projects like AutoGen, LlamaIndex, LangChain, and CamelAI's documentation. As we conclude this exploration into building a custom chat AI for your company website, it's clear that the journey is both challenging and rewarding. By understanding the core concepts of AI, selecting the right models, and mastering prompt engineering, developers can create a powerful tool that enhances customer engagement and streamlines business operations. The insights and practical tips shared in this article provide a solid foundation for embarking on this journey. Remember, the key to success lies in continuous learning and adaptation. As AI technology evolves, you should also adapt your approach to developing and refining your chat AI. Stay curious, stay innovative, and most importantly, stay committed to delivering the best possible experience for your users.From Neural Networks to Community Engagement
My (MVP Gavita Regunath) fascination with technology started during my final year at university, when I worked on a project to develop a neural network that could detect leukaemia cells. It might sound intimidating, and it certainly felt that way at first, but I soon realised there was something magical about using lines of code to tackle real challenges. It opened my eyes to the power technology can have in making life better for so many people. My passion for community engagement came later, thanks to a few brilliant directors at Advancing Analytics named Simon and Terry who showed me how leadership can be both ambitious and compassionate. However, my children were the real spark that pushed me to visit local schools and show children that coding is not terrifying at all. I often compare it to building with Lego pieces, only you do not have to crawl under the sofa to find the missing bits. In my mind, technology is for everyone. It is not just for the stereotypical people you see in films tapping away at futuristic screens. Challenges and Triumphs I wish I could say my journey was all smooth sailing and celebratory takeaway nights, but being a woman in tech sometimes feels like being a very small fish in a very big pond. Early on, I had moments when I felt I was shouting to be heard, yet I kept reminding myself why I loved this field. It was the thrill of bringing new ideas to life and the support from kindred spirits who believed in me. One of my proudest moments was seeing my team members blossom into community champions in their own right. It is amazing to watch them share what they have learnt and inspire others in turn. That beautiful cycle of growth and support is the main reason I still leap out of bed every morning, excited to see what is next. Motivation and Values If I had to sum up what drives me, it would be a keen appetite for learning and a rather competitive streak that helps me aim for success. I like to think I use that competitiveness for good rather than evil. Every challenge is a chance to acquire new knowledge, and every milestone reached feels like hitting a hidden treasure in a quest. More importantly, I love sharing every insight I gain, because there is no point being the only person in the room who has all the answers. I also believe deeply in empathy and collaboration. The best solutions appear when people feel safe speaking up, and when every perspective is valued. I always say we are only as strong as those around us. If we help each other, we can create an environment where curiosity and creativity thrive, and no one ever feels silly for asking a question. Community Engagement and Belonging For me, community is all about open and honest conversation. I enjoy giving talks in schools, online forums and in person, because I remember what it was like to feel a bit lost when I was starting out. If I can make technology more approachable for someone else, I have done my job. A moment that truly made me smile was when a former student told me they had gone on to study AI after attending a small coding workshop I had helped organise. It was only a few hours out of my day, yet it set off a chain reaction that shaped their future. It is moments like these that remind me how one small act of sharing knowledge can grow into something much bigger. Lifelong Learning and Keeping Up to Date Technology never stops evolving. One day you are reading about a new AI breakthrough, and the very next day there is an update that makes it seem outdated already. I keep up by reading articles on the Microsoft Tech Community site, joining AI groups and following interesting people on LinkedIn. You have to sift through a bit of fluff now and then, but you also come across some genuine gems of wisdom. One of my favourite pieces of advice is this: if you really want to master something, teach it. When you explain a concept to someone else, it forces you to understand it on a deeper level. You realise where your own gaps are, and it encourages you to fill those gaps so you can pass on accurate information. Personal Growth and Future Plans When I look ahead, I see many ways to keep encouraging and supporting thriving tech communities. I have a few ideas in mind, such as building more formal mentorship programmes that give newcomers a guiding hand, working with schools so children can see coding as a chance to be creative, exploring more international collaborations and diving deeper into the ethical questions around AI. The expansion of AI in daily life excites me the most. I believe future generations will grow up treating AI as quite ordinary, just as we treat smartphones today. If I can help them view AI as a helpful tool rather than a mysterious black box, I will have accomplished one of my main goals. Final Thoughts So that is my story in a nutshell. I hope it encourages you to see how powerful technology can be, but even more importantly, how amazing it feels to build a community around it. My wish is that you might feel inspired to start sharing your own knowledge and experiences, whether you are teaching a child how to code or collaborating with a global network of scientist. Each of us has something unique to offer, and when we pool our talents, wonderful things happen. If you ever want to chat or exchange tips and ideas, please reach out. I am always happy to connect. Thank you so much for reading, and here is to many exciting adventures in tech for all of us. MVP Gavita Regunath
