Get to know the ESPC25 Community Reporters: Your front-row pass to the pulse of the conference!
If you're heading to ESPC25 in Dublin this December, you’re in for enlightening sessions, networking opportunities—and access to the heart of the event through this year’s Community Reporters. These passionate tech leaders will be capturing the energy of ESPC25, conducting interviews, sharing insights—and amplifying the voices of attendees, speakers, and sponsors. Whether you're attending in person or following along remotely, they’ll help you stay connected to the moments that matter most. Meet the incredible team of Community Reporters who will bring ESPC25 to life: 🎤 Jonah Andersson | Jonah is a developer, lead cloud dev-ops engineer, and Microsoft MVP who champions diversity in tech. She's passionate about highlighting the voices of underrepresented communities and the transformative power of Azure and AI. 🎤 Christian Buckley | A veteran of ESPC and a powerhouse in the Microsoft ecosystem, Christian is a Microsoft Regional Director and MVP. He’s known for dynamic interviews and thought-provoking panels. If you want deep insights and lively debates, follow Christian’s coverage. 🎤 Emily Mancini | Emily brings a sharp eye for design and a deep love for collaboration. As a Microsoft MVP and UX champion, she’s passionate about making tech accessible and intuitive. Expect her interviews to spotlight the human side of innovation and the power of inclusive design. 🎤 Jasper Oosterveld | Jasper is a Microsoft MVP and a data security and Microsoft 365 expert with a knack for making complex topics approachable. His coverage will focus on practical takeaways, especially around Microsoft 365 and Teams, helping attendees turn inspiration into action. 🎤 Eric Overfield | Eric is an author, Microsoft MVP and Regional Director, and a recognized authority in AI, Microsoft 365, data insights, and Azure. He’s passionate about bridging the gap between business needs and technical solutions. 🎤 Chirag Patel | Known for his infectious enthusiasm and community-first mindset, Chirag is a Microsoft MVP and Microsoft Certified Trainer who thrives on connecting people and ideas. He’ll be diving into conversations about real-world solutions, modern workplace trends, and the stories behind the tech. 🎤 Zoe Wilson | Zoe is a Microsoft MVP and Regional Director who helps clients leverage the full range of modern work technologies to drive innovation around business problems. Her interviews will explore best practices, security, and how organizations can empower users while staying compliant. Whether you're attending ESPC25 to level up your skills, connect with peers, or explore the future of Microsoft technologies, this year's Community Reporters will be your guide to the conference’s most impactful moments. Stay tuned for updates, follow the coverage, join the conversation, and be part of a community that’s driving innovation forward. We can’t wait to see you in Dublin—and if you’re still deciding, let this be your sign: #ESPC25 is where the Microsoft tech community comes alive. Subscribe to the ESPC YouTube channel https://aka.ms/ESPCYouTubeChannel and we'll have a playlist on our Microsoft Community Learning YouTube channel - https://aka.ms/Community/LearningChannel Register now! - Community discount code: ESPC25COMM (€200 off) Cheers all! HeatherJoin the M365 Community Team at Power Platform Conference
We’re heading to Las Vegas for the Power Platform Community Conference—and you can still join us! If you’re part of the Microsoft 365 community, this is your chance to see how Copilot Studio and AI Agents are transforming productivity and workflows—shaping the future of M365 with automation, integration, and intelligent solutions across Teams, SharePoint, and more. 👉 Register today and come find us in the Community Lounge! 📍 Location: MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, NV 📅 Dates: October 28–30, 2025 🔗 Register now: https://powerplatformconf.com/#!/register Come explore the Community Lounge on the 3rd floor! Join us for interactive sessions, networking, demos & Ask a Pro stations. Don’t miss “Building Your Career” & “Don’t Start from Scratch” sessions—bookmark them in the Whova event app! 💬 How are you using Copilot today, or what’s your dream use case? Drop your thoughts below! Karuana Gatimu, Jonathan Jones, Bryan Wofford Microsoft Power Platform Community hashtag#PowerPlatform hashtag#MicrosoftCommunity hashtag#PPCC hashtag#LasVegas hashtag#CommunityEvents hashtag#CommunityLuv hashtag#M365 hashtag#CopilotStudio hashtag#AI cc: Heather CookMondays at Microsoft | Episode 49
Join the upcoming Mondays at Microsoft, launching into Microsoft Build! 🛠️ Don’t miss this quick, insightful kickoff to Build week! Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook take you through the latest in #AI news, Microsoft 365 product updates, and community news and events. Join in episode 49 of Mondays at Microsoft on Monday, May 19th, 8am PT! ☕ #MondaysAtMicrosoft #CommunityLuv Show Notes: Mondays at Microsoft – May 19, 2025 🎙️ Hosts Karuana Gatimu – Director of Customer Advocacy for AI & Collaboration Heather Cook – Principal Community Evangelist, Microsoft 365 Customer Advocacy Group 📌 Episode Overview This week’s episode dives into: Student-led AI innovation in the Imagine Cup Microsoft’s testimony before the U.S. Senate on AI leadership Legal action against AI abuse networks Microsoft Build 2025 highlights Community events and product updates 📅 https://aka.ms/MondaysAtMicrosoft 📝 https://aka.ms/CommunityNewsDesk 🔔 https://aka.ms/MSCommunityFB 🔍 Big Rocks Microsoft Build 2025 Keynote by Satya Nadella and Kevin Scott on Copilot, agents, and AI innovation. Community Space with interactive stations and sessions. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7326696718907985920/ Marbled Dust Espionage Campaign Microsoft exposes a Türkiye-affiliated threat actor exploiting Output Messenger. https://aka.ms/MarbledDust Imagine Cup Finalists Teams Signvrse, HairMatch, and Argus use AI to drive accessibility, identity, and independence. https://aka.ms/ImagineCupAI 🔁 ICYMI Microsoft 365 Community Conference Jeff Teper’s keynote and exclusive interview on AI and human creativity. https://aka.ms/M365Conf/2025/playlist Brad Smith on AI Leadership Testimony before the U.S. Senate on innovation, infrastructure, and global partnerships. https://aka.ms/WinningTheRace Legal Action Against AI Abuse Microsoft sues Storm-2139 for generating harmful AI content. https://aka.ms/AIHackerProtection 🛠️ Product News Microsoft 365 & Azure Retirement notices: SharePoint 2013 Workflow, Add-Ins, Alerts, and more. http://aka.ms/M365Roadmap Copilot Agents Hub Deployment tools, success kits, and skilling resources. https://adoption.microsoft.com/agents Dynamics 365 & Fabric https://aka.ms/April25Inspiration https://aka.ms/AIHorselessCarriages https://aka.ms/Fabric/April25Features 🌍 Community & Events Get Involved https://aka.ms/MSCommunityLIMM https://aka.ms/MGCI https://communitydays.org/calls Upcoming Events Power Platform Agents Summit – May 24, London European Collaboration Summit – May 25–28, Düsseldorf https://communitydays.org 📅 Next Episode Join us again on Monday, June 2 at 8 AM PT. Catch up or subscribe at https://aka.ms/MondaysAtMicrosoftCollabDays Poland 2025: Connect, Learn, and Grow with the Microsoft Community!
CollabDays Poland 2025, formerly known as SharePoint Saturday Warsaw, is back for its third edition and it's bigger and better than ever! This event is all about bringing together like-minded individuals, expanding the Microsoft Community in Poland, and staying on top of the latest Microsoft tech trends and collaboration.Mondays at Microsoft | Episode 46
NOW ON DEMAND Get ready for the week with "Mondays at Microsoft." Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook will update you on what's going on, across BIG news, product releases, Community and event news, and more. Aired LIVE | Monday, April 7th, 2025. ☕ Show notes and links to all that was shared and discussed during this episode: Microsoft celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Friday April 4th. To celebrate that community, we invite you to join us tomorrow, April 8th, on the Microsoft Tech Community tomorrow as we look back and celebrate five decades of innovation, community, and collaboration: https://aka.ms/Community/NewsDesk AI Skills Fest: https://aka.ms/AISkillsFest. Microsoft 365 Community Conference: Register now, save $150 with code SAVE150 🎟️ https://aka.ms/M365Con25 (Vegas | May 6-8, 2025) Karuana Gatimu on the Top 100 list of Customer Marketing and Advocacy Influencers & Strategists. Check out the whole list: https://aka.ms/Top100CMAs. Share your Community story: https://aka.ms/ShareYourCommunityStory. Book release 📗 "The Women of Microsoft: Empowering Stories from the Minds that Coded the World": https://aka.ms/WomenOfMicrosoft. Microsoft Secure, April 9-10, 2025: https://aka.ms/MicrosoftSecureRegistration. "How universities are tapping students and AI to fight the growing threat of cybercrime" by Deborah Bach: https://aka.ms/FightingCybercrime. AI Agents Hackathon 2025, April 8-30, 2025: https://aka.ms/AIAgentsHackathon. How AI is impacting healthcare and what it means for the future of medicine — https://aka.ms/AIRevolutionMedicine. Threat actors leverage tax season to deploy tax-themed phishing campaigns: https://aka.ms/TaxThemedPhishing. Rise & Inspire: Women in Tech Leading the Way: https://aka.ms/RiseAndInspire. Listen to the SharePoint Roadmap Pitstop | March 2025 — https://aka.ms/SharePoint/RoadmapPitStop by Mark-Kashman. "Thriving together: the power of Microsoft partner communities" by Regina N. Johnson — https://aka.ms/PartnerCommunitiesBlog. Follow *Microsoft Community* on LinkedIn: https://aka.ms/MSCommunityLIMM. Discover the Microsoft Global Community Initiative - a meeting place for all who are part of the Microsoft Community ecosystem, all are welcome: https://aka.ms/MGCI. Next up on Tuesday, April 15th at 8:10 AM and again at 5:10 PM. Our guest speaker, Adam Salah. Register for upcoming events: https://CommunityDays.org/ and community calls on https://CommunityDays.org/calls. Check out our show page to add upcoming shows to your calendar or catch up on past shows at https://aka.ms/MondaysAtMicrosoft. Our next show is on Monday, April 21st at 8am Pacific.Mondays at Microsoft | Episode 45
Connect Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook to discover the latest in AI, broader Microsoft product updates, community activities and events, and more. This upcoming show will celebrate Microsoft's 50th anniversary, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. use of Copilot for their 'ConsumerIQ' agent, insights about the Ability Summit, putting Humans First during tax season, and more. 🗓️ Join in, Monday, March 24th, 8:00 AM PT. Visit our main show page: https://lnkd.in/ghJ2mVGD Resource links mentioned during the episode: Watch the SharePoint event "From Concept, to Creation, to Impact" + live AMA: https://aka.ms/SharePointEvent. Windows 365 AMA on March 26, 2025, at 8am Pacific: https://aka.ms/Community/W365AMA with Christian Montoya. One Future, One Sound initiative: https://aka.ms/OneSound. #Microsoft50. Share your stories on LinkedIn #CommunityLuv: https://aka.ms/Celebrating50Years. Join us today (3/24/2025) at 9:00 am Pacific learn about Microsoft’s latest security news and innovations: https://aka.ms/Secure2025. Ability Summit: Fifteen years of #accessibility http://aka.ms/AbilitySummit2025 - with speakers Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Jeff Teper, and many other leaders in this space. Xbox joined its partners to unveil the Accessible Games Initiative: https://aka.ms/Xbox/AccessibleGamesInitiative. “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” - Mats Steen in the role-playing universe of World of Warcraft https://aka.ms/Ibelin. Grant Thornton’s Sandie Boswell on supporting employee wellbeing using Copilot in the C-suite: https://aka.ms/Copilot/EmployeeWellbeing. Visit the Copilot adoption hub to discover more: https://adoption.microsoft.com/Copilot. The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. uses Microsoft 365 Copilot to reimagine trend forecasting and consumer marketing: https://aka.ms/Copilot/EsteeLauder. ConsumerIQ, an agent built in Copilot Studio, will place consumer data – one of its greatest competitive advantages – at the fingertips of employees. Inspired by art: Aimee Kelly’s AI-driven fashion: https://aka.ms/Copilot/AimeeKelly. New *live chat* in Microsoft Teams: Connecting customers and businesses effortlessly: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/03/17/new-live-chat-in-microsoft-teams-connecting-customers-and-businesses-effortlessly/ by Brenna Robinson. Arapahoe Libraries creates the ‘library of the future’ for communities in Colorado: https://aka.ms/LibraryOfTheFuture. "Elevate your Microsoft Power Platform development experience with Power CAT Tools" by Denise Moran: https://aka.ms/PowerPlatform/PowerCATTools. Plus, Power CAT on YouTube, led by Phil Topness: https://aka.ms/PowerCATLive. The Microsoft Fabric Community Conference returns to Las Vegas from March 31–April 2, 2025. Sign up using code MCUST to save $150: https://aka.ms/FabConf25. Follow Microsoft Community LinkedIn: https://aka.ms/MSCommunityLIMM. To learn more about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative - a meeting place for all who are part of the Microsoft Community ecosystem, all are welcome: https://aka.ms/MGCI. Join us for our upcoming Microsoft Global Community Initiative General Session on Tuesday March 18th at 8:10am and 5:10pm. So many great events coming up and all available to check out on https://www.communitydays.org. We also just launched a community calls page here so you can find community related called host by Microsoft and the community. Thank you, Thomas Daly and crew for keeping the site up-to-date and running smoothly. Level up your Microsoft 365 and #AI skills, chat with product makers, and network with your tech peers. #M365Con is May 6–8 in Las Vegas (MGM Grand Hotel) - The ultimate community event filled with keynotes from Jeff Teper, Vasu Jakkal, Jared Spataro, solution-oriented sessions from Microsoft, MVPs and community leaders, workshops to deepen core skills, a vibrant expo hall, and more. DistasterAssistance.gov for those impacted by the Los Angeles county wildfires: https://disasterassistance.gov. Check out the Mondays at Microsoft show page to add upcoming shows to your calendar or catch up on past shows at https://aka.ms/MondaysAtMicrosoft. Our next show is on Monday, April 7 at 8:00 am Pacific.The Role of Storytelling in Community Building
On building community. "Stories are the single most powerful weapon in a leader’s arsenal." – Dr. Howard Gardner, Harvard University Storytelling has played a crucial role in human connection since the inception of civilization. It shapes identities, preserves historical records, and fosters a sense of belonging within communities. Whether conveyed through spoken word, literature, or digital media, storytelling possesses the ability to unify individuals, create shared experiences, and enhance communal bonds. The Power of Storytelling in Community Building Fostering Shared Identity Stories help communities define who they are and what they stand for. They preserve cultural traditions and values, passing them on to future generations. Encouraging Empathy and Connection Personal narratives allow people to understand each other’s experiences and struggles. Stories create emotional connections that transcend differences, building unity. Inspiring Action and Change A compelling story can mobilize people around a cause or mission. Communities often use storytelling to advocate for social change and inspire collective action. Strengthening Engagement and Participation Shared narratives encourage individuals to take active roles within their communities. Engaging stories help retain interest and commitment to communal efforts. Preserving History and Legacy Oral and written storytelling ensures that a community’s history remains alive. Stories highlight past challenges and triumphs, shaping future aspirations. I love a bookstore and find that they are great places to gather. I have many in cities around the world that I love to dip into over and over and that have wonderful schedules of events. Libraries as well, and most have programs where they sell books at a big discount. Librarians are also some of the smartest people you will meet and who know everything about the cities they serve. It has been interesting learning that "Barnes & Noble is planning to open at least 60 new stores in 2025 — a stunning turnaround for a bookseller that just a few years ago closed hundreds of locations and appeared doomed to follow in the footsteps of its shuttered competitors. Barnes & Noble opened 57 new locations in 2024 and operates around 600 stores in total, making it the largest bookseller in the US. In recent years, the bookseller has also leaned into the popularity of book content on TikTok and using #BookTok as the hashtag - and the post-pandemic thirst for "third spaces" to meet and socialize." - Business Insider To that end - our stories matter. Another favorite quote from Doctor Who, "We are all stories in the end, just make is a good one." Stories have the power to inspire, connect, and bring people together. Start by sharing your personal experiences, whether through conversations, writing, or digital platforms. Encourage others to do the same and contribute to a culture of storytelling that strengthens your local community, this community - the best community in tech. What story will you share today? And where and how will you share it? #ThePowerofCommunity #Storytelling #CommunityBuilding #BelongingMatters #CuppaCommuniTea #MicrosoftCommunity 🍵 Today I am drinking a cuppa Throat Coat by Traditional Medicines - Organic Throat Coa tea supports throat health with renowned slippery elm, used in Native American herbal medicine for hundreds of years.The Heart of Community – How Friendship Strengthens Our Social Circles
On building community. “Social connections are one of the most important factors in determining our well-being and longevity. Strong friendships benefit both individuals and the entire community. By prioritizing these relationships, we can build stronger, healthier communities." Psychologist Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad Friendship is vital for strong communities, providing emotional and social benefits. It fosters connection, trust, and belonging. Close friendships enhance personal well-being, reducing loneliness and boosting happiness. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that people with strong social connections are 50% more likely to live longer. Friendship's value goes beyond personal health; it positively impacts communities. Connected individuals are more likely to engage in social causes, collaborate on initiatives, and support each other, creating collective responsibility. This applies whether it is your local community, those that are part of your technical community, or hobbies you love like a book club or board game nights/groups. Host a community gathering – Organize a small event or gathering in your neighborhood to bring people together and foster new connections. Host a small meeting online for a quarterly check-in with friends. (I have a standing meeting with some college friends every other Sunday, sometimes there are two of us, sometimes six, sometimes we cancel, but having it on the calendar keeps it going. I find this time grounding and many times support just when I need it). Support local businesses – Frequent local shops and restaurants and engage with the owners and staff to build relationships within your community. (I recently debuted my DJing house music skills at a neighborhood benefit we did for our Los Angeles animal rescues for the wildfires.) Get to know your local business owners, chamber, rotary they are your neighbors! Volunteer for local causes – Dedicate some time to volunteer for community projects or organizations that resonate with you, helping to strengthen communal ties. One organization could benefit from even 1 hour of time and volunteering a way to make new acquaintances and friends. In the Microsoft Community space, a big shout out to those who produce both free and paid technical skilling community events and who run user groups - you are the purveyors of belonging and friendship. Be sure to check out all events in the Microsoft Community ecosystem on Communitydays.org. If you are a producer who creates events around Microsoft products, please list your event on the site! As we continue to spotlight and celebrate the individuals and initiatives that make our communities vibrant and connected, let us remember that each small act of connection and kindness contributes to the greater whole. By fostering friendships and creating inclusive spaces, we not only enhance our own lives but also build resilient, supportive communities. Let's all take a moment to reach out, engage, and uplift those around us, knowing that every gesture matters in the tapestry of community life. After twenty-four years in this space, I feel grateful to call so many of you friends of mine as well as colleagues. What is one way you can reach out to a friend today? #TheHeartofCommunity #BelongingMatters #CuppaCommuniTea #MicrosoftCommunity 🍵 Today I am drinking a cuppa Lemon Ginger tea from Bigelow Family Tea Blenders since 1945 - Fairfield, Connecticut. A probiotic tea that is a delicious blend of zesty lemon and ginger combined with BC30™ probiotic that supports healthy digestion.Random Acts of Connection – Small Ways to Foster Belonging in Everyday Life
On Building Community. "According to a study in Psychological Science, people who feel they belong to a community or group experience 30% less stress and loneliness, which positively impacts their overall health and emotional well-being." Belonging isn't solely about significant moments—it is also formed through small, daily interactions that remind individuals they are part of a larger community. Simple actions can create meaningful connections and improve someone's day. Here are some ways to practice random acts of connection: Start with a smile – A warm smile or friendly nod can make someone feel acknowledged. Give a genuine compliment – A kind word can positively impact someone's day. Engage in small talk – A brief conversation with a neighbor, barista, or coworker can create moments of connection. Invite inclusion – Notice someone new? Invite them into a conversation or shared activity. Express gratitude – A sincere “thank you” strengthens bonds and fosters appreciation. Connection is influential—when one makes the effort, others may follow. We are more the same as humans than we are different. What is one way you can foster belonging today? #RandomActsOfConnection #BelongingMatters #CuppaCommuniTea #MicrosoftCommunity 🍵 Today I am drinking a cuppa Darjeeling from Harney & Sons Fine Teas - Millerton, NY. "The Queen of Indian teas with earthy notes paired with citrus and fruit tones". A Fave.Mondays at Microsoft | Episode 35
NOW ON DEMAND | Get ready for the week with "Mondays at Microsoft" - this time *on Tuesday*! Karuana Gatimu & Heather Cook will focus on Trustworthy AI, new Copilot features, fighting deepfakes, Office 2024 release update, plus highlight upcoming community events, and more. Aired Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, 8:00am PDT. See you there! #CommunityLuv 💝 Show notes & links to all that was shared and discussed on October 8th, 2024: "Microsoft Trustworthy AI: Unlocking human potential starts with trust" by Takeshi Numoto. Live from the Microsoft AI Tour: Mexico City - https://aka.ms/MicrosoftAITourLive. Copilot is an AI companion for everyone, with new Vision and Voice features. "Fighting deepfakes with more transparency about AI" by Vanessa Ho. "Office 2024 for consumers available October 1" by Bryan Rognier — https://aka.ms/Office2024. "Microsoft recognized as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Desktop as a Service for the second year in a row" by Stefan Kinnestrand. Power Apps Pulse video series hosted by April Dunnam + What's new in Power Apps. "European Fabric Community Conference 2024: Building an AI-powered data platform" by Arun Ulagaratchagan + "Activate your data responsibly in the era of AI with Microsoft Purview" by Rudra Mitra. To learn more about the Microsoft Global Community Initiative - a meeting place for all who are part of the Microsoft Community ecosystem, all are welcome: https://aka.ms/MGCI. We launched a new page listing our newly minted regional directors: https://aka.ms/MGCIAdvisors. "Get ready for the 2025 Microsoft Imagine Cup: Let the innovation begin!" by the Student Developer Evangelism Team. Find your next event: https://CommunityDays.org Community Days speakerboard – https://communitydays.org/speakerboard Microsoft Ignite | November 19-22, 2024, in Chicago, IL, USA. In person is sold out. Online is open to all - register today. Join us for the next episode of Mondays at Microsoft (this one back on Monday) with Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook on Monday, October 21st, 8:00am PDT. Check out our page for our show and Community Studio efforts at https://aka.ms/MondaysAtMicrosoft.
