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!
