Women For Technical Talks: Building Visibility, Confidence, and Impact
Technical Content and Tracks The agenda reflected a broad and diverse technical scope, structured into four main tracks: Track 1: AI, Cybersecurity, and Economy Track 2: Motivation and Power Platform Track 3: Power BI Track 4: Data and Development with Power Platform The distribution of accepted sessions highlighted strong interest in artificial intelligence and motivation focused topics, alongside core technical areas. Topics such as AI (6 sessions) and Motivation (6 sessions) led the agenda, followed by Data (3), Development (3), Power Platform (2), and Power BI (1). In total, 21 thematic sessions were delivered within this structure. Community Engagement and Live Streaming Reach Attendance and engagement metrics further demonstrated the event’s success. The conference welcomed 291 registered attendees, with a notably high female participation rate of 79.04%, while male participation accounted for 20.96%. This balance illustrates the inclusive nature of the event while remaining open to the broader community. Participants joined from a wide range of countries, with Spain representing 68.04% of attendance, followed by Argentina (5.84%) and Colombia (4.12%). Additional participation came from countries across Europe, Latin America, and North America, including the United States, Germany, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Portugal, and others, reflecting the global resonance of the initiative. Live streaming played a key role in amplifying the event’s impact. Chat interactions and real‑time engagement during sessions confirmed strong participation and interest across both days. Presence in Major Technical Events Beyond its own events, Women For Technical Talks (W4TT) has maintained an active presence in major conferences such as Bizz Summit, Power BI Days, .NET events, Global AI events, and other international conferences. In many of these, the community is given a dedicated 10‑minute space to present its mission and activities. These moments have proven especially impactful, as they consistently attract new women who approach the team afterwards to ask how they can participate as future speakers. Learning Moments and Community Anecdotes Like any live event, the journey included learning moments. There were last‑minute track changes and the occasional loss of a speaker, all handled through collaboration and community support. One particularly memorable moment came from reading the live chat, where attendees openly encouraged new speakers. Several first‑time presenters shared how they paused, breathed deeply, and realized—often mid‑session—that they were successfully delivering their talk to a supportive audience. These moments reinforce the emotional and human value behind the numbers. In the words of attendees: - Alba Catoira – “It has been an honor to share this space with so many inspiring professionals, to hear their stories, learn from their journeys, and feel the energy of a community that champions female talent in technology. Heartfelt thanks to the organizers for their dedication and hard work in making this event a success, to the speakers and participants for their generosity in sharing knowledge and experiences, and to the sponsors for supporting initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. I leave feeling inspired and having learned so much.” - Yesarelly Salazar – “What a wonderful experience!!! What once was just an idea has now become a reality. Thank you to Women For Technical Talks (W4TT) for creating these spaces full of learning, to the sponsors for supporting this kind of initiative, and to everyone who dedicated their time to take part.” Looking Ahead: What’s Next for W4TT Women For Technical Talks is already preparing the next steps. The community plans to strengthen its monthly activity, creating a consistent rhythm of engagement and learning. A new in-person conference is planned for June, with a clear goal of increasing the number of participating countries and further reinforcing its international identity. Future priorities also include increasing visibility on social networks, improving the community website, and identifying new needs and formats for monthly activities. Each decision continues to be guided by the same principle that started W4TT: ensuring that more women feel confident, visible, and supported when sharing their technical knowledge.Tenerife Summer Sessions 2026: Connecting Communities Across Continents
Every year, community-led initiatives demonstrate the extraordinary impact that happens when technology enthusiasts come together to share knowledge beyond borders. Located in Spain’s Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa, Tenerife provides a fitting namesake for an event that bridges communities across Europe, Latin America, and beyond. Tenerife Summer Sessions 2026 has once again proven that geography is no barrier to collaboration, bringing together technical experts, Microsoft MVPs, community leaders, and technology professionals from across Europe and Latin America in one of the most ambitious virtual community events of the year. What started as a community-driven initiative has evolved into a powerful meeting point where diverse perspectives, experiences, and technical expertise converge. Through a fully online format, Tenerife Summer Sessions creates opportunities for professionals from different countries, cultures, and Microsoft technology communities to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and build relationships that continue long after the event concludes. A Global Community Gathering The 2026 event brought together an impressive lineup of contributors, featuring 122 technical sessions, 141 speakers, more than 50 Microsoft MVPs, and Microsoft Regional Director David Rodríguez. The event welcomed speakers and attendees from multiple countries, reinforcing its position as a truly international community experience. The event was organized by MVPs Jorge Fernández and David Lorenzo together with the leaders of the participating communities some of them like MVPs David Oliva and Sergio Hernández as well as the data expert Miguel Egea that co-presented the Keynote. With sessions delivered in both Spanish and English, Tenerife Summer Sessions provided an accessible platform for diverse audiences, helping connect communities that might not otherwise have the opportunity to interact regularly. This multilingual approach enabled knowledge sharing across regions while fostering new relationships between community leaders, user groups, MVPs, and technical professionals throughout Europe and Latin America. Bringing Communities Together Through Technology One of the most remarkable aspects of Tenerife Summer Sessions is its ability to unite people around a shared passion for technology, regardless of their location or area of expertise. The event counted with speakers joining from India, Canada as well as Latin american and European countries. Across the event, participants explored topics including artificial intelligence, Microsoft Fabric, Azure, Power Platform, Microsoft Copilot, developer technologies, data platforms, security, accessibility, and modern cloud architectures. While the technical content was diverse, the common thread throughout every session was community—experts sharing their knowledge openly to help others learn, grow, and innovate. More importantly, the event highlighted the strength of Microsoft's technical communities on both sides of the Atlantic and at this edition, for the first time, incorporating a full track of content in English language adding participants from distant community leaders from countries like India or Pakistan. MVPs, community organizers, user group leaders, authors, trainers, consultants, architects, and developers contributed their experience and perspectives, creating a rich learning environment that reflected the diversity and collaboration that have long defined the Microsoft ecosystem. Amplifying the Reach of Community Knowledge Because Tenerife Summer Sessions is fully recorded, its impact extends far beyond the live event. All sessions are made available free of charge through YouTube , ensuring that professionals around the world can continue learning from the content long after the conference has finished. This commitment to accessibility reflects one of the core values of the Microsoft community: knowledge grows when it is shared. By making every session available on demand, the organizers are helping reach audiences across different time zones, countries, and professional backgrounds, further strengthening the connections between communities throughout Europe and Latin America. Powered by Community Collaboration Large-scale events like Tenerife Summer Sessions are only possible because of the dedication of volunteers, organizers, speakers, and community advocates who contribute their time and expertise. The organizers also acknowledged the contribution of Bruno Capuano , a Microsoft Cloud Advocate who supported the creation and publication of the event website, helping provide a central hub for attendees and content. The success of Tenerife Summer Sessions 2026 demonstrates the unique power of community-led initiatives to connect people, share expertise, and inspire innovation across continents. It serves as a reminder that while technology evolves rapidly, the collaborative spirit that drives the Microsoft community remains one of its greatest strengths. As communities across Europe and Latin America continue to grow and collaborate, events like Tenerife Summer Sessions play an essential role in creating opportunities for people to learn from one another, discover new technologies, and build lasting professional relationships. The Microsoft MVP Program thrives on exactly these kinds of connections—where knowledge, passion, and community come together to create impact that extends far beyond a single event. Want to Learn More About the MVP Program? To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn or #mvpbuzz. Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the MVP program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes - with time for questions, examples, and real conversations.Understanding the Microsoft MVP Program: Seeking Clear Guidance
Hello everyone, I’d like to start a discussion about the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Program. My main concern is understanding the process of becoming an MVP and the specific requirements involved. I know the program recognizes exceptional community leaders and experts who share their knowledge and support others, but the actual path to nomination and selection seems a bit unclear. Could anyone share clear guidance on the eligibility criteria, the nomination process, the types of contributions that are most valued, and practical tips to strengthen an application? Your insights and experiences would be highly valuable, not just to me but also to others in the community who may be interested in pursuing this recognition. Thank you so much for your attention and participation.Is the Microsoft MVP Program for You? A Love Letter to Community Builders
Most Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals remember the moment they realized they were already doing the work. Writing that blog post late at night because someone, somewhere, might find it helpful. Answering questions in a forum long after an event ended. Organizing a meetup with no guarantee anyone would show up. Long before the title, the badge, or the email arrived, the impact was already there. If you’ve ever wondered whether the Microsoft MVP Program might be for you, you are in the right place. The MVP Program Isn’t About Being the Loudest Voice One of the biggest misconceptions about the MVP Program is that it’s reserved for the most visible experts or the people with the biggest platforms. In reality, the MVP Program celebrates impact—and impact looks different everywhere. It can be sharing deep technical knowledge through blogs, videos, or open-source projects. Mentoring others as they grow in confidence and skill. Building safe, inclusive spaces where people feel welcome to learn. Translating complex ideas so more people can access them. Showing up consistently for your community. MVPs aren’t defined by a single moment. They’re recognized for sustained contribution, technical leadership, and generosity over time. A Global Community, Shaped by Local Voices The MVP community spans the globe, across countries, cultures, languages, and career paths. That diversity isn’t incidental; it’s essential. Every community has unique challenges and opportunities. MVPs bring local context to global conversations, ensuring that innovation isn’t centralized, but shared. Whether you’re organizing events in your city, supporting online communities in your native language, or helping others navigate their first steps in tech, your perspective matters. The program grows stronger when more voices, experiences, and stories are part of it. Growth Goes Both Ways Becoming an MVP isn’t just about recognition; it’s also about acceleration. MVPs deepen their technical curiosity, strengthen their leadership skills, and build lasting connections across regions and disciplines. They learn from peers who challenge and inspire them, and they give back by sharing insights and amplifying others. It’s a cycle of learning and contribution, powered by curiosity and care. Your Story Matters, even If It Doesn’t Feel “Big” Yet Many MVPs will tell you they hesitated before applying or accepting a nomination. “I’m still learning.” “I don’t post enough.” “Others are doing more.” But the MVP Program isn’t about perfection. It’s about intentional impact. If you’re consistently helping others learn, grow, and build — your story belongs here. And sharing that story might inspire someone else to take their first step too. Thinking About Applying? If this resonates with you, consider taking the next step: Reflect on how you’ve contributed to the community Gather examples of your impact, big or small Ask peers or community members for feedback Explore the MVP nomination process and guidelines And remember: applying isn’t a finish line. It’s part of a longer journey of learning, sharing, and growing together. Want to Learn More? Join Us Live! If you’re curious about the Microsoft MVP Program and want to explore it in a low‑pressure, welcoming space, we host quarterly live sessions through Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes — with time for questions, examples, and real conversations. The next "MVP Program Essentials: What You Need to Know" session takes place on March 17! Join us here. Ready to Take the Leap? The Microsoft MVP Program exists because of people who believe that knowledge grows when it’s shared — and that communities thrive when we lift each other up. So here’s the question: What’s your MVP story — and are you ready to write the next chapter? Learn more about the MVP Program and how to apply Review the FAQs Follow the MVP community on X and LinkedIn Share your journey and encourage others to do the same We can’t wait to see what you’ll build, and who you’ll help along the way.How Sharon Weaver and Christian Buckley Help Future MVPs Find Their Path
For many technologists, the Microsoft MVP Award feels inspiring - but also a little mysterious. That is exactly why MVPs Sharon Weaver and Christian Buckley host a monthly AMA (Ask Me Anything) call for aspiring MVPs. Their goal is simple: create a welcoming space where people can ask honest questions, better understand what meaningful community contribution looks like, and feel less alone on the journey. What started as a way to answer the same questions more efficiently has grown into a supportive cohort that helps future MVPs build confidence and momentum. From Curiosity to Community Sharon knows firsthand how often people ask, “How do I become an MVP?” After hearing that question again and again, she realized aspiring MVPs did not just need information - they needed community. “I kept getting lots of people asking me, and I was giving the same answers out over and over and over,” Sharon said. So she and Christian decided to create one place where people could learn together, ask questions openly, and hear practical advice from people who understood the process. Sharon believes that people do not need to become someone else to be recognized as an MVP. “You don’t need to be anything other than who you are. You just need to understand that what you do has value, how to show that value, and then be really good at that and make that visible.” That message resonates because it replaces pressure with purpose. Instead of chasing a checklist or trying to become an influencer overnight, attendees are encouraged to focus on contributions they genuinely enjoy and can sustain over time. “You don’t need to be anything other than who you are. You just need to understand that what you do has value.” - MVP Sharon Weaver The monthly AMA also helps make a big goal feel more attainable. Sharon shared, “Having other people who are not there yet to support you through that journey makes as big a difference as having people who have already been awarded.” Over the past two years, that support has mattered: Sharon said the cohort has helped around 15 people who attended the calls go on to receive the MVP Award. For Sharon, the joy is not in doing the work for anyone else; it is in opening the door, answering questions, and helping others see that their efforts already have value. “One piece of advice from the AMA calls that stayed with me was to make sure your contributions are things you enjoy doing and would do regardless of the MVP title.” - MVP Rachel Sullivan Turning Insight Into Impact One of the biggest myths Sharon hears is that aspiring MVPs need a huge platform to be considered. “Everybody thinks you need to be a speaker or an influencer,” she said. “Pick the things you do, do them well, and be visible.” That advice has helped attendees reframe the process around authentic contribution instead of comparison. MVP Rachel Sullivan reflected, “One piece of advice from the AMA calls that stayed with me was to make sure your contributions are things you enjoy doing and would do regardless of the MVP title.” MVP Karinne Bessette shared a similar takeaway: “The AMA calls made the MVP process feel more approachable because it gave real perspectives from other MVPs and people on the MVP path, which helped fight imposter syndrome.” The monthly calls also help people understand that visibility matters. Sharon encourages attendees to connect with product groups, communicate their impact clearly, and advocate for their work in ways that feel genuine. The path is rarely instant - Sharon estimates many people spend two to three years on the journey - but the combination of clarity, encouragement, and community makes a real difference. Just as importantly, the calls remind people that not receiving the award the first time is not the end of the story. It is simply part of a longer journey of growth, contribution, and persistence. “The AMA calls made the MVP process feel more approachable because it gave real perspectives from other MVPs and people on the MVP path, which helped fight the imposter syndrome.” - MVP Karinne Bessette Why This Matters The value of these AMA calls goes far beyond helping one person earn an award. They remind people that they are not alone, that their voice matters, and that there is space for them in this community exactly as they are. For someone who feels uncertain, overwhelmed, or unsure whether what they do is enough, that kind of encouragement can be transformative. It can spark confidence, create connection, and turn self-doubt into action. When people feel seen, supported, and inspired to keep going, the impact reaches far beyond a single moment - it deepens the sense of belonging that makes this community so special. “If these chats help people realize one thing, I hope it’s that there is no specific checklist of tasks to complete to become an MVP. It can be a very different path for each MVP, because there are countless ways to give back to the community. You don’t need to follow someone else’s formula—you need to find a contribution path that’s authentic and sustainable for you." – MVP Christian Buckley Keep the Momentum Going If you are curious about becoming a Microsoft MVP, consider joining Sharon and Christian’s monthly AMA calls and taking the next step alongside others who are asking the same questions. And if you are already an MVP, think about how you might create a similar space in your own region or community. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is make the path feel more visible for someone else. Learn more from Sharon’s blog post, Navigating the Microsoft MVP Nomination Process: Tips and Insights, and meet these community leaders: Sharon Weaver, Christian Buckley, Rachel Sullivan, and Karinne Bessette. Want to Learn More About the MVP Program? To find an MVP and learn more about the MVP Program visit the MVP Communities website and follow our updates on LinkedIn or #mvpbuzz. Join us for a future live session through the Microsoft Reactor where we walk through what the MVP program is about, what we look for, and how nominations work. These sessions are designed to help you connect the dots between the work you’re already doing and the impact the MVP Program recognizes - with time for questions, examples, and real conversations.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!
