2026 AWS Heroes: Meet the Inaugural Cloud Champions!

AWS Celebrates Three Community Leaders as New AWS Heroes

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has recognized three individuals for their exceptional contributions to the cloud community, naming them AWS Heroes. These leaders aren’t just technical experts; they are builders, mentors, and connectors who are fostering a thriving ecosystem of innovation and knowledge sharing across the globe. Their dedication extends beyond code and configurations, impacting individuals and communities in profound ways.


Maurizio Argoneto: Pioneering Cloud Culture in Italy

Maurizio Argoneto, CTO and organizer of the AWS User Group Basilicata.

Based in Pignola, Italy, Maurizio Argoneto is a driving force behind the expansion of cloud technology into previously underserved regions. For over a decade, he has championed a philosophy of cloud adoption rooted in human connection and practical knowledge transfer. He founded an annual international tech conference held in a small mountain village, a unique event that bridges the gap between leading global experts and local talent. This conference blends in-depth technical sessions covering cloud architectures, DevOps, and web scaling with unconventional networking opportunities.

Maurizio’s commitment extends beyond event organization. He is a dedicated mentor, guiding individuals of all ages – from introducing children to the fundamentals of coding to assisting university students and professionals in their transition to cloud architecture. His impact is a testament to the power of inclusive community building, attracting participants from across Europe. What role do you think grassroots initiatives play in democratizing access to cloud technologies?

Ray Goh: Leading the AI Revolution in Singapore and Beyond

Ray Goh
Ray Goh, Artificial Intelligence Hero and founder of The Gen-C.

Singapore-based Ray Goh is a recognized leader in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning within the AWS community. A consistent contributor since 2018, he has participated in programs like AWS ASEAN Cloud Warrior and AWS Dev/Cloud Alliance, and was a founding member of the AWS Community Builders program in 2020. Ray founded The Gen-C (a Generative AI Learning Community) in 2024, offering regular public workshops at Singapore libraries focused on topics such as LLM fine-tuning and AI agents on AWS.

Ray’s influence extends to prominent speaking engagements at events like AWS re:Invent and AWS Summit ASEAN, as well as contributions to the AWS Machine Learning Blog. He spearheaded the largest enterprise AWS DeepRacer program for DBS Bank in 2020, upskilling over 3,100 employees, and has trained over 1,300 ASEAN students in Large Language Model (LLM) techniques. His commitment to social responsibility is evident in his skills-based CSR initiatives, teaching AI and machine learning to diverse groups, including women, children, and youth – work that has garnered attention from CNBC and Euromoney. How can we ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible to all segments of society?

Sheyla Leacock: Championing Cybersecurity Expertise in Latin America

Sheyla Leacock
Sheyla Leacock, Security Hero and international speaker.

From Panama City, Panama, Sheyla Leacock is a dedicated IT security professional, mentor, and technical author who actively contributes to the global cloud and cybersecurity community. She is a frequent speaker at AWS Summits in Mexico and LATAM, and has led PeerTalk sessions at AWS re:Invent. Sheyla also leads the AWS User Group in Panama and regularly participates in AWS Community Days and regional meetups.

Beyond AWS-specific events, Sheyla has presented at over 20 international conferences and publishes educational content on AWS cloud computing and cybersecurity. She collaborates with universities as a guest lecturer, nurturing the next generation of technology and cybersecurity professionals. Through her leadership, knowledge sharing, and educational efforts, Sheyla is strengthening the AWS and cybersecurity ecosystem. OWASP is a great resource for learning more about cybersecurity best practices.

SANS Institute offers comprehensive cybersecurity training and certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions About the AWS Heroes Program

What is the AWS Heroes program?

The AWS Heroes program recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to share their knowledge and passion for AWS with the community. They are technical leaders, mentors, and advocates who help others succeed with AWS.

How are AWS Heroes selected?

AWS Heroes are selected based on their consistent contributions to the AWS community, including sharing technical knowledge, mentoring others, and building innovative solutions on AWS.

What are the different types of AWS Heroes?

There are several categories of AWS Heroes, including Cloud Native, Serverless, Machine Learning, Security, and Community Heroes, recognizing diverse areas of expertise.

How can I become an AWS Hero?

Focus on actively contributing to the AWS community by sharing your knowledge, helping others, and building innovative solutions. Engage with AWS user groups and online forums.

What benefits do AWS Heroes receive?

AWS Heroes receive recognition from AWS, opportunities to connect with other community leaders, and access to exclusive resources and events.

Learn more about the AWS Heroes program and connect with a Hero near you by visiting the AWS Heroes webpage.

Share this article with your network to celebrate these inspiring leaders and the power of community!

Join the conversation – what qualities do you think are most important in a cloud community leader?


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