Our First 2026 Heroes Cohort Is Here! | Amazon Web Services
AWS has announced its first 2026 Heroes cohort, recognizing Maurizio, Ray Goh, and Sheyla Leacock for combining technical expertise with community leadership. Their work spans cloud architecture, generative AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity, while emphasizing mentorship, education, and meaningful human connections. Together, they demonstrate how technology leaders can expand access to skills and strengthen communities globally. ## Maurizio – Pignola, Italy - CTO and organizer of the AWS User Group Basilicata. - Has spent more than a decade developing cloud communities and technology ecosystems in areas where they previously did not exist. - Founded an international technology conference in a small mountain village, connecting global experts with local developers. - Covers topics including cloud architecture, DevOps, and web scaling, alongside creative networking opportunities. - Mentors children, university students, and professionals transitioning into cloud careers. - Combines technical leadership with inclusive, cross-generational community building. ## Ray Goh – Singapore - AI and machine learning community leader involved in AWS programs since 2018. - Founded The Gen-C in 2024, offering public library workshops on generative AI, LLM fine-tuning, and AWS AI agents. - Has spoken at major AWS events and contributed to the AWS Machine Learning Blog. - Led DBS Bank’s AWS DeepRacer initiative, which trained more than 3,100 employees. - Trained over 1,300 ASEAN students in LLM techniques in 2025. - Supports skills-based programs teaching AI and machine learning to women, children, and young people. ## Sheyla Leacock – Panama City, Panama - IT security professional, mentor, technical writer, and international speaker. - Leads the AWS User Group in Panama and participates in AWS Community Days and regional meetups. - Has spoken at AWS Summits, AWS re:Invent PeerTalk sessions, and more than 20 international conferences. - Publishes educational content focused on AWS cloud computing and cybersecurity. - Works with universities as a guest lecturer to help develop future technology and security professionals. - Strengthens the cloud and cybersecurity ecosystem through education, knowledge sharing, and community leadership. The new cohort highlights the broader impact of community-driven technology leadership. Readers can visit the AWS Heroes webpage to learn more about the program or connect with a Hero.
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