Our First 2026 AWS Heroes Cohort Is Here!

We’re thrilled to celebrate the selection of our first 2026 AWS Heroes Cohort, a group of exceptional developer community leaders who embody the spirit of the AWS community. These individuals go beyond sharing technical knowledge; they build connections, forge genuine human relationships, and create pathways for others to grow. Their impact spans diverse areas, from pioneering cloud culture in remote mountain villages to leading cybersecurity education across continents.

At the heart of the AWS Heroes program is the belief that true leadership extends beyond technical expertise. It involves the communities we build and the lives we impact. This year’s cohort includes three remarkable individuals who exemplify this ethos.

Maurizio Argoneto, based in Pignola, Italy, is a Community Hero recognized for his dedication to building tech ecosystems where they previously did not exist. As the CTO of his company and organizer of the AWS User Group Basilicata, Maurizio has spent over a decade pioneering cloud culture through a philosophy centered on genuine human connection and knowledge transfer. His journey began with a vision to create a unique space where global experts and local talent could meet. This led to the founding of an international tech conference in a small mountain village, blending deep technical sessions on cloud architectures, DevOps, and web scaling with unconventional networking experiences.

Beyond organizing events, Maurizio is a tireless mentor who works across generations. He introduces children to coding, helping them develop a passion for technology from a young age. He also supports university students and professionals transitioning into cloud architecture, ensuring that the next generation of cloud experts is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the modern tech landscape. Maurizio’s impact is defined by a rare combination of technical leadership and inclusive community building that draws people from across Europe.

Ray Goh, based in Singapore, is an Artificial Intelligence Hero who has been a seasoned AWS machine learning and AI community leader since 2018. He has contributed to various AWS community programs, including AWS ASEAN Cloud Warrior, AWS Dev/Cloud Alliance, and the pioneer batch of AWS Community Builders in 2020. In 2024, Ray founded The Gen-C (a Generative AI Learning Community), which organizes regular public workshops at libraries across Singapore. These workshops cover a wide range of topics, from machine learning fundamentals to advanced applications of generative AI.

Ray’s work with The Gen-C has made a significant impact on the Singaporean community, fostering a deeper understanding of AI and its potential. By bringing AI education to public libraries, he has ensured that knowledge is accessible to a wider audience, breaking down barriers and encouraging more people to explore the world of AI. Ray’s dedication to sharing his expertise and building a supportive community has made him a true inspiration to many.

The third member of the 2026 AWS Heroes Cohort is an individual whose work in cybersecurity education has transcended continents. This leader has demonstrated that true leadership extends beyond technical expertise, encompassing the communities we build and the lives we impact. Their journey involves pioneering cloud culture in remote areas and leading cybersecurity education across the globe.

These three exceptional developers represent the heart of what makes the AWS community so vibrant. Their commitment to sharing knowledge, building connections, and creating pathways for growth is a testament to the power of community. As AWS continues to grow and evolve, the Heroes program will remain at the forefront of fostering a supportive ecosystem where innovation thrives and people can reach their full potential.

In celebrating this first 2026 cohort, we are reminded of the incredible impact that individuals like Maurizio, Ray, and their fellow Heroes can have. Their dedication to the community and their unwavering commitment to sharing knowledge inspire us all to strive for greatness. As we look to the future, we are excited to see the continued growth and development of the AWS community, driven by leaders like these.