It all starts with showing up
The Microsoft 365 community has shaped my career and introduced me to people I now consider family. I try to return that support by co-organizing events, helping new speakers, bringing people together, and making room for stories that rarely fit into a conference bio. Sometimes that means interviewing a keynote speaker. Sometimes it means helping someone feel comfortable enough to join the conversation.
I’m Diego, the architect behind UnsuckM365 and a 2x Microsoft MVP for SharePoint and Microsoft 365 Copilot. Community is part of how I learn, contribute, and stay connected to the people using this technology every day.
Microsoft Global Community Initiative
I became a Microsoft Global Community Initiative (MGCI) Regional Leader in 2026. The role gives me another way to support the people building Microsoft technical communities: connecting organizers, helping new leaders and speakers, sharing useful practices, and bringing local perspectives into a wider conversation.
I bring my experience as a speaker, co-organizer, writer, and mentor to that work. The practical part matters to me: helping someone find a resource, make an introduction, or learn from something another organizer has already tried. Read more about my MGCI role and why community matters to me.
Events I help bring together
Co-organizing is shared work. I contribute alongside the people handling the planning, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and countless details that make an event happen. My involvement grew through helping with M365 Miami and joining the New York community teams.
AICO New York 2025
Co-organizer · June 5–6, 2025
I joined the organizing team for the AI Community Conference in New York and also spoke about real-world Copilot implementation. Getting involved behind the scenes helped me build lasting relationships with the NYC community.
AI Community Conference New York 2026
Co-organizer · June 26, 2026
I continued as part of the organizing team for the conference’s return to New York. The event brought people together to share practical experience with Microsoft AI, Copilot, agents, and automation.
M365 Community Days NYC 2026
Co-organizer · July 31, 2026
My contribution focused on building the conversation before the event. I recorded speaker and sponsor interviews, edited speaker videos, produced short clips, and helped turn those conversations into content people could discover and share. Working remotely, I helped introduce the people behind the sessions and gave sponsors a way to participate beyond a logo on a slide. Read how I approached the NYC community and media work
Making room for LGBTQ+ people in tech
At the 2026 Microsoft 365 Community Conference in Orlando, I led the LGBTQ+ meetup. It was a small gathering with a purpose that matters to me: giving LGBTQ+ community members and allies a place to meet, talk, and feel welcome.
As an LGBTQ+ person in tech, I know how much it means to find people around whom you can be yourself. I want more people to have that experience in this community. Leading the meetup was one practical way to make space for those connections, alongside hosting the Lightning Talk Stage and taking part in conversations about accessibility and neurodivergence during the conference. Read my reflections on the conference and the meetup
The people behind the job titles
M365 Unscripted
I write on Medium about identity, belonging, career growth, mental health, and the experiences that shape us beyond our technical work. I share personal reflections on finding my voice, being myself, and the people who helped me get here. I also created the M365 Unscripted publication to make room for more voices from the community.
M365 After 5
I co-host M365 After 5 with Joy Apple, talking with people from the Microsoft 365 community about life beyond work. Music, food, travel, hobbies, and unexpected stories all have a place. The show grew out of the conversations I enjoyed while interviewing people for community events, when we started getting to know the person behind the conference bio.
Helping the next person get involved
I make time for informal mentorship, including reviewing session abstracts, helping people prepare to speak, talking through career decisions, and making introductions when I can. I also bring people together locally through activities such as Copilot Coffee Chat in Miami Beach, where questions and shared learning are the point.
This work influences how I approach customers and teams too. Listening, explaining something clearly, making space for different perspectives, and helping people participate are part of both community leadership and successful technology adoption.
If you’re building a community event, considering your first talk, or looking for someone to compare notes with, get in touch. My mentorship page explains the free, informal support I offer when availability allows.