Cloud Networking Heroes

Empowering strategic cloud networking professionals to share their stories

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Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

The Cloud Networking Heroes Program recognizes and empowers strategic cloud networking professionals who have changed the game and are delivering positive change to the industry. Our goal is to provide them with a platform to share their stories and promote their brand. Who are Cloud Networking Heroes?Cloud Networking Heroes are passionate about sharing their knowledge with others so members of the cloud networking community can learn and grow together. Cloud Networking Heroes are excited about technology, innovation, technical certifications, and career development in the growing cloud networking field and are eager to share their individual expertise with the community.Benefits:Be defined as a thought leader in the fast-growing cloud networking industry Receive a special highlight as part of the Cloud Networking Hero blog series upon joining the program Appear on The Cloud Network Community directory Receive surfaced opportunities around topics of interest to establish your voice as

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10 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

The Satisfaction of Delivering the Best Solution: Azeem Ayaz’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of secure cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Azeem Ayaz, Cloud Operations Architect. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: A Curiosity About How Things WorkLike many of our Secure Cloud Networking Heroes, including Adam Stipkovits and Jack Yu, Azeem’s interest in technology began early.“I’ve been passionate about technology since childhood, always curious about how things work,” Azeem explained. “My interest in IT deepened through gaming, especially when I started playing multiplayer games over LAN in 2007-08.”This interest led Azeem to explore networking in depth. He started his professional career in 2012 as a Network Operations Engineer for a Fortune 10 company.Over the past 13 years, Azeem has gained ex

1 month ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

Mastering Threat Analysis and Incident Response: Akarsh Lavania’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of secure cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Akarsh Lavania, CyberSecurity Consultant/ SOC Analyst. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: A Passion for Cybersecurity and Networking“As a professional, I began my work in the technology sector because of my intense passion for cybersecurity together with networking capabilities,” Akarsh explained. He started by taking practical training programs that gave him a solid base of knowledge in network protocols, security frameworks, and monitoring techniques.At LTIMindtree, Akarsh functions as a cybersecurity professional who focuses on threat analysis, incident response, and complex network infrastructure protection. “My work responsibilities include monitoring net

1 month ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

The Digital Future is the Cloud: Clarence Tinotenda Chipiro’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of secure cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Clarence Tinotenda Chipiro, L2 Network and DNS Administrator. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: Transferring Skills to the CloudClarence got started as an L1 Network Technical Support in 2021, for the leading African ISP (internet service provider), Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zimbabwe. He quickly moved up within the same organization to support DNS administration for clients, leading to his current position as L2 Network and DNS Administrator.“Outside of my full-time role, I have done a lot of freelance network engineering jobs with ITARMI,” he said. “I have upgraded data center infrastructure in local banks for prominent global organizations like VISA,

1 month ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

Problem-Solving, Collaborating, and Making an Impact: Sundus Hussain’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of secure cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Sundus Hussain, Software Developer. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: From Coding and Automation to Multicloud DesignSundus’s journey in technology started about eight years ago, driven by her curiosity for how systems communicate and work together.“Initially, I was fascinated by coding and automation, which led me to explore cloud computing and DevOps,” Sundus said. “My interest naturally extended into networking as I began to see its critical role in enabling scalable, secure, and efficient systems.”Sundus has been actively involved in networking for the past 5 years, working on projects that range from setting up on-premises networks to architecting soluti

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2 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

Playing the Long Game of Learning: Brennan Hunting’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Brennan Hunting, Quality Assurance Engineer. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: Building Knowledge with Constantly-Expanding TechnologyBrennan started his networking career recently. “I got started with computer networking in 2023 through the US Air Force and have been working with Cisco networking devices, fiber, and copper cabling infrastructure part-time since,” Brennan explained. He currently works full time for TopNotchQA as a Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer testing software. He works closely with Developers and DevOps to help deliver high-quality software products.“I have been studying AWS and working on a greater understanding of networking within enterprises,

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2 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

First-Generation and Self-Taught: Ahmed Hamed’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Ahmed Hamed, Program Manager. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: Starting with Computer Games and YouTubeAhmed Hamed is a first-generation, self-taught mid-career professional with a background in ICT (information and communication technology). His first connection with technology started when he was about six years old, playing computer games and streaming YouTube. “I started by tinkering with modems, finding mechanisms for access, and learning English along the way. My first language is actually Arabic,” he explained. “I learned [English] through the consumption of subtitled content.” He’s currently learning Japanese using the same method.Ahmed has been working in

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2 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

Continuous Iteration: Ravi Teja Pathipati’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Ravi Teja Pathipati, Cloud Architect. See our previous hero spotlights here. Breaking Down Challenging IdeasAt his company, Ravi serves on a team that implements the Aviatrix cloud network security solution to set up new hubs or spokes with application deployment. He manages all Aviatrix operations and implementation, performs regular software or image upgrades, troubleshoots connectivity, handles new spoke and hub onboarding, and oversees architecture designs.Ravi’s favorite part of his role is being able to help people navigate complex topics and solve problems in a way that’s meaningful to them. “Whether it’s offering insights into a technical subject, brainstorming new ideas, or

2 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

A Mathematical and Statistical Perspective in Healthcare: Shenghua Ni’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Shenghua Ni, Senior Professional Application Designer. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: Computing, Research, and HealthcareShenghua began his career in IT infrastructure in China. He built a foundation in computing, mathematics, and statistics, earning a B.S. in Management Information Systems, an M.S. in Mathematics & Statistics, and a PhD in Computational Analysis and Modeling. He earned his first networking certification, Cisco Certified Network Associate, in 2000 and gained experience in Azure with the Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate.Shenghua moved to the US and stepped into the healthcare field, contributing to more than 20 research articl

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2 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

From Electronics Engineer to IT Thought Leader: Roy Illsley’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Roy Illsley, Chief Analyst at Omdia. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: From Electronics Engineer to IT AnalystRoy started his IT career by accident. Originally, he was an electronics engineer with a BSc (Honors) in Electronic Engineering and Telecommunications, an international MBA, and a Chartered Engineer (CEng) at the Institute of Engineering Technology (MIET).In his role as an electronics engineer at a UK defense consulting firm, his company won a contract that required top secret need-to-know clearance: UK and US eyes only. The work involved programming in Fortran, a language Roy had learned as part of his BSc. This project helped move him into the role of syst

2 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

One of the First Certified Cloud Engineers in Kenya: Maureen Chebet’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Maureen Chebet, Enterprise Cloud DevOps Specialist. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: Seizing an Unexpected OpportunityMaureen grew up in a remote part of Kenya where men were often prioritized for education. Networking was not her original plan. “I wanted to be a flight attendant,” she said. “The closest I’ve come to that dream is being a passenger on a Boeing.”Maureen never envisioned herself in tech. “I believed it was for men and my dreams were far removed from the world of networking, servers, and clouds,” she explained. Her networking career started with a first job and an unexpected opportunity. “[I was] a data entry operator and within a year, my then-employ

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3 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

Architecting with Security in Mind: Zdenko Timulak’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Zdenko Timulak, Lead Cloud Architect. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: From IT to Network Design and ArchitectureZdenko’s career started in IT and grew as he accumulated skill and experience. “In IT, I started from scratch as a monitoring specialist and first level support,” he said. “Over time and much studying, I gained the necessary knowledge to work as a network admin and later, a designer and architect of network solutions.” For the last 6 years, he’s been focused on the cloud and its network infrastructure.Since he began his career, Zdenko has seen rapid changes in the everyday work of network design and administration. “When I started with networking, all c

4 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

From Wolf Biology to Tech: Allen Tyson’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Allen Tyson, Network Administration Specialist. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: Beginning with WolvesAllen has about 15 years of networking experience, but his career began with a completely different passion.“For some people, they have always loved technology, gadgets, tinkering and knew they wanted a career in tech at some point,” he said. “That absolutely was not me. Growing up I always loved animals, how they moved, how they interacted, and how they had a family social/structure similar to ours. In fact, wolves were my absolute favorite animal, and all the way through high school, I continued to read about wolves.”Allen was on track to become a wolf biologist,

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4 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

Empowering People Instead of Managing Them: John Bristol’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on John Bristol, Secure Modern Network Practice Leader. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: Engineer to Architect, Consultant to ManagementJohn entered networking at the foundation of both his career and the industry. “I got started in tech working for a large utility in 1987 when I was 20 years old,” he said. “I was fortunate to enter into I.T. (or I.S. as we used to call it back then) right at the transition from Mainframe (IBM SNA) to TCP/IP and when a small networking startup called Cisco Systems hit the market.”John helped deploy a very large enterprise network using Cisco multi-protocol routers and formally launched his career in networking. He left the utility af

4 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

From Chef to Architect of Cloud Solutions for Africa: Daniel Mwangi’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Daniel Mwangi, Cloud Integration Specialist. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: Intrigued by Operational ChallengesDaniel’s journey into tech started somewhat unconventionally. He began as a chef and rose to the role of department head in the fresh foods department of a multinational retail chain. “During this time, I was constantly intrigued by the operational challenges the business faced, such as supply chain inefficiencies, data management, and customer engagement,” he said. “This curiosity led me to explore cloud solutions as a way to solve these problems. Since then, I’ve earned certifications like AWS Solutions Architect and Google Associate Engineer, transit

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4 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

Problem-Solving with a Team: Sarmed Faraj’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Sarmed Faraj, Security Consultant Manager. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: Tackling Complex Cloud Networking ChallengesSarmed graduated with a computer science degree and started working as a programmer on the AS/400 to senior management level in the automotive, construction, media, and financial industries. He built a strong background in compliance, SOC operations, and Attack IQ.Sarmed’s favorite part of his role is innovation: being at the forefront of technology improvements, problem-solving, and working with a team to meet customer needs so they can move forward with their business goals.“In the consultant world, I often tackle complex challenges, finding inn

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5 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

Driving Innovation and Resilience: Cristian Critelli’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Cristian Critelli, EMEA Lead Networking and Resilience Specialist Partner Solution Architect at AWS. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: Resilience is as Critical as PerformanceCristian’s journey in networking began with studying Cisco and networking fundamentals on-premises, which laid the foundation for his deep expertise in network architecture. Over the years, he’s achieved numerous certifications, including advanced specializations in Cisco, AWS, Azure, and Aviatrix, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and technical excellence.“Today, I serve as the EMEA Lead Networking and Resilience Specialist Partner Solution Architect at AWS, focusing on empowe

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5 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

Turning Challenges into Tailored Solutions: Antonios Skoulariotis’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Antonios Skoulariotis, Regional Director of Cloud Security, Northeast and Financial Services at Fortinet. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: From Electrical Engineering to Cloud and CybersecurityAntonios’s early passion for math and physics naturally led him to pursue a career in engineering. He holds advanced degrees in Electrical Engineering and Wireless Telecommunications, setting the foundation for over 22 years in the networking and cloud security industry. “My career began in advanced Radio Frequency environments and expanded through WAN, LAN, and WLAN architectures,” he said.Antonios’s journey evolved along with the technology, especially as he embraced cloud

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5 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

From PC Gaming to Multicloud Design: Ansley Moyo’s Journey in Cloud Networking

Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share.Our next hero spotlight is on Ansley A. Moyo, Network Engineer. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: From PC Gaming to Networking EngineeringAnsley’s love for tech and computers dates back to his primary school days in his hometown, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. His curiosity and enthusiasm for PCs, the dominant model at the time, led him to win a citywide computer quiz competition. After that, his passion for computers grew through PC gaming.Ansley earned a Computer Science degree and began his career in Retail IT, learning networking and computer hardware/software consulting for a small company through his final year of university, before eventually joining a Financial Services Group, Old Mutual, as a gra

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5 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

Technology Solutions for Business Needs: Jian Zou’s Journey in Cloud Networking

As the cloud networking experts, Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share, including several who joined Aviatrix in New York at the NASDAQ tower.Our next hero spotlight is on Jian Zou, Principal Network Architect. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: Mastering Technology and BusinessJian Zou began his cloud networking career by earning a Master’s in Computer Networking at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. While working on the degree from 2013-2015, he began building on-the-job skills through a networking engineering internship with a leading e-payment service provider. He credits this role for allowing him to “apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, particularly in designing and maintaining a highly available data cente

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5 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

A Front-Row Seat for the Evolution of Networking: Weigner Co’s Journey in Cloud Networking

As the cloud networking experts, Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share, including several who joined Aviatrix in New York at the NASDAQ tower.Our next hero spotlight is on Weigner Co, Principal Cloud Architect. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: From Internet Seminars to Global SolutionsAs a college student, Weigner got a privileged view of the early days of networking. “Back when I was in college, I remember hearing that my university was one of the pioneers in connecting the country to the internet. I even have a school-issued certificate for attending an ‘internet’ seminar, if you could believe that,” he said.After he graduated, Weigner continued to watch the growth of networking from an IT perspective. He started out in technical

5 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

Networking with High Stakes: Michal Strzembicki’s Journey in Cloud Networking

As the cloud networking experts, Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share, including several who joined Aviatrix in New York at the NASDAQ tower.Our next hero spotlight is on Michal Strzembicki, a Global Cloud Architect at International Personal Finance. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: Keeping the Strict Standards of Military TechnologyMichal has shaped his cloud networking career in environments that left little room for error. “I began my tech career as an IT Administrator with the Polish Military, where I spent over three years ensuring server and network setups met the strict standards of military technology,” he explained. “This foundational experience solidified my skills in high-stakes environments and led me to work in London

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6 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

On the Forefront of Changing Technologies: Shamus McGillicuddy of EMA’s Journey in Cloud Networking

As the cloud networking experts, Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share, including several who joined Aviatrix in New York at the NASDAQ tower.Our next hero spotlight is on Shamus McGillicuddy, IT Industry Analyst at Enterprise Management Associates (EMA). Shamus’s experience as a journalist and analyst gives him unique visibility into the latest developments and long-term trajectory of the networking industry, from GenAI to best practices for cloud security. See our previous hero spotlights here. Journalism in a Dynamic IndustryShamus came to the cloud networking industry as a journalist. “I was a newspaper reporter for a number of years,” he explained. “In 2006, I joined TechTarget as a news writer for the company’s publications aimed at CIOs. Afte

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6 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

Watching the Rise of Cloud Services: Henk Giesbertz’s Journey in Cloud Networking

As the cloud networking experts, Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share, including several who joined Aviatrix in New York at the NASDAQ tower.Our next hero spotlight is on Henk Giesbertz, Network, Security, and Cloud Consultant. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: IT QA to Cloud ServicesHenk’s journey in cloud networking began with an interest in technology. From early youth to his studies in Technical Engineering, he’s focused on work with automation and computer technologies. He started in IT as a quality assurance test consultant, moved on to first-line support teams, backend support, and finally moved to networking. From LAN and WAN to security and smart network devices (firewalls, load balancers, accelerators), the logical next

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6 months ago

Katie HolmsAviatrix Employee

posted in Cloud Networking Heroes

Taking Unconventional Paths: Hemraj Yadav’s Journey In Cloud Networking

As the cloud networking experts, Aviatrix wants to elevate the work of cloud networking heroes who labor to keep networks secure, effective, and performant. We’re proud to highlight people who have taught themselves the necessary skills, designed and managed successful networks, and have the expertise to share, including several who joined Aviatrix in New York at the NASDAQ tower.Our next hero spotlight is on Hemraj Yadav, Cloud Strategy Leader. See our previous hero spotlights here. Background: Networking Since Y2KHemraj started his career in IT in 2000, supporting banking servers during the Y2K era. “It’s been a long journey, evolving from Novell NetWare to Microsoft technologies, Project Management, DevOps, and now cloud,” he said. “I have been involved in networking from the very beginning, managing LAN, WAN, and voice networks while working with one of the largest banking institutions.”Hemraj also holds a master’s degree in data science, which enhances his technical and analytical

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7 months ago

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