We previously introduced the Microsoft Learn Learning Room in our blog post: Learn Azure Together in Microsoft Learn Learning Room.

This time, we interviewed Kerry Herger (Worldwide Microsoft Learn Marketing Community Lead) and Microsoft MVPs Saeid Dahl & Hamid Saleh about the Microsoft Zero to Hero Community. We also got to learn more about the Microsoft Backyard and NextGen Heroes.

Tell us about Microsoft Zero To Hero.

Microsoft Zero To Hero is a vibrant community within the Microsoft Learn ecosystem that’s approaching its first anniversary and it is lead by Saeid Dahl, Hamid Sadeghpour Saleh and Mohsen Akhavan. We started this initiative with a clear goal: to inspire individuals to become active participants in the Microsoft community. From the very beginning, our mission has been to create a space where people can share their knowledge, learn from one another, and grow together. We kicked off with non-stop live sessions every Saturday, and due to the overwhelming success, we’ve now expanded to cover weekdays and multiple time zones. This has allowed us to reach and inspire even more people across the globe. In less than a year, we’ve hosted over 80 live sessions, featuring speakers from around the globe. Our community has grown to include 6,000 members, and our content has generated over 1,500 hours of watch time on YouTube. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they reflect the deep engagement and passion within Microsoft Zero To Hero and Microsoft Learn community.

What is the concept of Learning Rooms within the Microsoft Learn community?

Microsoft Learn Community is a collection of experiences offering learners a variety of ways to connect and engage in a dynamic and inclusive space.  Whether you’re just getting started or aiming to advance your skills, learners will find the support and guidance they need on their technical learning journey.  Our mission is to meet learners where they are, offering connections and resources in their preferred language and learning style, catering to all skill levels.   A key feature of our community is the Learning Rooms, which offers a free, engaging space for anyone seeking to expand their technical knowledge. These rooms, led by our worldwide network of Microsoft Learn experts, provide a collaborative environment for learners to develop their skills and connect with peers. You can join multiple rooms based on your interests, and each room is focused on achieving learning goals through up-to-date technical content. Learning Rooms offer:

Cohort Learning: Guided discussions and office hours with Learn Experts.
Peer Connection: Hands-on learning, practical demos, and exam prep in a collaborative setting.
Engaging Community: A fun, interactive space where you can connect with like-minded learners and thrive in your learning journey.

Together, we explore, engage, and grow to achieve skilling and career goals. Join us today and unlock the full potential of your technical journey with the support of our community and Learning Rooms!

Tell us a bit more about Microsoft Backyard and Microsoft NextGen Heroes?

Microsoft Backyard and Microsoft NextGen Heroes are two exciting programs we’ve developed under the Microsoft Zero To Hero name. Microsoft Backyard is unique because it’s not a technical session. Instead, it focuses on the personal stories of Microsoft employees, Regional Directors (RDs), and Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs). We dive into their success stories, the lessons they’ve learned, and even some of the challenges they’ve faced. The feedback after our first episode was incredible—people from all around the world told us how much they enjoyed hearing these personal journeys.

On the other hand, Microsoft NextGen Heroes is a program that’s very close to my heart. It’s designed specifically for Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors (Student Ambassadors) and individuals who are new to the Microsoft world. The idea was born from the immense energy and talent we saw in the Student Ambassador community. We wanted to give these young leaders a platform to share their experiences and knowledge. Our first live session was a huge success, with 70 registrants and nearly 60 live audience members, and the feedback we received was truly inspiring.

We are very proud to have three Student Ambassadors leading this program: Nicklas Olsen, Bojan Ivanovski, and Marko Atanasov.

What is the purpose of the Microsoft NextGen Heroes program?

The primary purpose of Microsoft NextGen Heroes is to empower the next generation of leaders within the Microsoft community. We want to create a space where young individuals—especially those who are just starting out in their careers—can connect, share their experiences, and learn from each other. This program is all about fostering a sense of community and belonging, where new voices are encouraged and celebrated.

How does it differ from other Microsoft initiatives like the Student Ambassadors or the Zero To Hero community?

Great question! While Student Ambassadors and Microsoft Zero To Hero is both about learning and growth, Microsoft NextGen Heroes takes a slightly different approach. The Student Ambassadors program is designed to recognize and support students who are passionate about technology and community leadership. Microsoft Zero To Hero is broader, focusing on inspiring individuals at all stages of their journey within the Microsoft ecosystem.

NextGen Heroes, however, is specifically tailored for those who are new to the Microsoft world or early in their careers. It’s more focused on peer-to-peer learning and leadership development. We want to give these new members of our community a platform to shine, share their experiences, and learn from each other in a supportive environment.

What are the best ways to stay informed about the latest news and updates related to Microsoft NextGen Heroes?
To stay updated, I recommend following our official channels on social media and subscribing to our newsletter. We regularly post updates, event announcements, and highlights from past sessions. You can also join the Microsoft Zero To Hero community (https://aka.ms/joinzerotohero) on Microsoft Learn, where we share all the latest news about both Microsoft Zero To Hero and Microsoft NextGen Heroes. Lastly, following Microsoft Zero To Hero YouTube channel is a great way to catch up on any sessions you might have missed.

Hierarchy of team members.

LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsofthero

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MicrosoftHero
Website: https://microsofthero.com

X: https://x.com/MicrosoftHero

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