How I Became a Microsoft MVP

Who me?

When I first heard about the Microsoft MVP program, I thought it was reserved for tech celebrities — the people with massive Twitter followings, YouTube channels, or entire careers built on evangelism. I never thought I’d be one of them. I was a product human who had been working with Sentinel and Microsoft ATP since about 2019.

But here I am. I’m a Microsoft Security MVP in both SIEM & XDR and Cloud Security, and I want to share how I got here — not because my journey was perfect, but because it was intentional.

If you’re contributing to the Microsoft ecosystem, leading with heart, or wondering whether any of it counts… it does. Participating is worth it.

🔹 1. I Picked a Lane — and Then Owned It

My background wasn’t “typical.” I didn’t come from engineering. I came from manufacturing, software project management, and eventually, product management. But the thing that changed everything?

➡️ I got crystal clear on my lane: Microsoft Security for real-world security operations.

Whether I was speaking at a conference or mentoring SOC leads, I focused on what I knew best — and said it in a voice that was mine.

🔹 2. Jump right in.

I started sharing tactical content:

How to use Microsoft Sentinel, XDR, and Defender for Cloud as a unit
What actually works when building detection-as-code
Lessons from building co-managed SOCs on Microsoft tech

Was I 100% confident? No.
Was it valuable to someone? Yes.

That’s the MVP formula most people miss: Share what you know while you’re still learning it, and share it across mediums, like podcasts, blogs, and speaking engagements. Sharing as you’re learning is what the community needs most.

🔹 3. I Spoke, Posted, and Showed Up

My contributions included:

Participating in the Microsoft Customer Connection Program, the first year it existed. I showed up. Big time. Like top 10 contributor level.
Writing blog posts that made Microsoft Security feel less like a black box and more relevant to me by using analogies reachable by all audiences.
Being a new voice in the community (especially for women and Farsi speakers)
Participating in the LinkedIn Microsoft Community

If it helped someone else understand Microsoft Security better, I, pardon the pun, leaned in.

🔹 4. I Asked to be Nominated

This part is important: you don’t apply to become an MVP. Someone in the program (or at Microsoft) has to nominate you.

In my case, it was someone I deeply respected at Microsoft — and who had been watching my work, but rightfully told me that what I had done so far for the Microsoft Customer Connection Program may not be enough.

Lesson: people are watching, and they will take a chance on you if you give them a reason. Keep showing up authentically. Be helpful without keeping score. Not everyone will see what you see, and its OK. Someone out there will.

🎖️ 5. What Happened After I Got It

I didn’t suddenly become smarter. Ironically, my personal life was falling apart as I navigated life changes that forced me to seek clarity and focus.

I did get:

Notified I was the first woman in North America with a dual designation in 2 security categories
Access to Microsoft product teams and roadmap discussions
A community of brilliant MVPs across the world who I respect and adore
A chance to give feedback that actually shapes the platform
More confidence that my voice mattered

The MVP award wasn’t a finish line — it was a door to my future.

💡 Final Thought

If you’re someone who’s building in public, mentoring others, or just trying to make Microsoft tech a little more human and usable — keep going.

You don’t need to be loud, but you must have a voice.
You don’t need to be perfect, but you need to be ready to take feedback.

Be consistent, real, and generous.

And if you ever want help navigating your MVP journey, I’m here.

Footnote

Want to learn more about becoming an MVP? Here’s the official Microsoft MVP program page. Or just shoot me a message — I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.