I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: Leonid Gimelshtein, our Team Lead for Data Engineering – AWS AI/ML MLOps, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming an AWS Ambassador!
This is a tremendous accomplishment. The AWS Ambassador Program is an exclusive community of influential thought leaders from AWS Partner Network (APN) organizations like AllCloud. Ambassadors play a crucial role in enhancing AWS proficiency within their companies, sharing their deep expertise, and empowering customers to succeed with the AWS cloud. The program fosters strong collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the community and directly with AWS. As an AWS Ambassador myself since 2018, I understand the dedication required, and I’m incredibly excited to welcome Leo to this esteemed group. It’s worth noting that there are only around 30 AWS Ambassadors in North America, highlighting the exclusivity of this recognition.
The Journey to Becoming an AWS Ambassador
I recently sat down with Leo to discuss his achievement and the journey he undertook to get there. Here’s what he had to say:
There are only a select number of AWS Ambassadors globally, and I know firsthand the immense work involved. What have been the highlights of the AWS Ambassador program for you so far?
Leo: I truly appreciate your mentorship and AllCloud’s unwavering support. Becoming an AWS Ambassador certainly demands commitment, but it’s an amazing way to demonstrate how AWS can solve real business problems. I’ve genuinely enjoyed sharing my hands-on experience and the insights I’ve gained at AllCloud to make a stronger impact within the AWS community.
I’m also proud to be in my third year as an AWS Community Builder. Both programs are about giving back, but they focus on different areas. Community Builders are dedicated to learning, sharing, and supporting others in the AWS space. Ambassadors build on that foundation by showcasing how AWS delivers significant business value through APN partner-led solutions. Together, these programs help the community grow from both a technical and business perspective.
What would you say was the hardest part of your journey to becoming an Ambassador?
Leo: The biggest challenge was crafting articles and blogs that struck the right balance between deep technical detail and clear business value. Thankfully, you and Hans Schabert from AWS were a massive help throughout that process.
What helped you most along your journey? ?
Leo: At AllCloud, we have so many talented people with deep AWS expertise and more. Sharing knowledge and learning from each other is an excellent way to grow. And again, a big thanks to you, Lahav, for all your mentorship, and to AllCloud for their unwavering support. If you’re thinking about pursuing this path, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
The Evolution of the AWS Ambassador Program: A Look Back
As an AWS Ambassador since 2018, it’s been exciting to see new Ambassadors like Leo join and witness the program’s evolution. I constantly challenge myself, and I was genuinely thrilled to be recognized as a Top Ambassador for 2025.
What has stood out most to me as the program has evolved is the increasing emphasis on business value and partner-led solutions. When I first joined, the focus was heavily on deep technical expertise. While that remains absolutely crucial, the program has truly matured to highlight how partners like AllCloud translate AWS capabilities into tangible business outcomes for our clients. There’s also a much stronger sense of community and collaboration among Ambassadors, fostering a richer exchange of ideas and best practices. It’s truly become a powerful network for driving innovation with AWS.
AllCloud is incredibly proud of this accomplishment for Leo, and I cannot wait to see what he does next!