topic Re: Databricks Community Innovators - Program in Get Started Discussions

Databricks Community Innovators - Program

BS_THE_ANALYST — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 09:39:50 GMT

Hi,

I'd like to know what's happened with the Databricks Community innovators program? https://community.databricks.com/t5/databricks-community-innovators/bg-p/databricks-community-news-members

Is this still alive? I've applied and emailed: databricks-community@databricks.com but have heard nothing back despite reaching out multiple times.

Is the program being replaced? Programs like this are huge initiatives for developing community advocates. It'll be a shame to see it go. I'd love to see a clear-cut path to becoming a Databricks Champion/MVP so people can align themselves with that trajectory.

All the best,
BS

Re: Databricks Community Innovators - Program

Louis_Frolio — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:27:13 GMT

@MandyR for visibility.

Re: Databricks Community Innovators - Program

WiliamRosa — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:24:55 GMT

@BS_THE_ANALYST ,i agree with you. Programs like this give visibility and encouragement to contributors. I also signed up and didn't get a response.

Re: Databricks Community Innovators - Program

nayan_wylde — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:45:25 GMT

I too signed up and didn't got a response

Re: Databricks Community Innovators - Program

MandyR — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 22:36:50 GMT

Hi all! In case we haven't met, I'm Mandy, a new program manager on the Community team here at Databricks.

First of all, thanks for your patience. I know it’s been too quiet on this front for a couple of months. We’ve had some internal changes that required us to rethink how we manage the Innovator program and it took a bit longer than expected. I am so sorry for the lack of communication on our end!

I’m happy to say I’m going to be leading the charge and I’m so excited to work with you guys more closely! Right now I am finalizing a few things with internal stakeholders and then I will be sending out an email/adding a community post to everyone who has signed up.

Here’s basically what’s changing, with more detail to follow:

New owner: I’m your main POC for all things Innovators!
Three levels of recognition: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Clear criteria: You’ll know exactly how to earn your next badge.
Rewards that matter: Badges, recognition, swag and opportunities to share your expertise.

Again, apologies for the lack of comms but know that we are definitely moving and grooving again. I appreciate you bringing this up and am looking forward to connecting with you all here in the Community!

Re: Databricks Community Innovators - Program

TheOC — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:32:29 GMT

Hi @BS_THE_ANALYST
Thanks for raising this discussion, and thank you for the update @MandyR!
Looking forward to hearing about how I can get involved 😊

Re: Databricks Community Innovators - Program

BS_THE_ANALYST — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:33:03 GMT

Hi Mandy! 👋

Thanks for the introduction and update. I'm really looking forward to being a part of everything moving forward. Just echoing what @TheOC mentioned above, I'm happy to help/assist in whatever way I can.

Absolutely buzzing based off the info you've provided above @MandyR 🥳.

All the best,
BS