Please, Introduce yourself to the community!

[WiliamRosa]

Hi everyone,
To help us all connect, I'd like to kick us off with an introductions thread. Please feel free to share a little about you with the group. If it helps, I'd be interested to know:

1. Name and location
2. What you're currently using Databricks for - any current projects on the go?
3. A feature or integration of Databricks you're most thankful for.

I wish you all the best! 

[BS_THE_ANALYST · Accepted solution]

Hi @WiliamRosa, I'm in EUW but still interested in connecting with people around the world. 

1. Name and location
> Ben Stringer aka BS_THE_ANALYST
> Newcastle upon Tyne, England (North East).

2. What you're currently using Databricks for - any current projects on the go?
> Currently upskilling myself in Databricks by learning through the community & pursuing certifications. Just completed the Data Analyst cert and have now embarked on the Data Engineer cert. I'm happy to collaborate on projects outside of that; I love learning. 

3. A feature or integration of Databricks you're most thankful for.
> The Databricks Free Edition has provided me with an environment to develop and learn. I can leverage most of the latest and greatest features in Databricks without worrying about running up any costs for myself or my employer!

I've got a lot of experience with using Alteryx and I'm looking forward to engaging with Databricks and mastering the cloud. Lots to do, not enough time 😂. 

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone else's stories and career paths.

All the best,
BS

[gustavolourenco · Accepted solution]

Hey Guys!
How you doing?
1. Gustavo Lourenco, São Paulo -  SP, Brazil
2. I using Databricks with transformations in some projects with Python, Pyspark and SQL And catalog in Unit Catalog,
3. So, I think a Workspace to program free and AI Assistant Genie. Both those are amazing!

Gustavo Lourenco
Data Engineer

[WiliamRosa · Accepted solution]

Hi everyone,

My name is Wiliam Rosa, and I’m based in São Paulo, Brazil.

I currently work as a consultant in Data Engineering for large enterprises in Brazil and multinational companies, delivering scalable solutions and working mainly with Databricks, AWS, and Azure platforms. Some of my projects include work with major companies such as DELL, NTT, TIVIT, Raia Drogasil, Dasa, Livelo, Ambev, Bradesco Bank, and Itaú Bank.

The feature I’m most thankful for in Databricks is the seamless integration with the broader Azure ecosystem, especially the ability to unify ETL, data quality, and ML pipelines in a single platform. It has been key for driving scalable data solutions across different enterprises.

Looking forward to connecting with all of you and exchanging experiences in this community! 🚀

[DanielGranja]

Hi everyone! Looking forward to connecting with people in Ecuador and all over LatAm!

1. Name and location
I'm Daniel Granja, a Data Engineer from Guayaquil, Ecuador

2. What you're currently using Databricks for - any current projects on the go?
Currently studying for certifications and soon will start using the Lakehouse at work.

3. A feature or integration of Databricks you're most thankful for.
Love the new declarative pipelines and the interface. Before, Jobs were a life saver, but this has elevated it to new levels of convenience and observability, truly appreciate it!

[cbossi]

Hi everyone, 

1. Name and location
> I'm Caique Bossi, originally from São Paulo, Brazil, and I've been living in Ghent, Belgium for the past 9 years.

2. What you're currently using Databricks for - any current projects on the go?
> I currently work as a Digital Engineer, mostly applying Machine Learning in industrial environments at a large Belgian multinational specialized in building materials. My focus is on developing data-driven solutions that optimize production processes and improve operational efficiency.

3. A feature or integration of Databricks you're most thankful for.
> I really luike the seamless integration with the Azure ecosystem, which makes it easy to manage resources. I'm also a big fan of MLflow, which helps me keep my experiments well-organized.

Looking forward to learning from all of you and sharing experiences!

[luiz_santana]

1. Name and Location
Name: Luiz Sanana
Location: I am Brazilian, from Recife/PE, but currently live in Vancouver/Canada.

2. What are you currently using Databricks for? Are there any ongoing projects?

Currently, I use Databricks to implement lakehouse architectures for my clients. I already have over 30 lakehouse projects implemented using Azure Databricks. In addition, I teach Databricks training on my course platform and in my mentoring programs.

3. A Databricks feature or integration you are most grateful for.

The Free Edition of Databricks provides an environment for studies, POCs, and testing the code I use on my blog. I have been testing all the features and presenting them to my students and clients for future implementation in their environments!

Best regards,
Luiz Santana
Microsoft Data Platform MVP & Data Architect