Seven years of active Snowflake Community Membership

Early this month I attended my 5th Snowflake Summit. I realized that I have been a member of the Snowflake Community since 2018. Back then the online community was called "The Lodge". For me the presence of an (online) community is very important. I really appreciate the exchange of knowledge and try to add some value myself. It is always great to be able to ask questions and discuss all things Snowflake with likeminded people.

Snowflake Data Superheroes

Because of my contributions to the Snowflake Community I was accepted into the Snowflake Data Superhero Program. I was one of the OG's in a program led by Angie Coleman. It was in a period that Snowflake was 'just a database platform'.

When I was at the Snowflake Summit in 2019 the whole event was way smaller than it is right now and so was the DSH program. I think Angie Coleman has laid the foundation for what the program is right now.

"The Data Superheroes program is designed to recognize and amplify the top contributors in the Snowflake community." - Elsa Mayer, Senior Manager Community

While the Snowflake as a company was growing, also the Snowflake Community and the Data Superhero Program grew alongside. Two of the people who had/ have a strong impact on the development of the program are Howard Lio and Elsa Mayer, who is still with us.

During my first Snowflake Summit in 2019, nothing special was organized for the Snowflake Community in general or the Snowflake Data Superhero Program in specific. As from the first Snowflake Summit after Covid, there is a Builders Hub. This hub consists of a Community Hub where you can ask questions about the Community. Central to this hub is the Builders Theater where you can attend several presentations. The 'Ask the Expert'-booths are the place where you can ask anything about Snowflake. And last but definitely not least; The Frosty Friday booth where you can participate in challenges.

"Data Superheroes are a league of community leaders who are passionate about sharing their passion and knowledge." - Amilee Alesna, Community Manager

Back in 2019 the Data Superhero Program was basically nothing more than a recognition form Snowflake for our contributions to the community. We were added to a Slack-channel, and got invited to BUILD-sessions and I remember I aired on the Snowflake OG series by Kent Graziano. I also received my first avatar, powered by Francis Mao.

Fast forward to 2025, Amilee Alesna is building upon the building blocks created by Howard Lio and Elsa Mayer. The current Data Superhero Program is more than recognition. We have regular online meetings with Snowflake Product Management about (new) features in Snowflake. Product Management is now also present in our Slack Channel. After years of asking (maybe begging) we are more often provided with Private Preview access to new features. Also Snowflake Summit is completely different than it was in 2019. We have a special Data Superhero (Welcome) Party, front-row seating at the Keynotes, private area's in the Builders Hub and special Snowflake Summit swag.

I feel privileged to be part of Data Superhero Program. Amilee Alesna introduced the 2025 program -and there are several highlights for the year 2025. We already had several sessions with Product Management, Snowflake Summit was a blast. Our personalized swag with the personal note by the Snowflake co-founders was very special. Just like our personal trading cards with our latest avatars.

"The Data Superhero program celebrates and empowers the most passionate, knowledgeable, and community-driven Snowflake users who go above and beyond to share, teach, and inspire others." - Monique Lupu, Snowflake User Group Program Lead

Snowflake User Group Netherlands

At Snowflake Summit 2024 I discussed with Monique Lupu how to setup the Dutch Chapter again. We had a User Group earlier, which was organized by Snowflake itself. I wanted to create a User Group by Snowflake Users for Snowflake Users. A User Group where Snowflake practitioners uncover and share the unblemished truth of Snowflake like I discussed with Jakob Brandel back in 2022. At that time we did not succeed in building the local community. Now with the help of Monique Lupu, who supports the world wide Snowflake User Group Community, we gave it another try in 2024.

Monique got me into contact with Jason C Teetz. Together with Jason I organized the first meetup as a Chapter Lead of the Snowflake User Group Netherlands in October 2024.

"Community, to a large extent, is the lifeblood of Snowflake – to me, there is nothing better than people coming together to collaborate, support and encourage one another. And time and time again I am blown away by how seamless and fun it is to get together with seasoned and new members." - Jason C. Teeth, Product & Developer Marketing Manager

We did several sessions since and are planning the next ones for the remainder of the year. For me as a Chapter Lead it is great to have the support of both Monique and Jason. It makes my life very easy. I just have to connect with the Snowflake Community and find interesting topics. Up until now, all these topics find me.

"A vibrant community united by a passion for data, DSH come together to share knowledge, support one another, and grow collectively." - Emma Macgregor, Snowflake Community & DevRel

Just before Snowflake Summit I met with Emma MacGregor, who just joined Snowflake. We discussed about the Snowflake Community in general and the Snowflake User Group in The Netherlands in specific. Just like all the others mentioned in this blog, Emma is very helpful to support me to achieve my goals.

🔎 Final Thoughts

I am very privileged to be part of the Snowflake Community. Over the years a gained a ton of knowledge. On the other hand I have been offered a platform to share my expertise, both online as well as offline. I met with people all over the world, with whom I can share all things Snowflake or anything else that comes to mind.

Special thanks to Elsa Mayer , Amilee Alesna , Monique Lupu , Jason C. Teetz and Emma MacGregor . Thanks for all you do for the Snowflake Community. Keep up the good work!

Snowflake Data Superhero and Chapter Lead for the Dutch Snowflake ❄️ User Group. Consulting Partner at Bravinci. Online also known as; DaAnalytics