Alexandra Savelieva, a Principal Applied AI Engineer at Microsoft, has been instrumental in spearheading a vibrant initiative aimed at fostering engagement within the Microsoft AI/ML Connected Community, which boasts over 21,000 members.
This innovative program, centered around the community mascot Amelie, also affectionately known as AIMLEE, seeks to create a memorable identity that resonates with community members.
The Vision Behind Amelie
The idea for the Amelie community mascot came from a suggestion by Alex Blanton, one of the founders and current co-leads of the community. With the community experiencing an increased cadence of events, it became clear that relying on a professional artist for custom imagery would be both challenging and costly. This realization ignited Alexandra’s passion for visual art and experimentation, ultimately leading to the creation of Amelie, a vibrant Robot-Octopus mascot.
The primary goal of introducing Amelie was to enhance engagement and foster a sense of belonging among members of the AI/ML Connected Community. By leveraging generative AI, Alexandra and her team could create custom images and themes for Amelie, making the mascot dynamic and interactive. This initiative not only aimed to boost participation but also showcased the innovative capabilities of AI in community building.
Positive Outcomes
Since Amelie’s introduction, the Microsoft AI/ML community has witnessed a significant upsurge in engagement and interaction. Members have responded enthusiastically to the mascot’s presence, with custom images generated through generative AI adding excitement and a personalized touch to community interactions. Amelie embodies the spirit of the community—smart, curious, and cheerful—urging members to embrace the rapid advancements in AI with excitement and a spirit of learning. Her octopus shape symbolizes the adaptability of generative AI, as slight inconsistencies in her appearances mirror the technology’s evolution across different contexts.
Moreover, Amelie’s distinctly feminine personality serves as a subtle reminder of the significant contributions women have made to the field of data science. The initiative has resulted in a tangible increase in participation during community events and discussions, creating a stronger sense of identity within the group. Amelie has taken center stage at prominent events like the Global Hackathon, MLADS, and various community calls, reinforcing her role as a key figure in fostering community unity. As Amelie approaches her first birthday this September, the success of the initiative exemplifies the power of AI-driven creativity in enriching community experiences and deepening connections among members.
Advice for Future Initiatives
For those looking to implement a similar mascot program, Alexandra offers valuable advice: focus on creating a mascot that reflects the community’s values and interests. Involving community members in the design process ensures that the mascot feels authentic and relatable. Utilizing generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, can add an engaging and personalized dimension to the mascot, enhancing interaction with community members. Creating a sense of ownership and connection among members is crucial for success, so active involvement throughout the journey is essential. Additionally, embracing experimentation and iteration in the design process can offer impactful learning experiences, as
Alexandra found while honing her skills in prompt engineering, which enhances her work as a Principal Applied AI Engineer in Azure Data. Moreover, initiatives need not be confined to digital realms; there has been notable interest in physical artifacts featuring Amelie’s imagery, including custom stickers and Amelie-embroidered T-shirts designed with the help of the Microsoft Garage team.
Amelie’s introduction to Microsoft has transformed engagement within the Microsoft AI/ML Connected Community, demonstrating the potential of creative, AI-driven solutions in enhancing community identity and interaction. As Amelie continues to play a pivotal role in the community, her presence highlights the importance of fostering connections that celebrate innovation, collaboration, and shared values among members.
Read more about AI and Community in the State of Community Management 2024 report.
