From First Touch to Champion: My Atlassian Community Journey

[#1]

“Before and after becoming an Atlassian Champion…”

Well, once I saw this challenge, I doubted if it would be appropriate for me to participate in it — my journey as a Community Champion had just started a month ago. So, all I thought I could say was “To be continued…”

But…

Then, I remembered my journey with the Atlassian Community… and it got me on a thought… 

Being part of a Marketing team, one principle immediately came to mind — a classic one:

It takes seven touches to convert someone into a buyer.

 Well, in my case, it took seven touches to enroll to become an Atlassian Champion.

 Touch 1 — First steps

In one of the most challenging years of my life, 2022, I began a completely new chapter: a new role as a Content Marketing Specialist, in a new industry for me — data protection for DevOps tools… and with new tools I had to quickly get familiar with: Jira was among them :) 

Eager to learn, I went straight to the source — the Atlassian website. I enrolled in Atlassian University, joined the Atlassian Community, and started attending ACE online events. My goal? To find answers. To understand how Jira really works.

Touch 2 — First Jira-related event: Jira Day

In 2023, I had the chance to attend Jira Day in Krakow… Everything was new… The topics. The people. The experience.

But what impressed me the most was the atmosphere. It felt like everyone knew everyone. It was so easy to start a conversation — the friendliness was incredible.

Touch 3 — The first ACE I attended offline

Beginning of 2024, my last days in Poland, as I decided to get back home, and there was the first community event of the Poznan Chapter. Actually, it was the first ACE I attended offline. Cool people, wonderful presentations, and this feeling that you are among the like-minded people.

Touch 4 — Deeper dive into community

While casually scrolling through the Community, I came across a few recurring post series: Miscellaneous Monday, Welcome Wednesday, and Throwback Thursday.

 At first, I thought: “These aren't about Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, and other Atlassian tools… interesting…”

After quietly reading for a while, one post finally encouraged me to comment. I can’t remember exactly what the topic was, but that moment was the start of something new. I began interacting more, commenting, and even trying to help others whenever I saw a question I knew the answer to. I would say that it was the turning point.

Touch 5 — Atlassian Community event in Kyiv

Adjusting to remote work after a few years in the office wasn’t easy. I realized I’m the kind of person who thrives around people. So when I learned about an ACE in Kyiv, I jumped at the opportunity to attend this event offline.

A 5-hour train ride, and there I was, back among Community members. At that time, I already knew some Community Leaders in person, so for me it was interesting to learn about their journey in the Atlassian Community.

Once again, I felt that warm and familiar atmosphere — the energy where everyone feels like they already know each other for years.

Touch 6 — Team’25

My first time at the Atlassian Team event. And wow… Such a massive event, yet filled with friendly faces and welcoming energy.

After a while of being more or less active on Atlassian Community, I already knew some people - some of them personally, some of them just online from community posts and online community events.

Networking and wonderful meetups… I was impressed by the community.

The meeting that made me start thinking that I’d like to be part of it was the gathering of Women in Tech, which I attended just by chance — my colleague told me about it 10 minutes before it started. 

Touch 7 - Just one more push

At Team '25, while entering an Atlassian raffle to win a certificate and T-shirt, I got into a conversation about the Community. Someone asked me, “Why don’t you become a Champion?”

That idea had already been in the back of my mind… but I needed one more nudge. It came shortly after — an email inviting me to explore the Atlassian Champions Program.

That was the final touch.

So, I applied.

And on my birthday, I received the acceptance email.

To say I was happy would be an understatement — I was over the moon.

The best birthday gift I could’ve received this year.

 

Since becoming an Atlassian Champion, I’ve learned a lot (really!) and met incredible people.

There’s still so much more to explore — and I’m excited for what’s ahead.

To me, becoming an Atlassian Champion means stepping from the sidelines into the heart of something truly special. It’s about sharing what I’ve learned, helping others, and being part of a constant party (whenever you ask a question, there is always somebody who can give a hand with an answer:) ). It’s not just a title; it’s a way to give back to the community that helped me grow.

And honestly, it’s only the beginning.

To be continued…

[Monique vdB]

@Daria Kulikova_GitProtect_io so great to read about your journey! 

[Huwen Arnone _Deiser_]

I didn't know that Jira Day was your first ecosystem event. You were so out there, so cool! Our interaction was brief, but it has lasted until now. So, it is awesome that we have kept collaborating since then. Thanks for sharing your story @Daria Kulikova_GitProtect_io 😎

[Shreeja J]

@Daria Kulikova_GitProtect_io 

Your story is really nice and inspiring. Wishing you all the best as you continue growing with the community😊!