Recognizing AWS data centre employees on International Data Centre Day

From streaming services and ride sharing, to online banking and everything in between, cloud computing has become a key part of our everyday lives. 

Behind this seemingly invisible technology is a very real, physical foundation—a global network of data centres that support our digital economy—housing the servers, storage systems and networking equipment that make cloud computing possible. 

On International Data Centre Day, we’re celebrating the skilled professionals at our AWS Canada data centre Regions in Québec and Alberta—from IT specialists and engineers, to logistics experts and security personnel—who work tirelessly to ensure the seamless operation of cloud services that support more than tens of thousands of Canadian organizations. 

Shubhashish “Shub” Dhole grew up in a remote village in India, "where electricity was a luxury," he recalls. “I vividly remember reading by the light of a kerosene lamp, surrounded by the lush, green beauty of nature. Little did I know that these early experiences with the power of technology would one day shape my career.”

Shub went on to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering prior to working in tech. Along the way, he relocated to Canada. He saw potential in the rapidly evolving data centre industry and embarked on a journey of self-discovery.

“I worked my way up from a technician, determined to master the intricacies of this complex field,” he recalls.

In 2016, Shub was one of the first employees in the AWS Canada Region (Central) in Montreal, Quebec. 

“And in just two years later, I became the Data Centre Operations Manager, overseeing the launch of our second Canadian data centre hub in Calgary,” he explains. 

Now Shub leads a highly motivated and energetic team that ensures customers have uninterrupted access to AWS services.

“Never would I have thought I’d support the launch of both AWS Canada Regions, in Montreal and then in Calgary,” he continues. “My crowning achievement was to develop a way to build AWS infrastructure that allows our customers can run their applications closer to their end-users. Since, it has become a valuable tool for AWS's global expansion.” 

As he reminisces over souvenirs of his childhood, he says he’s just as hypnotized by the dazzling lights of a data centre and feels “especially proud to work at a company that invests in its employees’ long-term growth and recognizes their contributions.” 

Lilibeth steadily climbed the ranks to become a data centre logistics lead.

With a background in industrial engineering, Lilibeth moved from the Philippines to Canada to experience the four seasons, and started at AWS as intern.

After successfully completing her internship, she was hired in 2018 on the logistics team where she analyzes processes, takes stock of inventory, and identifies efficiencies and cost improvements.

“AWS opened a lot of learning opportunities for me, from the intricacies of global logistics, to hands-on experience in hardware replacement, and being able to participate in building an Availability Zone,” she recalls.

When asked what she loves the most about her job, Lilibeth responds “I love being on a global team we’re all working together to achieve a defined goal, sharing knowledge and learning from each other. Be open to new experiences, and you’ll find yourself evolving in ways you never imagined.”

But what Lilibeth is most proud of is “taking pride in knowing I've delivered my best effort and completed my responsibilities effectively. This sense of accomplishment comes from maintaining clear work-life boundaries while ensuring all daily objectives are met and team commitments are fulfilled.”

Montreal-native David Suissa has been working in security for over 18 years. Throughout his career, he’s worked in a variety of environments from hospitals to special events.

It was in 2020 that David found his calling at AWS, and ever since, he has been managing and maintaining the physical security operations for several of the data centres that comprise the AWS Canada (Central) Region in the greater Montreal area.

“Security managers are a central resource in data centres,” David explains. “Teams count on us all time. For me, feeling that I am part of the solution is a mark of success.”

Earlier this year, David developed a security mechanism that is now globally adopted. “I am proud because this project will be in place for a long time and greatly impacts our organization and our partners,” he says, reaffirming that he’s always had the desire and intention to leave the organization in a better place than when he entered. Since, David has also become the primary global point of contact for security drill programs.

“I really enjoy supporting the development of my team members and colleagues with more junior roles and tenure,”

At AWS, we recognize talented employees, and champion helping them grow their careers.

This is exactly how Jessica Gattas, based in Montreal, Quebec, became the Director of Operations for AWS Canada’s data centre Regions.

A Lebanese refugee, Jessica arrived to Canada when she was 10 years old. “I didn’t speak a word of French or English,” she recalls.

That didn’t stop her from quickly mastering both official languages, and even challenging herself to learn how to code after high school.

“That was a mistake,” she laughs. “I failed my final exam with 28%. But in hindsight, I also realized that you don't necessarily need to know how to code to work in tech. If you're curious, determined, and you enjoy solving problems, this can be your place!”

Today, it's Jessica’s qualities – her resiliency, observant nature and human-focused approach that allow her to push her team to deliver high quality services and processes.

“When I was young, I dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon,” she concludes. “And today, I know my place is with people and teams. That being said, I can see my work in digital networks as a reflection of the same fascination for our global infrastructure network.”

As we celebrate International Data Centre Day, we salute the dedication and expertise of these integral professionals and their colleagues. They keep AWS data centres running in Québec and Alberta, and their efforts not only ensure the reliability of cloud computing services, but also contribute to local economies and provide countless career opportunities.

The future of cloud computing is bright, and thanks to the hard work of these AWS employees, it continues to drive innovation, connectivity, and economic growth. Whether ensuring the smooth operation of critical digital services or mentoring the next generation of tech professionals, these individuals are shaping the future—one data centre at a time.

Learn more about our investments in Québec and in Alberta to build, maintain and operate our data centre hubs.