Empowering Developers with Google Communities

Discover how Google’s developer programs unlock growth, connection, and impact worldwide - in conversation with Alfredo Morresi.

Communities spark ideas, foster learning, and drive meaningful innovation. At Google, collaboration is the key to progress. That’s why Google invests in vibrant networks and programs designed to empower developers, strengthen local tech ecosystems, and fuel both personal and professional growth.
Explore how being part of a community can transform your journey and help shape the future of technology.

Today we’re surfing with Alfredo Morresi, Google Developer Experts Global Lead at Google.

Can you name and describe Google's main community programs? What are their goals, and how do they differ from one another?

Google offers two distinct community programs for developers, each serving a unique purpose: Google Developer Groups (GDGs) and Google Developer Experts (GDEs). While their names may sound similar, their roles are quite different and equally important.

Google Developer Groups (GDGs) are local communities spread across the globe, with nearly 2,500 chapters worldwide. These groups are made up of passionate individuals who come together to strengthen their local tech ecosystems. GDGs typically host events to share knowledge, often focusing on Google technologies but not exclusively. Many events cover other technologies or topics related to development, even non-technical ones. At their core, GDGs are about fostering connections and empowering local communities through collaboration and learning.

On the other hand, Google Developer Experts (GDEs) are individuals with deep expertise in one or more Google technologies. They are dedicated to sharing their knowledge with the broader tech ecosystem. GDEs often contribute as speakers, authors, or mentors, offering valuable insights at GDG events, third-party conferences, and other initiatives where knowledge-sharing is essential.

In essence, GDGs and GDEs complement each other. GDGs focus on building hyperlocal communities and fostering growth within specific regions, while GDEs act as subject matter experts, providing high-quality content and expertise. Together, they play a vital role in driving the technical growth and development of local and global ecosystems.

What kind of impact have the Google Tech communities made — on developers, local tech ecosystems, or even your own journey?

The primary goal of GDGs (Google Developer Groups) and GDEs (Google Developer Experts) is to advance the local tech ecosystem by enhancing technical knowledge, skills, and understanding. These communities provide valuable learning opportunities through events and activities, helping attendees expand their expertise in various topics. Some groups focus on specific areas, such as the GDG Cloud Milano, which centers on cloud technologies, while general GDGs cover a broader range of subjects. Recently, many communities have leaned toward hands-on workshops, where developers can experiment, build prototypes, and test new tools—embracing the "learn by doing" mindset that so many developers value.

Another vital aspect of GDGs is their ability to foster connections. Attendees often share a common desire to learn and grow, making it easier to network with like-minded individuals. These connections frequently extend beyond professional boundaries, creating meaningful social bonds. 

Communities also connect with one another, often collaborating on larger events like DevFest, exemplifying effective collaboration and productivity. This annual gathering brings together multiple groups, with one core organizer supported by others to create a shared celebration of innovation and learning. Within the organizer network, the connections are equally strong.
Some GDGs also engage in social impact initiatives, such as hackathons or events aimed at solving local challenges or supporting nonprofits. These projects use technology as a force for good, creating meaningful change in society while strengthening the community’s purpose.

On a personal note, my journey with GDGs has left a lasting impact. Nearly 14 years ago, I spoke at a GDG Milan event, where the organizers recorded my session in a simple, informal setup with basic audio and video. Months later, during my first interview with Google, my future manager—who didn’t speak Italian—mentioned seeing that video. They told me, “I didn’t understand a word of what you said, but your confidence, energy, and ability to engage an audience were clear.” That recording became an unexpected and significant part of my hiring journey, easing the pressure during the interview and showcasing my abilities.

Reflecting on this experience, I’m reminded of how much the GDG community has contributed to my growth—not just professionally, but personally. It’s a space where learning, connecting, and giving back come together to create something truly impactful.

As a leader, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from working with such a diverse, global community of volunteers?

Over the course of 20 years working with communities, I’ve learned countless lessons, but one stands out above the rest: passion is the driving force behind meaningful and lasting contributions. Passion comes in many forms, but it’s easy to recognize when someone is genuinely motivated versus when they’re acting out of obligation or self-interest. I’ve encountered individuals who started communities solely to enhance their résumés or for monetary incentives. While this might bring short-term activity, such efforts often fade away if they lack genuine passion. On the other hand, when people are driven by a sincere love for what they’re doing, they find ways to connect, create, and build something impactful. 

Another key lesson I’ve taken away is the importance of cultural nuance when managing a global community movement spanning 2,500 groups worldwide. Even though passion unites these communities, cultural differences significantly impact how they operate and succeed. What works seamlessly in one region might fail entirely in another. For instance, in Europe, organizers often take stable electricity, internet connectivity, and basic event infrastructure for granted. However, in emerging markets, even securing a reliable power source can be a challenge, fundamentally affecting how events are planned and executed.

Ultimately, I’ve seen that when people are motivated by passion and goodwill, they find a way to overcome obstacles. I’ve met community organizers who initially lacked resources or time to act on their ambitions. Yet, when revisiting them months or even a year later, I found they had accomplished incredible things despite starting with very little. Their dedication, resourcefulness, and belief in their vision allowed them to build something truly remarkable. 

This is the magic of community—the incredible power of passion, motivation, and mutual support. It never ceases to amaze me how people, driven by the right intentions, can create lasting change and foster meaningful connections.

How does Google support Google Tech communities’ organizers in fostering inclusive, impactful events?

That’s a great question because it’s not a simple one to answer. At Google, we approach community management as an ongoing effort to empower community organizers, rather than just teaching them. We lead by example, creating memorable, high-quality events like regional GDG meetups and I/O Connect, offering a blueprint that organizers can adapt to build impactful experiences in their own communities.

Another essential aspect is discussing the “why” with organizers—why they’re doing what they do. Motivation matters, and it’s not always about numbers. Growth is important, especially early on, as it reflects the health of the community. But over time, the focus should shift to other factors, like the quality of activities, the diversity of attendees, and how often they connect and build relationships within the ecosystem. 
At the summits we organize, we also promote peer learning among community organizers. We can’t always be present in their daily work, but so much growth happens behind the scenes when they connect and support each other. These peer interactions—sharing event tips, offering advice to new organizers, even providing emotional support—are invaluable. It’s incredibly rewarding to see seeds we planted years ago continue to grow and thrive without direct intervention.

Ultimately, we aim to create opportunities for organizers to collaborate, share best practices, and innovate together. This builds a community with a strong identity, high standards for impact, and a commitment to excellence. 
We emphasize that impact isn’t defined by big numbers alone—it’s about meaningful engagement, connection, and creating spaces where truly remarkable things can happen.

In your experience, how can we ensure the long-term sustainability of the community?

This is the million-dollar question. Having motivated organizers is key to keeping a community going in the long term. But it’s also important to recognize that you can’t rely only on them to provide all the motivation the community needs. Passionate organizers naturally attract others—they lead by example with inclusivity and enthusiasm. This energy draws in new members, who can eventually take on leadership roles themselves. This cycle is essential for long-term sustainability.

One piece of advice I often give organizers is to recognize and use their “superpower”—the ability to ask for help. This isn’t just a nice-to-have skill; it’s essential. You must get comfortable asking for support, as it’s the only way to ensure the community thrives without you becoming a bottleneck. By asking for help, you empower others to step up, and this collaboration keeps the community functioning smoothly.

Many organizers fall into the trap of assuming that if someone wants to help, they’ll step forward on their own. This is a myth. The truth is, very few people are proactive enough to volunteer without being asked. As an organizer, it’s your job to identify potential contributors, invite them to help, and give them the confidence to get involved. Delegating tasks strengthens the community by spreading responsibility and ensuring it doesn’t rely too heavily on one person.

At some point, however, you need to pass the baton. This can be especially challenging for those who founded a community or have become deeply identified with it over the years. But a community is a living organism—it should evolve with the people it serves. If the same group of members remains in charge indefinitely, the community risks stagnation. It may continue to serve its core group but will fail to meet the broader needs of the local ecosystem. To stay relevant, the community must adapt and grow, reflecting the changes and diversity of its environment.

Every community goes through cycles of energy—highs and lows are natural. The key to maintaining an active, thriving community is knowing how to navigate these cycles. Part of this process involves stepping back when the time is right and allowing others to lead. By doing so, you ensure that the community remains vibrant, inclusive, and beneficial to the wider ecosystem it supports.

Alfredo Morresi is a passionate community builder and developer advocate who thrives at the intersection of technology, leadership, and fun. With a deep belief in the learn-build-share cycle, Alfredo is committed to giving back to the communities that have helped him grow—whether as a public speaker, writer, or conference organizer.

Currently Google Developer Experts Global Lead at Google, Alfredo has played multiple roles in the Developer Relations space: from launching efforts as a one-person team in Italy, to supporting developer community programs across Europe, and eventually leading a global team focused on developer community data and infrastructure. Over the past five years, he has also embraced leadership and people management, guiding diverse teams of community builders and program managers.