Leaving a Legacy: How I Built AWS Cloud Club - PCU Cavite

Kimi Annika Villareal

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It all began with a spark—one that ignited during AWS Community Day 2023, a day that would quietly shift the course of my academic and professional journey. That event opened my eyes to the vast, ever-evolving world of cloud technology. But more importantly, it made me realize something deeper: students like us deserved access to these spaces and experiences much earlier.

Surrounded by professionals—CEOs, founders, tech leads—I felt both inspired and challenged. I saw the gap between where students currently stood and where the industry was heading.

Group Picture AWS Community Day 2023

Instead of waiting for someone to fill that gap, I decided to act.

That’s how AWS Cloud Club - PCU Cavite was born. AWSCC PCU Logo with Mascot

Building From Scratch

It wasn’t easy. Starting a student organization from scratch meant navigating paperwork, rallying members, aligning with administrators, and gaining trust. But what kept me going was the vision: to build a bridge between academia and industry— to create a space where students not only learned cloud computing, but also sharpened their communication, leadership, and real-world problem-solving skills.

AWS Cloud Club PCU Founding Core Team

Through this club, I wanted to help students gain not only cloud computing skills but also the soft skills and technical knowledge that are important in their future careers. We made sure that our activities and events gave members the chance to learn how to work in teams, communicate well, and take on responsibilities.

It wasn’t just about understanding AWS services—it was also about preparing them for the real world. Whether it was leading a project, speaking in front of a crowd, or solving problems as a team, the club became a space for learning and growth beyond the classroom.

Romulo Gapuz AWSCC PCU Event Speaker

Growing Impact

In just five months, the club was recognized as a Top Performing Organization. That recognition wasn’t just a milestone—it was proof that when students are empowered, they rise. We hosted workshops, organized cloud immersion sessions, and brought in mentors who helped spark curiosity and confidence.

Picture of Kimi

But the journey didn’t stop there. In July 2024, I stepped into a bigger stage as Director of Marketing for AWS Cloud Clubs Philippines. With this new role, I had the opportunity to scale what we started in Cavite to a national level—working with brilliant student leaders across the country to amplify the same mission: make cloud learning accessible, engaging, and impactful.

Through collaborations with Web3PH, Sip & Scale, TUP-Manila Compass, and other passionate communities like AWS Cloud Club and Learning Clubs - PUP, TIP Manila, UP Mindanao, Spade (CvSU), Legarda (NU-Manila), Haribon (PLM) and more, we built a web of opportunities—seminars, hackathons, networking spaces—that connected students with industry leaders, trends, and technologies.

Lessons Learned

Looking back, one of my biggest realizations is this: start early. Don’t wait until your final year to explore, to lead, or to learn. I only got involved in my third year, but the growth I experienced in just over a year and three months was exponential—both professionally and personally. The exposure, the community, and the mindset shift that came with it changed my trajectory.

Though my term has ended, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built—a thriving cloud community at Philippine Christian University - Dasmariñas, Cavite and PCU-D College of Informatics. More than an organization, it has become a launchpad for future leaders, builders, and innovators.

AWCC PCU Event Picture As this chapter closes, a new one begins—one where the legacy of AWS Cloud Club - PCU Cavite continues to grow and inspire future student leaders.