Worked on the confluentinc/kafka-connect-storage-cloud repository to enhance release readiness and maintain up-to-date dependencies. Focused on upgrading the AWS SDK to the latest compatible version, ensuring continued compatibility with AWS services and addressing security updates. Updated Maven-based release and versioning configurations to streamline the release cycle and improve traceability for future iterations. The work emphasized reducing technical debt and supporting a stable, auditable release process for customers. Utilized Java and XML to implement these changes, aligning with strategic goals of maintaining robust integration with AWS and supporting reliable release management practices throughout the development lifecycle for this project.