Leslie Welch is the Principal Architect, Data & AI at SHI with over 18 years of experience in automation, data analysis and visualization, and strengthening organizations’ knowledge of data. Leslie is a Microsoft MVP and has worked end-to-end in the data arena from capture and ETL to database design/engineering to analysis and dashboard design to ML use cases with a focus on improving productivity, performance, and data quality. She has extensive experience in enterprise deployment of Power BI, both as an admin and Power BI architect, and as a trainer and technical community organizer. She is passionate about data governance, truth-telling in data, and creating collaborative environments across data practitioners and the numerous data stakeholders.

Leslie co-organizes Power BI DC and frequently attends and speaks at data community meetups in the DC metro area, including but not limited to Data Viz DC, Data Science DC, Women Who Code DC, Washington DC Power Platform User Group, and Generative AI DC. Leslie was recognized as a 2023 New Power Woman in Tech by DCA Live, and on the RealLIST Engineers 2024 as one of 15 technologists helping the DMV ecosystem grow.

Leslie Welch is the Principal Architect, Data & AI at SHI with over 18 years of experience in automation, data analysis and visualization, and strengthening organizations’ knowledge of data. Leslie is a Microsoft MVP and has worked end-to-end in the ... Show more

Lenore Flower (MBA, MCT) is the owner of Data Plumber, LLC, a training-first consulting business that helps SMBs (Small-to-Medium sized Businesses) grow their data people alongside their data ecosystem on the Microsoft stack.

After serving as the BI lead on the client side of a challenging D365 F&O implementation, Lenore transitioned to data & BI consulting work with the explicit goal of becoming the kind of data consultant she had so badly needed herself. She now specializes in collaborating one-on-one with data professionals to both build and learn how to maintain data systems that span D365 F&O, Fabric, Power BI, and Dataverse.

Lenore loves learning and sharing knowledge as part of the broader data community. In addition to being an enthusiastic speaker and attendee at various community events, she co-organizes the Power BI Washington DC User Group (since 2022), and the DUG DC user Group (since 2025), and recently launched "Beautiful Nerds-The Podcast" to help keep the conversation going between community events.

Lenore Flower (MBA, MCT) is the owner of Data Plumber, LLC, a training-first consulting business that helps SMBs (Small-to-Medium sized Businesses) grow their data people alongside their data ecosystem on the Microsoft stack. After serving as the ... Show more

All my career, I've been working in the data field. Initially, I started my data journey with Excel and later transitioned to Tableau and, after a few years, to Power BI, which I've used almost since its creation.
But that's not all — I've also been sharing my data love with others, teaching them how to use these awesome tools during trainings and conferences. While doing this, I was accepted into the Microsoft MVP program (year 2024).
I'm super passionate about data, and nothing makes me happier than passing on my knowledge to kindred spirits so that they can rock the data world, too!

All my career, I've been working in the data field. Initially, I started my data journey with Excel and later transitioned to Tableau and, after a few years, to Power BI, which I've used almost since its creation. But that's not all — I've also bee... Show more

Shubhangi is multi award-winning senior Data & AI professional and Microsoft MVP with a career spanning across Fortune 500 , FTSE 100 to AI startups. With a decade of experience across data analytics, data science, data strategy, and AI, she specializes in leveraging algorithms to extract insights, surface patterns, and decode human language in complex datasets. She currently serves as a senior analyst at a leading FTSE 100 financial services and insurance firm in the UK. Previously, she led high-impact AI and data initiatives at ICS AI Ltd, delivering cutting-edge technology to the UK public sector. She holds a degree in Computer Science Engineering and an MSc in Business Analytics from the University of Bath. An international speaker, Shubhangi has delivered talks in 14 countries across the globe. She leads the London Chapter of Women in Data, championing the next generation of women in tech, and co-founded Builders Foundry, a community-driven platform where practitioners learn from real-world experience. She is also a verified expert and mentor on TopMate.

Shubhangi is multi award-winning senior Data & AI professional and Microsoft MVP with a career spanning across Fortune 500 , FTSE 100 to AI startups. With a decade of experience across data analytics, data science, data strategy, and AI, she speciali... Show more

With a diverse background in journalism and retail, Linda brings both business insight and attention to storytelling to the table as a data warehouse developer. Coupled with her passion for learning new tech and trying new things.

With a diverse background in journalism and retail, Linda brings both business insight and attention to storytelling to the table as a data warehouse developer. Coupled with her passion for learning new tech and trying new things. Show more

Cathrine loves data and coding, as well as teaching and sharing knowledge 🤓 She is based in Norway and works as a Data & Analytics Principal Consultant in Evidi, focusing on Data Modeling and Data Integration. Her core skills are Microsoft Fabric, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Data Factory, Azure SQL, SQL Server and T-SQL development, but she enjoys everything from programming to data visualization. Outside of work she’s active in the Azure and Microsoft Data communities as a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, international speaker, blogger, organizer, and chronic volunteer. She blogs at cathrinew.net and posts as @cathrinew.net on Bluesky.

Cathrine loves data and coding, as well as teaching and sharing knowledge 🤓 She is based in Norway and works as a Data & Analytics Principal Consultant in Evidi, focusing on Data Modeling and Data Integration. Her core skills are Microsoft Fabric, A... Show more

I’m Prathyusha (Prathy) Kamasani, a solopreneur behind Data Nova, a small, purpose-driven business specialising in Microsoft BI solutions. With over 15 years of experience in the data space, I take a design-first approach to everything I build. Whether I’m developing well-structured data platforms or creating user-centric Power BI reports, my goal is to make data accessible, intuitive, and genuinely impactful.

From delivering end-to-end Microsoft Fabric solutions to crafting interactive data visualisations, I bring together design and data to help organisations uncover the insights that truly matter.

I’m also passionate about sharing knowledge and building community. Since 2016, I’ve been running the London Microsoft Fabric User Group. You’ll often find me speaking at conferences or hosting events at the London Fabric User Group

I’m Prathyusha (Prathy) Kamasani, a solopreneur behind Data Nova, a small, purpose-driven business specialising in Microsoft BI solutions. With over 15 years of experience in the data space, I take a design-first approach to everything I build. Wheth... Show more

Stephanie is the co-founder and grand high witch at data-witches.com. She is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP who specializes in turning complex data into clear insights using Fabric and Power BI. Known for her practical, approachable style, she shares her expertise through blogging, GitHub tools, and speaking at conferences. She’s passionate about helping others grow their data skills and believes in the power of community and collaboration.

Stephanie is the co-founder and grand high witch at data-witches.com. She is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP who specializes in turning complex data into clear insights using Fabric and Power BI. Known for her practical, approachable style, she shares ... Show more

Karen is a senior project manager and architect with an extensive background in development processes and information management. She specializes in taking practical approaches to systems development. She has 20+ years of public speaking (keynotes, speeches, and demonstrations). She wants attendees to have fun, gain insights and take away inspiration for working with new technologies and methods.

She's known for her slightly irreverent and practical approach to IT training and speaking. She wants you to be part of #TEAMDATA.

Karen is a senior project manager and architect with an extensive background in development processes and information management. She specializes in taking practical approaches to systems development. She has 20+ years of public speaking (keynotes, s... Show more

Angela is a Senior Architect, living in High Point, NC and loves what she does. She's worked with all versions of SQL Server & worn all the hats that come with dealing with SQL Server throughout the years: developer, administrator, data architect and BI developer. She has her MSCE in Data and Analytics (f.k.a., Business Intelligence), is a Data Platform MVP, and a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). She is the former chapter leader for the PASS Triad SQL User Group in Greensboro, NC. In her spare time you can probably find her in or at the pool, she's an avid US Masters Swimmer, Coach and Instructor.

Angela is a Senior Architect, living in High Point, NC and loves what she does. She's worked with all versions of SQL Server & worn all the hats that come with dealing with SQL Server throughout the years: developer, administrator, data architect and... Show more

I am the Group Data Engineering Lead at the Co-op, with a passion for data platform infrastructure, networking and security, and a focus on Azure Databricks Lakehouse implementations. I am also a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, and I co-founded DevUp, a social mobility initiative for removing barriers to technology.

I am the Group Data Engineering Lead at the Co-op, with a passion for data platform infrastructure, networking and security, and a focus on Azure Databricks Lakehouse implementations. I am also a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, and I co-founded DevUp, a... Show more

Sónia is a Portuguese/German BI Tech Lead that has been working @DevScope, a Gold Data Analytics Microsoft Partner, for the last 6 years.

Sónia's academic journey began in Biomedical Engineering, where she honed her analytical and problem-solving skills. Her passion for leveraging data to improve healthcare and decision-making led her to her current role. At DevScope, she harnesses her knowledge to drive data-driven solutions, ensuring that insights are not only powerful but also tailored to specific business needs.

She is enthusiastic about anything data related - from programming to data visualization.

Sónia is a Portuguese/German BI Tech Lead that has been working @DevScope, a Gold Data Analytics Microsoft Partner, for the last 6 years. Sónia's academic journey began in Biomedical Engineering, where she honed her analytical and problem-solving ... Show more

Shannon’s background in global public health has shaped her commitment to community and accessibility, guiding her work leading Fabric Community Engagement at Microsoft. She loves helping people find their place in the data world—a journey that began when she first discovered the magic of Power Query, sparking a lasting enchantment with Microsoft BI tools. Now, whether she’s conjuring up data insights with the Workout Wednesday team, gathering with fellow data witches in user groups, or brewing up connections, Shannon’s focus is on making data feel less intimidating. She’s dedicated to building a welcoming community where data pros and newcomers alike can learn, grow, and connect—casting spells of empathy and connection to bring people together.

Shannon’s background in global public health has shaped her commitment to community and accessibility, guiding her work leading Fabric Community Engagement at Microsoft. She loves helping people find their place in the data world—a journey that began... Show more

Pam Lahoud is a Program Manager in Azure Data, based in Redmond, WA, USA. She has been with Microsoft since 2006 and is currently on the Microsoft SQL Customer Advisory Team. She is passionate about Microsoft SQL performance and has focused on performance tuning and optimization, particularly from the developer perspective, throughout her career. She is a SQL 2008 MCM with over 20 years of experience working with Azure SQL and SQL Server and co-author of the book "Learn T-SQL Querying: A guide to developing efficient and elegant T-SQL code" (https://aka.ms/LearnTSQLQuerying).

Pam Lahoud is a Program Manager in Azure Data, based in Redmond, WA, USA. She has been with Microsoft since 2006 and is currently on the Microsoft SQL Customer Advisory Team. She is passionate about Microsoft SQL performance and has focused on perfor... Show more

Meagan Longoria is a Data Analytics Architect with ProcureSQL who lives in Denver, Colorado. She is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. Meagan spends a lot of time thinking about how to use data integration and data visualization techniques to make data useful for people. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences at conferences and user group meetings as well as through her blog (DataSavvy.me).

Meagan Longoria is a Data Analytics Architect with ProcureSQL who lives in Denver, Colorado. She is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. Meagan spends a lot of time thinking about how to use data integration and data visualization techniques to make data u... Show more

Jes Chapman is a Data & AI Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft. With a dynamic background spanning software engineering to product management, and enriched by years as a SQL consultant and field engineer for SQL Server, Jes brings a wealth of expertise from the heart of Microsoft. A former five-time Microsoft Data Platform MVP, she's contributed to technical books and taught from stages worldwide with her passion for teaching. When not immersed in the cloud, you'll find Jes conquering trails, hiking through nature's wonders, or experimenting in the kitchen.

Jes Chapman is a Data & AI Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft. With a dynamic background spanning software engineering to product management, and enriched by years as a SQL consultant and field engineer for SQL Server, Jes brings a wealth of exper... Show more

Before the commencement of her reign as the "Database Security Czarina of NISA," Sharon Reid was an adjunct English professor. After taking a LaunchCode class on SQL, she was asked to be a teaching assistant and then took over as lead mentor for the SQL cohort for LaunchCode Women+. Currently, she is on the St. Louis SQL Server and BI user group advisory board. Sharon enjoys sharing her passion for database security and is determined to make it fun, practical and implemented.

Before the commencement of her reign as the "Database Security Czarina of NISA," Sharon Reid was an adjunct English professor. After taking a LaunchCode class on SQL, she was asked to be a teaching assistant and then took over as lead mentor for the ... Show more

Courtney Woolum is a self-taught SQL Server Database Administrator of 10 years based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Her primary focus is on performance tuning with a heavy emphasis on improving older applications or ones that haven't had a full time DBA resource. Her passion for teaching, frequent tech tips to her teams, and one-on-one SQL discussions.

Courtney Woolum is a self-taught SQL Server Database Administrator of 10 years based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Her primary focus is on performance tuning with a heavy emphasis on improving older applications or ones that haven't had a full time DBA res... Show more

Power BI fangirl since 2018, leading end-to-end Fabric and BI implementations across industries including Insurance and Retail. On a mission to help organisations create a Data Culture, and drive adoption through proper governance.
Blogging at Livadata.com

Power BI fangirl since 2018, leading end-to-end Fabric and BI implementations across industries including Insurance and Retail. On a mission to help organisations create a Data Culture, and drive adoption through proper governance. Blogging at Livad... Show more

Mala Mahadevan is a senior database professional with over 20 years of experience working with data, primarily in SQL Server and related technologies. She has been volunteering with SQL Server community for the past 15 years and is also a recipient of the PASSion award for being an outstanding volunteer. She is a featured blogger on sqlservercentral.com and also blogs infrequently at curiousaboutdata.com.

Mala Mahadevan is a senior database professional with over 20 years of experience working with data, primarily in SQL Server and related technologies. She has been volunteering with SQL Server community for the past 15 years and is also a recipient o... Show more

Senior Microsoft Data Platform Professional with a masters in business analytics, and multiple Microsoft/AWS certifications. Kristina has provided Leadership and Data Solutions for over 20 years for domestic and global organizations with a special passion in health informatics, finance, and manufacturing. Nicknamed "Data Generalist" for her ability to quickly pivot, Kristina has held data roles across the spectrum including Data Architect, Data Engineer, DBA, Developer, Consultant, Data Analyst, Manager, Coach, and more. Her current role is Lead Data Architect for Kent Worldwide's Data and the Analytics & Data Management Team, as well as serving on their Center of Cloud Excellence (CCoE) board. Her current technical passion is Microsoft Fabric and Machine Learning Technologies.

In her free time, Kristina organizes/co-organizes several user groups, travels globally, sometimes blogs, rambles on various social media, takes pics of her dog, and runs around to her kids' events. She has spoken at large conferences and small user groups both internationally and here in the US on topics including AI, the Microsoft Data Platform, and neurodiversity. She has a special passion for WIT and co-leads the DATAWIT group.

Senior Microsoft Data Platform Professional with a masters in business analytics, and multiple Microsoft/AWS certifications. Kristina has provided Leadership and Data Solutions for over 20 years for domestic and global organizations with a special pa... Show more

Steph heads up a team of digital and app innovation architects in Microsoft, helping some of the UK’s biggest organisations use the cloud to deliver more value faster. She has a broad technology background in data, AI, and software and has experience running consultancies and startups. Steph loves open source, and the impact accessible tech can have on empowering people, so she dedicates her spare time to helping others improve their use of tech. She was a Microsoft Most Valued Professional for five years in a row, she sits on the board of the SQL Saturday Foundation, and she is a co-chair for the EU SME Digital Alliance AI Focus Group.

Steph heads up a team of digital and app innovation architects in Microsoft, helping some of the UK’s biggest organisations use the cloud to deliver more value faster. She has a broad technology background in data, AI, and software and has experience... Show more

Amy is a data engineer with a passion for building modern data platforms and delivering data-driven solutions. She holds a degree in Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence and has been working in the tech industry for several years. Amy is also an enthusiastic trainer and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. She regularly conducts workshops on Managed Cloud Platforms and Infrastructure as Code (IaC). Outside of work, Amy enjoys playing the piano and video games, as well as hosting a radio show at a local radio station.

Amy is a data engineer with a passion for building modern data platforms and delivering data-driven solutions. She holds a degree in Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence and has been working in the tech industry for several years. Amy is also ... Show more

Holly Smith is a Developer Advocate at Databricks, a multi‑award‑winning Data and AI expert, and a first‑rate tech educator. One of the earliest members of the Databricks crew, she’s spent over a decade at the sharp end of data and AI, helping teams turn big ideas into working solutions.

A familiar face on stage, Holly’s known for her clear, engaging talks and her knack for making complex topics click. She’s also the brains behind many YouTube videos on AI and data engineering - equal parts practical know‑how and good humour. In short: if it’s data, AI, and worth knowing, Holly’s probably already talking about it.

Holly Smith is a Developer Advocate at Databricks, a multi‑award‑winning Data and AI expert, and a first‑rate tech educator. One of the earliest members of the Databricks crew, she’s spent over a decade at the sharp end of data and AI, helping teams ... Show more

Hi there! 👋 I’m a Data Engineer, BI and UX Consultant with a passion for building end-to-end data solutions that drive business decisions. Whether it’s on-premise or in the cloud, I design efficient pipelines, craft insightful KPIs, and ensure businesses have the tools they need to unlock the power of their data. My mission is to make analytics not just functional but intuitive and impactful because great insights deserve great design. 🚀

Hi there! 👋 I’m a Data Engineer, BI and UX Consultant with a passion for building end-to-end data solutions that drive business decisions. Whether it’s on-premise or in the cloud, I design efficient pipelines, craft insightful KPIs, and ensure busin... Show more

Hope Foley, a former Microsoft data platform MVP and database and BI consultant, has worked across many industries including insurance, health organization, and federal government. She has worked for Microsoft for over 8 years, most recently as a Senior Technical Specialist focusing on the education industry. Hope is based in Indianapolis and is an active member in the data and former PASS communities speaking at events and has organized the SQLSaturday event in Indianapolis for 10 years.

Hope Foley, a former Microsoft data platform MVP and database and BI consultant, has worked across many industries including insurance, health organization, and federal government. She has worked for Microsoft for over 8 years, most recently as a Se... Show more

An experienced database administrator specializing in SQL Server, Azure, and MongoDB, with a strong background in cloud technologies and DevOps. I've provided expert training within my organizations and is passionate about expanding my knowledge to a broader audience. I'm is focused on delivering high-quality database solutions and sharing my expertise through community involvement.

An experienced database administrator specializing in SQL Server, Azure, and MongoDB, with a strong background in cloud technologies and DevOps. I've provided expert training within my organizations and is passionate about expanding my knowledge to a... Show more

Muazma Zahid is a Group Product Manager at Google Cloud, where she leads product strategy for BigQuery and other key components of Google's data platform. With a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the data and AI space, Muazma is passionate about empowering enterprises to build innovative, data-driven solutions. She has been a Data Engineer/Architect and Tech Speaker working on several Big Data, Cloud Computing, and AI Technologies. She is a LinkedIn Learning instructor and her ML research software is used in EKG machines all around the world.

Connect with Muazma at: https://linktr.ee/muazma

Muazma Zahid is a Group Product Manager at Google Cloud, where she leads product strategy for BigQuery and other key components of Google's data platform. With a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the data and AI space, Muazma ... Show more

Haripriya Naidu has been working as a SQL Server Database Administrator for 11 years in Boston, MA. She is passionate about databases and enjoys diving into SQL Server engine internals and optimizing performance. She is an AWS Certified Solutions Associate and won "Rookie of the Year" Award at work in 2024 for outstanding performance and "Bookworm of the Year" Award at work in 2025 for continuously learning and sharing knowledge with the team.
She recently started her speaking journey with New Stars of Data and spoke at SQL Saturdays Boston, Albany and San Diego and PASS Summit 2024.

Haripriya Naidu has been working as a SQL Server Database Administrator for 11 years in Boston, MA. She is passionate about databases and enjoys diving into SQL Server engine internals and optimizing performance. She is an AWS Certified Solutions Ass... Show more

Chrissy LeMaire is a dual Microsoft MVP and GitHub Star. She is a well-known speaker and the creator of several PowerShell modules, including dbatools. Chrissy also holds an MSc. in Systems Engineering and currently works as an Automation Engineer in Europe.

Chrissy LeMaire is a dual Microsoft MVP and GitHub Star. She is a well-known speaker and the creator of several PowerShell modules, including dbatools. Chrissy also holds an MSc. in Systems Engineering and currently works as an Automation Engineer in... Show more