Data Platform WIT Speakers

Data Platform WIT Speakers

List of Data Platform WIT Speakers to help the Data Platform WIT Virtual Group promote women speakers. We are curating this list to help us promote when women speakers are speaking at events. If you know of someone not on this list, please send them this URL so they may be added.

Padma Rama Divya Achanta

Padma Rama Divya Achanta

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

Amy Abel

Amy Abel

Amy Abel is a Senior Database Reliability Engineer with a passion for SQL Server, automation, and building high-performance systems that power critical healthcare applications. With a background in software development and years of experience managing large-scale database environments, Amy excels at removing toil, automating workflows, and solving complex problems under pressure.

As a dedicated mentor and speaker, Amy is committed to empowering others, thrive in the technology industry. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Database Administration and Design, she continuously seeks opportunities to grow, share knowledge, and connect with the tech community.

Amy Abel is a Senior Database Reliability Engineer with a passion for SQL Server, automation, and building high-performance systems that power critical healthcare applications. With a background in software development and years of experience managin... Show more

Grace O'Halloran

Grace O'Halloran

I am a Principal Azure Data Engineering Consultant with a passion for 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 a Principal Azure Data Engineering Consultant with a passion for 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 mobili... Show more

Ashley Graham-Brown

Ashley Graham-Brown

A disabled and queer data nerd and musician with a passion for accessibility and inclusion.

A disabled and queer data nerd and musician with a passion for accessibility and inclusion. Show more

Marsha Pierce

Marsha Pierce

Marsha is head of Field Solution Architects for Nutanix Database Service in Silicon Valley . She used to be the Global Practice Lead of Database at Pure Storage and has 20 plus years of database expertise. Marsha has a background in healthcare, banking and insurance industries. Marshas' specialty is SQL Server, but has worked with most databases and has experience designing solutions for them, along with NoSQL and Big Data. She has implemented both Agile and DevOps methodologies and built on Premises cloud solutions. She has a lot of experience in designing highly available solutions, HA, DR, Agile and virtualization. She has driven VMware and Storage Admins crazy for years.

Marsha is head of Field Solution Architects for Nutanix Database Service in Silicon Valley . She used to be the Global Practice Lead of Database at Pure Storage and has 20 plus years of database expertise. Marsha has a background in healthcare, banki... Show more

Stephanie Bruno

Stephanie Bruno

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

Anna Hoffman

Anna Hoffman

Principal Group Product Manager on Microsoft's SQL Engineering team. Host of Data Exposed. GT Engineering Undergrad + Data Science Masters.

Principal Group Product Manager on Microsoft's SQL Engineering team. Host of Data Exposed. GT Engineering Undergrad + Data Science Masters. Show more

Josephine Bush

Josephine Bush

Josephine Bush is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. She has over 10 years of experience as a Database Administrator. Her experience is extensive and broad-based, including in financial, business, and energy data sectors using SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL along with Azure and AWS. She is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Management and Analytics. She holds a BS in Information Technology, an MBA in IT Management, and an MS in Data Analytics. She presents at SQL conferences and user groups around the world. She is the leader of the Boulder SQL user group. She is the author of Learn SQL Database Programming and Practical Database Auditing. She blogs on sqlkitty.com and you can reach her on Twitter @hellosqlkitty.

Josephine Bush is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. She has over 10 years of experience as a Database Administrator. Her experience is extensive and broad-based, including in financial, business, and energy data sectors using SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, ... Show more

Elizabeth Noble

Elizabeth Noble

Elizabeth Noble is a Director of Database Development. and the author of "Pro T-SQL 2019". She is also a frequent speaker at SQL Saturdays across the United States and PASS Summit.

When she was introduced to her first database over 10 years ago, her whole world changed. Her passion is to help others improve the quality and speed of deploying database changes through automation. When she is not trying to automate all things, she can be found spending time with her dogs, playing disc golf, or taking a walk.

Elizabeth Noble is a Director of Database Development. and the author of "Pro T-SQL 2019". She is also a frequent speaker at SQL Saturdays across the United States and PASS Summit. When she was introduced to her first database over 10 years ago, ... Show more

Thrushna Matharasi

Thrushna Matharasi

Thrushna Matharasi is a distinguished data engineering and analytics leader based in Frisco, Texas, with over 12 years of industry experience. She has completed the prestigious CORE Program from Harvard Business School and holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Bridgeport. Thrushna has a proven track record of integrating generative AI and machine learning solutions to solve complex business problems in finance, healthcare, and mobile advertising. At Solera, she leads a 20+ member team of engineers, data analysts, and scientists, driving initiatives that blend advanced analytics with real-time data solutions.
Her previous work at Digital Turbine showcased her expertise in database migrations, AI-driven forecasting, and data lake house architecture, yielding cost reductions and efficiency improvements. She has a keen ability to translate business needs into scalable AI solutions, from automated GDPR compliance models to predictive analytics frameworks. Thrushna’s leadership in cloud ecosystems, streaming technologies, and generative AI highlights her as an innovative force, consistently delivering high-impact, data-driven results and guiding organizations toward data maturity and optimized performance.

Thrushna Matharasi is a distinguished data engineering and analytics leader based in Frisco, Texas, with over 12 years of industry experience. She has completed the prestigious CORE Program from Harvard Business School and holds a Master’s degree in ... Show more

Tosin Clement

Tosin Clement

Tosin Clement is a seasoned Data Analytics professional with over five years of experience across consulting, healthcare, and e-commerce industries and transforming complex datasets into meaningful insights to drive strategic business decisions. With expertise in SQL, Power BI, Tableau, and Python, Tosin excels in ETL processes, predictive modeling, and crafting intuitive visualizations that empower organizations to confidently make data-driven decisions.

In their career, Tosin has successfully led initiatives to optimize reporting processes, streamline financial metrics analysis, and enhance operational efficiency.

Tosin Clement is a seasoned Data Analytics professional with over five years of experience across consulting, healthcare, and e-commerce industries and transforming complex datasets into meaningful insights to drive strategic business decisions. With... Show more

Rie Merritt

Rie Merritt

Rie lives with her family just north of Atlanta, Georgia. She worked as a SQL Server DBA, manager & director for over 20 years in many industries including the non-profit sector, education, big pharma, and e-commerce. She was awarded the MVP in the Data Platform 3 times beginning in 2017 and gave that up to accept her role as a Senior Program Manager with Microsoft in 2019. She is very involved with the Atlanta MDF User Group, various virtual conferences around the globe and leads the Microsoft initiative for Azure Data Tech Groups.

Rie lives with her family just north of Atlanta, Georgia. She worked as a SQL Server DBA, manager & director for over 20 years in many industries including the non-profit sector, education, big pharma, and e-commerce. She was awarded the MVP in the ... Show more

Janis Griffin

Janis Griffin

Janis Griffin has over 30+ years of DBA/database experience including design, development, and implementation of many critical database applications. Before coming to Quest Software, Janis primarily worked in the Telecom/Network Industry, working with both real-time network routing databases and OLTP business to business applications. Janis also held positions as a Principal Architect and Senior Manager, mentoring other DBAs on best practices in database performance tuning.

Janis Griffin has over 30+ years of DBA/database experience including design, development, and implementation of many critical database applications. Before coming to Quest Software, Janis primarily worked in the Telecom/Network Industry, working wit... Show more

Jennifer Stirrup (She/Hers)

Jennifer Stirrup (She/Hers)

Jennifer Stirrup is the Founder and CEO of Data Relish, a UK-based AI and Business Intelligence leadership boutique consultancy delivering data strategy and business-focused solutions. Jen is a #1 Amazon bestselling author and recognized leading authority in AI and Business Intelligence Leadership, a Fortune 100 global speaker, and has been named as one of the Top 50 Global Data Visionaries, one of the Top Data Scientists to follow on Twitter and one of the most influential Top 50 Women in Technology worldwide.
Jen has clients in 24 countries in 5 continents, and her client list includes Microsoft, the NHS, the UK, and Northern Ireland Governments, The Ashridge Hult Business School, CBS Interactive, O’Reilly and Virgin Atlantic.
Jen contributed to the Winning Mindset book which made the Number 1 bestseller slot in Organizational Change on the Amazon US booklists. She holds postgraduate degrees in AI and Cognitive Science. Jen has authored 3 books in data and artificial intelligence has been featured on CBS Interactive and the BBC as well as other well-known podcasts, such as Digital Disrupted, Run As Radio and her own Make Your Data Work webinar series.
Jen has also given keynotes for colleges, universities, as well as donating her expertise to charities and non-profits as a Non-Executive Director. Jen’s keynotes are about AI Leadership, Diversity, and Inclusion in Technology 3. Digital Transformation 4. Business Intelligence. All of Jen’s keynotes are based on her two decades plus years of global experience, dedication, and hard work.

Jennifer Stirrup is the Founder and CEO of Data Relish, a UK-based AI and Business Intelligence leadership boutique consultancy delivering data strategy and business-focused solutions. Jen is a #1 Amazon bestselling author and recognized leading auth... Show more

Melody Zacharias

Melody Zacharias

Melody Zacharias is an AI Evangelist Director at Pure Storage, where she supports and enables the delivery of compelling solution outcomes for customers and partners. With over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, Melody is a Microsoft MVP for the AI & data platform and a Microsoft Regional Director, recognized for her expertise and leadership in data and cloud technologies.

Melody is passionate about empowering and inspiring others to solve business problems with innovative and cutting-edge solutions. She has co-authored several books on data, including two SQL Server Administration books by Microsoft Press, and she frequently speaks at conferences on data, technology, women in tech, and professional development.

Melody Zacharias is an AI Evangelist Director at Pure Storage, where she supports and enables the delivery of compelling solution outcomes for customers and partners. With over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, Melody is a Microsoft MVP for ... Show more

Dora Moldovan

Dora Moldovan

Dora Moldovan is a visionary leader in the data analytics and AI industry, transforming how companies engineer the intelligence to make smarter business decisions. As the Co-founder and Managing Director of Braidr, Dora’s singular goal is to help brands transform their data assets into AI-powered tangible business growth. Known for her pragmatic and visionary approach, Dora inspires businesses to embrace cutting-edge technologies, navigate the AI technical and cultural revolution and embrace innovation as growth fuel. She champions gender diversity in a heavily male-dominated space and is an advocate for neurodiversity awareness in tech.

Dora Moldovan is a visionary leader in the data analytics and AI industry, transforming how companies engineer the intelligence to make smarter business decisions. As the Co-founder and Managing Director of Braidr, Dora’s singular goal is to help bra... Show more

Evelyn Maxwell

Evelyn Maxwell

Evelyn Maxwell has always been fascinated by the intersection of IT and Art. She got her start speaking at SQL Saturday Cleveland in 2015, where she delivered a 60 minute session on Introductory PowerPoint for Technical Presentation at only 13 years old. She went on to speak at events in Columbus OH and Louisville KY while attending numerous other technical meetups, cementing her place within the data community.

Evelyn graduated from Columbus State Community College with an Associates in Management Information Systems and currently works as a Data Analyst at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Now as a certified industry professional, Evelyn seeks to provide quality content on the technical and artistic sides of working with data.

Evelyn Maxwell has always been fascinated by the intersection of IT and Art. She got her start speaking at SQL Saturday Cleveland in 2015, where she delivered a 60 minute session on Introductory PowerPoint for Technical Presentation at only 13 years ... Show more

Priya Sathy

Priya Sathy

Priya Sathy brings over 25 years of experience in the data and analytics space focusing on building capabilities that meet the needs and complexities of large-scale data platforms at enterprises. She currently is head of product for SQL Databases at Microsoft including Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL and Fabric SQL Database. Prior to this, Priya was head of product for Data Warehousing, Enterprise BI in Power BI and various other data and analytics products.

Priya Sathy brings over 25 years of experience in the data and analytics space focusing on building capabilities that meet the needs and complexities of large-scale data platforms at enterprises. She currently is head of product for SQL Databases at ... Show more

Annette Allen

Annette Allen

I am a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and have been both a SQL Server developer and DBA and now my role encompasses both. I am join User Group Leader of SQL South West and UK PASS Regional Mentor. I also help organise various SQL Server related events including SQLBits. I currently work as a DBA for WellData, a UK-based market leader with over 20 years of experience in the provision of remote database, server and application support.

I am a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and have been both a SQL Server developer and DBA and now my role encompasses both. I am join User Group Leader of SQL South West and UK PASS Regional Mentor. I also help organise various SQL Server related events i... Show more

Maria Bermudes

Maria Bermudes

Maria Bermudes is a Senior Database Administrator and Database Healer who has been working with database technologies within the commercial sector for over 26 years. Her experience primarily comes from working as a Production DBA & Data Architect within the city of London, UK, for a wide range of different organizations.

She also spent 12 years successfully running her own database support consultancy, providing DBA, data architecture and data engineering services to a variety of organizations ranging from corporate Blue chip to Tech/Data companies to Nonprofits.

Maria is a qualified SQLDBA and Enterprise Architect.

Hailing from Southeast Africa and Portugal, Maria‘s diverse background informs her work both in technology and in life. She is a natural communicator and loves to teach and share her stories both within the tech space and beyond, and is an advocate for diversity within technology.

In her free time, Maria loves to make art, music, and travel the world.
She’s currently writing a book about The Life Story of her Mozambican-Portuguese grandmothers.

Maria Bermudes is a Senior Database Administrator and Database Healer who has been working with database technologies within the commercial sector for over 26 years. Her experience primarily comes from working as a Production DBA & Data Architect wit... Show more

Donna Ellis Wilson

Donna Ellis Wilson

Data Professional since 1999, in technology since 1994

Data Hat Rack (Hats I've worn):
- MSSQL Server Support Engineer
- Database Administrator
- Data Engineer
- Data Modeler
- Database Developer
- BI/Data Analyst

16 years of management experience

BS in Psychology 2019

@SQLGrrl

Data Professional since 1999, in technology since 1994 Data Hat Rack (Hats I've worn): - MSSQL Server Support Engineer - Database Administrator - Data Engineer - Data Modeler - Database Developer - BI/Data Analyst 16 yea... Show more

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Data Platform WIT Speakers

List of Data Platform WIT Speakers