Microsoft Solutions Women in Tech Speakers

Microsoft Solutions Women in Tech Speakers

List of Microsoft Solutions Women in Tech Speakers

Sara Lagerquist

Sara Lagerquist

A Business and Application Architect building solutions on the Power Platform based in Stockholm Sweden. Speaker, blogger, event organizer and very involved in community activities.

A Business and Application Architect building solutions on the Power Platform based in Stockholm Sweden. Speaker, blogger, event organizer and very involved in community activities. Show more

Anja Schröder

Anja Schröder

Anja Schröder is a Microsoft MVP and Modern Workplace Architect at Skaylink. She designs and builds Microsoft 365 architectures and leads their technical implementation from initial concept to rollout. Her approach ensures that solutions are not only secure and reliable but also improve the day-to-day work experience. Her expertise lies in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Copilot. In her sessions, she combines deep technical knowledge with practical examples to show how organizations can unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365.

Anja Schröder is a Microsoft MVP and Modern Workplace Architect at Skaylink. She designs and builds Microsoft 365 architectures and leads their technical implementation from initial concept to rollout. Her approach ensures that solutions are not only... Show more

Lindsay Shelton

Lindsay Shelton

Lindsay is an MVP (Business Applications, M365), MCT alumni, Digital Workplace Advisor, international speaker, and user group organizer who is committed to keeping business productive by embracing technology as a tool to problem-solve. Having worked in education for over half of her career, she understands that technology can be a challenge for many users, and she knows how to be a change agent, encouraging the reluctant to give it a try and the inexperienced to dive on in. Her roles as a Digital Workplace Advisor, Application Programmer, and technology consultant showcase her ability to excel in complex projects, while her active participation in the tech community highlights her commitment to knowledge sharing in formats such as speaking at events and blogging. Her aim is to empower makers to create and thrive while doing so in a secure, governed way.

Lindsay spent the last decade teaching English Language Arts and was selected to receive training to become a technology and pre-engineering teacher based on her aptitude for learning and adapting new technologies with her own students and colleagues.

She holds a BS in Secondary English Education from the University of Kansas and an MS in Curriculum and Instruction from Emporia State University.

In her spare time, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her two cats Charlie and Trixie, and marathoning a wide variety of television shows.

Lindsay is an MVP (Business Applications, M365), MCT alumni, Digital Workplace Advisor, international speaker, and user group organizer who is committed to keeping business productive by embracing technology as a tool to problem-solve. Having worked ... Show more

Indira Bandari

Indira Bandari

I have a Masters degree in Statistics and have over 20 years of experience in designing and developing datawarehouses and analytical solutions.

I am a co-organiser of the NZ Business Intelligence - Power BI User Group and Auckland Artificial Intelligence Meetups. I am also an international Speaker at various events and conferences.

Volunteering and sharing my knowledge is my passion. In my pass time I teach game development for primary school kids. I have started teaching about databases and Power BI to 10 -15 year old kids and amaze myself at the creativity the younger generation is capable of

I have a Masters degree in Statistics and have over 20 years of experience in designing and developing datawarehouses and analytical solutions. I am a co-organiser of the NZ Business Intelligence - Power BI User Group and Auckland Artificial In... Show more

Kathrin Borchert

Kathrin Borchert

Hi, I’m Kathrin Borchert, a Microsoft Data Platform MVP specializing in Power BI and Fabric—the only woman in Germany with this title. With over 9 years of experience in Power BI, I’ve worked with both small businesses and enterprise customers, helping them transform data into actionable insights. As Managing Partner at YoDaBI, I support organizations in leveraging Power BI and Microsoft Fabric to drive data-driven decisions. I’m passionate about sharing knowledge, which is why I organize the Female Fabricator User Group MeetUps as well as write on my blog YoDaBI.com, and engage with the community on LinkedIN and YouTube.

Hi, I’m Kathrin Borchert, a Microsoft Data Platform MVP specializing in Power BI and Fabric—the only woman in Germany with this title. With over 9 years of experience in Power BI, I’ve worked with both small businesses and enterprise customers, help... Show more

Pragati Jain

Pragati Jain

Pragati Jain is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Datavibe Solutions Ltd, where she leads end-to-end Microsoft Fabric implementations for global organizations. As a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and MCT, Pragati specializes in bridging the gap between intricate technical engineering and executive data strategy.

At Datavibe, she architects migrations from legacy Power BI environments to modern Fabric ecosystems, leveraging the full analytics stack- including Lakehouse, Data Engineering, and Real-Time Analytics. Her work is defined by a commitment to high-impact storytelling and technical excellence in PySpark, SQL, and advanced Fabric & Power BI development.

A recognized Superuser in the Microsoft Fabric Community, Pragati has spoken at over 80 global events, including the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference, PASS Data Summit, and SQLBits. Awarded the Sessionize Most Active Speaker badge four years running (2022–2025), she is a dedicated advocate for women in tech and mentors the next generation of data professionals.
Beyond data, Pragati is a trained Indian classical singer, painter, and hiking enthusiast.

📌 MVP Profile: https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-us/PublicProfile/5004163
🌐 Consulting: https://datavibe.co.uk

Pragati Jain is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Datavibe Solutions Ltd, where she leads end-to-end Microsoft Fabric implementations for global organizations. As a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and MCT, Pragati specializes in bridging the gap be... Show more

Sandra Kiel

Sandra Kiel

Sandra is a Microsoft MVP, speaker, and entrepreneur driven by one question: how can digital work feel more intuitive, motivating, and human? As founder of a company rooted in gaming and interactive experiences, she brings game thinking into the Microsoft ecosystem—from Microsoft 365 and Copilot experiences to Business applications and Collaboration workflows. Sandra translates proven game UX patterns into adoption-friendly solutions that help people navigate complexity with confidence.

Beyond technology, Sandra is a passionate community builder. She actively creates spaces where people connect, learn, and grow and she is especially committed to helping new speakers find their voice. Because her own speaker journey started late, she knows how intimidating the stage can feel. As a woman in tech, she also understands what it takes to be seen and taken seriously, and she mentors others to step forward, build confidence, and shape their own path in the community.

Sandra is a Microsoft MVP, speaker, and entrepreneur driven by one question: how can digital work feel more intuitive, motivating, and human? As founder of a company rooted in gaming and interactive experiences, she brings game thinking into the Micr... Show more

Joanne Klein

Joanne Klein

Joanne Klein is an independent Microsoft 365 consultant, a 9-time Microsoft MVP in Microsoft Purview and SharePoint, and an Advanced Compliance specialist in the Microsoft suite of tools. Joanne works with her customers on planning and implementing information protection and data governance controls across their Microsoft 365 environment to address the unique challenges of today's modern workplace. She’s a firm believer that it’s not all about technology.

Joanne blogs about these areas with a focus on how to secure, protect, and govern information assets while minimizing end-user impact.

Joanne Klein is an independent Microsoft 365 consultant, a 9-time Microsoft MVP in Microsoft Purview and SharePoint, and an Advanced Compliance specialist in the Microsoft suite of tools. Joanne works with her customers on planning and implementing i... Show more

Areti Iles

Areti Iles

With over 15 years in the technology sector, Areti Iles is currently the Head of Professional Services at Telefónica Tech’s AI Business Solutions division and a Microsoft MVP in Customer Experience and Power Apps. Throughout her career as a Dynamics 365 and Power Platform solution architect and consultant, she has delivered a wide range of complex projects for FTSE 250 and FTSE 500 companies across multiple sectors.

Beyond her professional role, she actively volunteers within the Microsoft community. She serves on Microsoft’s Global User Groups Committee representing Europe and leads both the Reading and London All Day Dynamics 365 and Power Platform user groups in the UK and is part of the Scottish Summit organising committee.

Areti co‑hosts the Power Delivery podcast alongside two fellow Microsoft MVPs, offering guidance on project delivery and best practices. She is also a mentor for the Women in Power Platform group. In addition, she participates annually as part of the United Nations UK delegation for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and speaks internationally on AI legislation, AI tools, and their adoption.

With over 15 years in the technology sector, Areti Iles is currently the Head of Professional Services at Telefónica Tech’s AI Business Solutions division and a Microsoft MVP in Customer Experience and Power Apps. Throughout her career as a Dynamics ... Show more

Ashley Steiner

Ashley Steiner

Ashley began her career in Digital Marketing but found her true calling in the world of Dynamics when she started working with Dynamics CRM version 4.0. Since then, she has become a leading expert in transforming CRM experiences for sales teams, significantly improving sales productivity and organizational efficiency. In recognition of her exceptional contributions, she was awarded the prestigious Microsoft Business Applications MVP in March 2022.

Currently, Ashley is a Solution Architect with PS Hummingbird. With over a decade of experience, her expertise spans the Sales, Customer Service, Marketing & Project Operations modules, business analysis, configuration and automation, process integration, and tool selection and analysis. She mentors individuals and people new to the industry, continuing her commitment to supporting professional growth and development.

Ashley co-leads the DFW Dynamics 365 User Group Meetup, hosts the Awkward Silence podcast with Ed Gonzales, and speaks at Dynamics events worldwide. Her commitment to integrating business processes with technology ensures consistency and accountability, making her a valued business partner in the Dynamics community.

Outside of her professional life, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, attending country music concerts, and following various sports teams. She is an avid reader and Netflix documentary enthusiast.

Ashley began her career in Digital Marketing but found her true calling in the world of Dynamics when she started working with Dynamics CRM version 4.0. Since then, she has become a leading expert in transforming CRM experiences for sales teams, sign... Show more

Marthe Moengen

Marthe Moengen

Data Architect & Microsoft Data Platform MVP, named Top 50 Women in Tech Norway, who makes complex data platforms simple, practical, and trusted. Specialized in Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Purview and data governance, turning complexity into clarity and real business value.

Data Architect & Microsoft Data Platform MVP, named Top 50 Women in Tech Norway, who makes complex data platforms simple, practical, and trusted. Specialized in Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, Purview and data governance, turning complexity into clarity ... Show more

Anouck Fierens

Anouck Fierens

Anouck is specializing in Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform. She has more than 12 years of experience working with Microsoft technology, starting as a SharePoint developer and evolving to a modern workplace engineer. She is skilled in designing and implementing solutions for SharePoint and Teams, as well as leveraging the low/no code capabilities of the Power Platform to create apps, flows, and chatbots.

As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, Anouck is highly qualified to provide all your training needs, whether you want to take an official Microsoft course or a custom-made one tailored to your organization. She is also a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) in M365 and Business Applications.

Anouck is passionate about empowering people to work smarter and faster with Microsoft 365. She loves to share her knowledge and best practices through blogs, webinars, and events. She is always eager to learn new things and explore new possibilities with Microsoft technology.

Anouck is specializing in Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform. She has more than 12 years of experience working with Microsoft technology, starting as a SharePoint developer and evolving to a modern workplace engineer. She is skilled in designing an... Show more

Pauline Kolde

Pauline Kolde

Always on the road — in search of inspiration, good food, and the next interesting conversation.

I'm a Microsoft MVP and consultant with over 8 years of experience in Dynamics 365 and Customer Experience.
My sweet spot is Dynamics 365 Customer Insights and Dynamics 365 Sales, but I'm equally at home talking about AI, Copilot, and where it's all heading. I'm driven by curiosity, about technology, about people, and about the spaces in between.
That curiosity also shapes the sessions I love to give. Alongside deep-dives into Microsoft tech, I design talks on mindset and methods: from building a Second Brain to applying Street Epistemology, the Socratic questioning practice, in everyday professional life.

When I'm not on stage or on a client project, you'll find me somewhere in the world with a knitting project in my bag, great company around the table, and probably too many browser tabs open.

Always on the road — in search of inspiration, good food, and the next interesting conversation. I'm a Microsoft MVP and consultant with over 8 years of experience in Dynamics 365 and Customer Experience. My sweet spot is Dynamics 365 Customer I... Show more

Santhana Lakshmi Ponnurasan

Santhana Lakshmi Ponnurasan

Lakshmi is a Microsoft MVP (Data Platform) and a Certified Power BI Data Analyst, currently working in the Institutional Effectiveness department at Missouri University of Science and Technology. She is passionate about creating creative and innovative Power BI reports that not only make data pop but also provide actionable insights. She was a Finalist in the Microsoft Power BI DataViz World Championships 2025 and 2026, showcasing her ability to combine technical expertise with storytelling. An engaging speaker, she frequently speaks about all things Power BI at user groups and conferences, and also shares tips and best practices on her Medium blog.

Lakshmi is a Microsoft MVP (Data Platform) and a Certified Power BI Data Analyst, currently working in the Institutional Effectiveness department at Missouri University of Science and Technology. She is passionate about creating creative and innovati... Show more

Emilie Lundblad

Emilie Lundblad

Microsoft MVP in AI | Microsoft Regional Director | Board Member at Pioneer Center for AI, Danish Data Science Community & BLG

Emilie Lundblad stands at the forefront of Data & AI, holding prestigious roles such as Microsoft 3xMVP in AI and 2x Microsoft Regional Director. Her profound expertise spans across leveraging AI securely in multi-agent systems. As an esteemed board member at the Pioneer Center for Artificial Intelligence and the Danish Data Science Community, she actively contributes to shaping the future of AI and data sciences.

Educationally, Emilie is well-rounded with a Master's in Quantitative Finance from the University of Southern Denmark and a minor in Machine Learning & AI from MIT. She is completing her Executive Master’s in IT Management at the IT University of Copenhagen, further enriching her vast knowledge by guest lecturing.

With over 15 years of professional experience, Emilie’s career highlights include roles as Head of AI CoE at Ambu, Director of AI & Automation at Hempel, MD at Amesto, Head of Data at GroupM, and EMEA Innovation Lead at WPP. A recognized thought leader, she has delivered impactful keynotes at venues like Experts live NL, IDA, Danish IT, the Danish Government IT Conference, and Microsoft events.

Emilie's collaborative projects with institutions like MIT and the Technical University of Denmark focus on applying machine learning to challenges such as dynamic pricing and sustainable solutions, underpinning her commitment to enhancing business efficacy and sustainability.

Her accolades include nominations for DAIR awards Responsible AI 2024, Hyperight’s Top 100 Nordic Data & AI Influencers 2023, Berlingske Talent 100, and the Nordic Women in Tech Award for Diversity Leader of the Year, showcasing her as a beacon of innovation and leadership in the Data & AI sector.

Microsoft MVP in AI | Microsoft Regional Director | Board Member at Pioneer Center for AI, Danish Data Science Community & BLG Emilie Lundblad stands at the forefront of Data & AI, holding prestigious roles such as Microsoft 3xMVP in AI and 2x Mic... Show more

Anjuli Jhakry

Anjuli Jhakry

Meet Anjuli Jhakry: A Microsoft MVP and .NET developer at 4DotNet by day and a Microsoft Entra ID explorer by night. I'm navigating the vast ecosystem of Microsoft, always eager to learn. Beyond this, I am passionate about giving presentations and advocating for the incredible potential of tech to everyone.

Meet Anjuli Jhakry: A Microsoft MVP and .NET developer at 4DotNet by day and a Microsoft Entra ID explorer by night. I'm navigating the vast ecosystem of Microsoft, always eager to learn. Beyond this, I am passionate about giving presentations and ad... Show more

Laura Rogers

Laura Rogers

Laura is a speaker, author, educator, and expert on SharePoint and Power Platform technologies. She is well-versed in helping organizations make the most of their SharePoint and Teams implementations, using out-of-box functionalities such as Power Apps and Power Automate with SharePoint. She is the owner of IW Mentor, a SharePoint, Teams, Power Apps & Power Automate training company. Laura's technical expertise also includes over 20 years of experience working with Microsoft's messaging and collaboration systems. She has been named a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for the past fifteen years.

Laura is a speaker, author, educator, and expert on SharePoint and Power Platform technologies. She is well-versed in helping organizations make the most of their SharePoint and Teams implementations, using out-of-box functionalities such as Power A... Show more

Tori Tompkins

Tori Tompkins

Tori is a Principal AI Consultant at Advancing Analytics and Microsoft AI MVP. Specialising in MLOps and LLMOps, Tori has worked on many ML and data science projects with Azure and Databricks at all stages of the ML Lifecycle. She is a co-presenter of the Data & AI podcast, Totally Skewed, founder of Girls Code Too UK and Trustee of Girls in Data.

Tori is a Principal AI Consultant at Advancing Analytics and Microsoft AI MVP. Specialising in MLOps and LLMOps, Tori has worked on many ML and data science projects with Azure and Databricks at all stages of the ML Lifecycle. She is a co-presenter o... Show more

Luise Freese

Luise Freese

Luise is an Azure & Power Platform Architect based in Germany. She is an awarded Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) working with organizations that want to move beyond digital theatre. Her focus is on AI-enabled solutions that are designed to last in real-world environments. She helps teams build accessible apps, robust data models, and automation that respects governance, compliance, and human effort. A recurring theme in her work is making the invisible visible: unmeasured work, emotional load, operational friction, and the real cost of “quick wins”. Her motto "Changing the world one app at a time" stems from her extensive work with non-profit organizations.

Alongside client work, Luise writes and speaks about productivity myths, pseudo-agile practices, AI readiness, and why many digital initiatives fail long before technology becomes the problem. She is known for combining clear technical guidance with a sharp eye for organizational patterns; and for asking the uncomfortable questions others tend to avoid.

When not working and traveling, she is a runner, a mother of (teenage) dragons, a LEGO-builder and a lover of the number 42. Her favorite color is #ff69b4. 

Luise is an Azure & Power Platform Architect based in Germany. She is an awarded Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) working with organizations that want to move beyond digital theatre. Her focus is on AI-enabled solutions that are designed to... Show more

Jayshree Ostwal

Jayshree Ostwal

An MVP, solutions architect , Microsoft Certified Trainer with a passion for the Power Platform, M365 Copilot, GenAI, Azure technology.

Empowering enterprises to thrive with Microsoft Copilot & Modern Workplace AI solution frameworks to solve challenges and to drive impactful change across Health & Public Sector. I have an intense enthusiasm for technology and innovation along with its governance and security aspects. An advocate of women empowerment through Information Technology.

An MVP, solutions architect , Microsoft Certified Trainer with a passion for the Power Platform, M365 Copilot, GenAI, Azure technology. Empowering enterprises to thrive with Microsoft Copilot & Modern Workplace AI solution frameworks to solve chal... Show more

Miriam Wiesner

Miriam Wiesner

Miriam C. Wiesner is a Sr. Security Research Program Manager at Microsoft, with more than 15 years of experience in IT and IT Security. She has held various positions, including Administrator/System Engineer, Software Developer, Consultant, Program Manager, Security Consultant & Pentester, and Security Researcher.

She is also a renowned creator of open-source tools based in PowerShell, including EventList and JEAnalyzer. She was invited multiple times to present her research behind her tools at international conferences like Black Hat (USA, Europe & Asia), BlueHat, PSConf EU, MITRE ATT&CK workshop, and more.

Miriam is the author of the book "PowerShell Automation and Scripting for CyberSecurity: Hacking and Defense for Red and Blue Teamers", which was released in August 2023.

Miriam C. Wiesner is a Sr. Security Research Program Manager at Microsoft, with more than 15 years of experience in IT and IT Security. She has held various positions, including Administrator/System Engineer, Software Developer, Consultant, Program M... Show more

Cathrine Wilhelmsen

Cathrine Wilhelmsen

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

Sharon Weaver

Sharon Weaver

Sharon is the founder and CEO of Smarter Consulting, a business and technology consulting company. She founded her business to grow and diversify the technology resource pool. She has created a business based on diversity, inclusion, and opportunity.

As a Microsoft RD, MVP, MCT, and Productivity Expert, Sharon's background in Software Development, Business and Systems Analysis, Project Management, and Agile combined with her Developmental Psychology degree and Six Sigma Black Belt blend perfectly with her love of helping and training people to make her a well-rounded leader, consultant, and coach.

Solving both process and technical problems, Sharon has the unique ability to listen and uncover client pain points to develop a plan that will not only build the needed solutions but also drive change, adoption, and education in a way not typically seen from technical consultants.

Being part of the community is extremely important and she is an active leader, participant, and mentor. Sharon speaks professionally globally on subjects such as Microsoft 365, Business Analysis, Leadership, Teamwork, and Women in Technology. She is the founder and lead organizer of the Kansas City M365 User Group, CollabCon, and the Founding President of the Kansas City IIBA chapter.

When she's not working, Sharon watches tv and movies, reads, hangs out with her family, or is traveling somewhere interesting, most likely on a cruise ship out of the country with limited access to communication.

Sharon is the founder and CEO of Smarter Consulting, a business and technology consulting company. She founded her business to grow and diversify the technology resource pool. She has created a business based on diversity, inclusion, and opportunity.... Show more

Angeliki Patsiavou

Angeliki Patsiavou

I am a Microsoft Business Applications MVP and Prosci® certified, Dynamics 365 and Power Platform functional lead. My experience is in business applications, CRM operations and enterprise change. With a FTSE 100 client background in Financial Services, CRM and Marketing across Microsoft, Adobe, and Salesforce platforms, I manage global transformation and adoption programs with deep human impact. I am also a speaker in the Microsoft Community, advocating as a human evangelist about user-centered design and enabling governance.

I am a Microsoft Business Applications MVP and Prosci® certified, Dynamics 365 and Power Platform functional lead. My experience is in business applications, CRM operations and enterprise change. With a FTSE 100 client background in Financial Service... Show more

Mary Angiela Cerbolles

Mary Angiela Cerbolles

I’m a SharePoint and Power Platform Administrator based in Singapore, driven by curiosity and a deep interest in how technology works behind the scenes. My career has been shaped by continuous learning and meaningful connections, both of which continue to fuel my growth and perspective.

I’m passionate about helping individuals and organizations unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365—transforming the way teams collaborate, communicate, and get work done. Whether it’s simplifying processes or enabling smarter workflows, I enjoy making technology more approachable and impactful.

Beyond my day-to-day role, I’m an active member of the tech community. I believe in giving back through knowledge sharing, mentoring, and community engagement, and I’m always excited to connect with others who are equally curious and eager to learn.

I’m a SharePoint and Power Platform Administrator based in Singapore, driven by curiosity and a deep interest in how technology works behind the scenes. My career has been shaped by continuous learning and meaningful connections, both of which contin... Show more

Lesley Crook

Lesley Crook

Help people adopt AI in a way that feels human with "lived intelligence", common sense, empathy. Nurture moving teams from fear of AI to curiosity, creativity, and confident collaboration.

Lead Microsoft Copilot adoption through a people‑first launch, communications, and Champion networks, surfacing real success stories and demonstrating clear value and ROI.

Coach individuals and small businesses to use free, open‑source AI responsibly and creatively.

Founder of MVP Viva Explorers, creator of Viva Origami, and architect of a Microsoft‑endorsed Viva Wayfinder onboarding experience. Co‑author of the adoption chapter in "Microsoft Teams Administration Cookbook", and a regular Microsoft event speaker and blogger.

MVP 10 years. 15 years at GSK Internal Communications. Proudly “the commsiest person in tech and the techiest person in comms.”

Help people adopt AI in a way that feels human with "lived intelligence", common sense, empathy. Nurture moving teams from fear of AI to curiosity, creativity, and confident collaboration. Lead Microsoft Copilot adoption through a people‑first la... Show more

Leslie Welch

Leslie Welch

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

Laura Villa

Laura Villa

Programmatrice da che ne ha memoria (al posto delle bambole preferiva pc e console), lavora nell'IT da più di vent'anni. E' Developer .NET, SharePoint e Cloud Architect. Da qualche anno ha scoperto la bellezza nascosta nei dati e ci si è buttata a capofitto.

Appassionata di qualsiasi cosa fondata su 0 e 1, si stupisce davanti a ogni nuova conquista tecnologica. Da poco si è unita alla squadra di Insight, con lo scopo di guidare i clienti in quel fantastico mondo che è il cloud.

Sensibile ai temi di empowerment femminile, ha partecipato come mentor in un programma di orientamento per le studentesse di materie STEM ed economiche. Spera che la sua esperienza sia utile alle ragazze delle nuove generazioni, affinché possano capire che nessuna strada a loro è preclusa.

Programmatrice da che ne ha memoria (al posto delle bambole preferiva pc e console), lavora nell'IT da più di vent'anni. E' Developer .NET, SharePoint e Cloud Architect. Da qualche anno ha scoperto la bellezza nascosta nei dati e ci si è buttata a ca... Show more

Deborah Melkin

Deborah Melkin

Deborah Melkin has been working as a database professional with SQL Server for over 20 years. She spends her days helping programmers with all aspects of database design, queries, performance, and deployment. In 2016, she began her blog, Deb the DBA. Soon after that, she began speaking at SQL Saturdays and user groups. Deborah is a co-leader of the Data Platform Women in Tech (WIT) Virtual User Group and co-founder of WITspiration, a WIT mentorship circle. She is a former board member of the New England SQL Server User Group. She was named as One to Watch as part of the #Redgate 100 in 2022 and won Speaker Idol at PASS Summit 2019. Deborah is also a Microsoft MVP for the Data Platform (2020- ).

In her spare time, Deborah can usually be found doing something musical or something geeky with her husband, Andy, and their dog, Sebastian.

Deborah Melkin has been working as a database professional with SQL Server for over 20 years. She spends her days helping programmers with all aspects of database design, queries, performance, and deployment. In 2016, she began her blog, Deb the DBA.... Show more

Elena Drakulevska

Elena Drakulevska

Hi, I’m Elena Drakulevska, a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft working on Power BI Core Visuals, where I help shape the future of reporting and data visualization.

I’m also an international speaker, Microsoft MVP alumna, and founder of MoonStory, a platform focused on UX Design and Data Visualization. Through conferences, mentoring, blogging, and community initiatives, I share my mission of making technology more human, empowering, and joyful. ✨

Hi, I’m Elena Drakulevska, a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft working on Power BI Core Visuals, where I help shape the future of reporting and data visualization. I’m also an international speaker, Microsoft MVP alumna, and founder of MoonSt... Show more

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Microsoft Solutions Women in Tech Speakers

List of Microsoft Solutions Women in Tech Speakers, to help promote new and existing women speakers to events and organising committees who are committed to improving diversity and inclusion for women.