Raymond Comvalius is an independent IT architect and trainer from the Netherlands. He has been active in the IT industry for more than 30 years, of which 25+ years focused on Microsoft infrastructure products for both Government and financial institutes. Raymond is the author of multiple books on Windows and security. As an architect he supports organizations in IT strategy and realization of their next generation workplace infrastructure. Raymond is actively involved with the national and international IT community and was a speaker at multiple international Microsoft events.

Raymond Comvalius is an independent IT architect and trainer from the Netherlands. He has been active in the IT industry for more than 30 years, of which 25+ years focused on Microsoft infrastructure products for both Government and financial institu... 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

Swetha Lakkaraju is an experienced IT professional with 18 years of expertise in mainframe-based core banking systems, credit card processing, and financial services technology. She has specialized in Systematics (SI) and Visionplus platforms, delivering high-impact solutions across banking and consumer finance domains.
Swetha currently serves as a Project Lead at Tech Mahindra Americas (Mar 2024 - Present), where she leads a conversion initiative for Citibank Commercial Banking, designing scalable interfaces, coordinating global teams, and implementing automation strategies that reduced manual testing by 30%.
Previously, she worked as a Senior Software Engineer at Narwal Inc. (Aug 2022 - Jan 2024) for FIS Global Services (BMO), spearheading the Bank of the West to Bank of Montreal conversion project. Her responsibilities included designing cost-optimized solutions, developing data migration programs, and automating testing processes to improve efficiency by 25%.
Before that, Swetha spent 12 years at Tech Mahindra (Nov 2010 - Aug 2022) in multiple roles, including Tech Manager, Team Lead, and Project Lead, delivering critical enhancements for Citigroup’s core banking systems using Systematics modules (IM, ST, RM). She ensured production stability, managed offshore teams, and played a key role in change management and release operations. Her earlier contributions at Tech Mahindra include compliance testing for RBTT (Royal Bank of Trinidad & Tobago) and implementing 28 regulatory fixes for credit card modules.
Swetha began her career at GE Money Japan (2008-2010), where she provided production support and optimized performance for Visionplus-based credit card processing systems. She successfully tuned batch jobs, improved SLAs, and supported disaster recovery operations.
Technically proficient in COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, and tools like Control-M, CA-Intertest, and Changeman, Swetha also brings expertise in REST API integration with mainframe systems. She holds a B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering from Osmania University and is recognized for her leadership in delivering zero-incident operations, automation-driven efficiency, and client-focused solutions.

Swetha Lakkaraju is an experienced IT professional with 18 years of expertise in mainframe-based core banking systems, credit card processing, and financial services technology. She has specialized in Systematics (SI) and Visionplus platforms, delive... Show more

Natarajan Ravikumar is a seasoned Technology Executive with over a decade of experience spanning project management, program delivery, IT architecture, and strategic execution across Fortune 500 environments. Based in Charlotte, NC, he brings a multifaceted background in Enterprise Systems Architecture, with a focus on Cybersecurity, Cloud Integration, and AI/ML Implementation. He has proven expertise in managing large-scale technology initiatives across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and industrial software.
His career includes notable tenures at Honeywell International, IonIdea Inc., and Ashley Furniture Industries, where he led cross-functional teams in delivering impactful solutions such as cloud migrations, IoT platform enablement, enterprise security, data analytics, and M&A IT integrations.
Ravikumar is highly accomplished in Agile, SAFe 5.0, and Lean Portfolio Management practices, and has been instrumental in achieving CMM Level 5 and Level 2 certifications. He possesses a strong command of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), process optimization through Six Sigma and ITIL frameworks, and portfolio governance. A natural leader and mentor, he has built and coached teams in Cloud Architecture, AI/ML, and Cybersecurity, consistently aligning technical delivery with business strategy and measurable ROI.
Academically, he holds three master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in Data Science & Business Analytics, Computer Science, and Business Administration (MBA), along with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Anna University, India. He is a CISM, PMP, Scrum Master, ITILv3, AWS Cloud Architect, and Six Sigma Yellow Belt certified, and has earned multiple Bravo and Impact Awards for outstanding project execution and innovation. His technical toolkit includes Java, Python, Power BI, Tableau, ServiceNow, cloud platforms, cybersecurity architecture, and AI/ML models, with a strategic focus on driving performance, scalability, and digital transformation.

Natarajan Ravikumar is a seasoned Technology Executive with over a decade of experience spanning project management, program delivery, IT architecture, and strategic execution across Fortune 500 environments. Based in Charlotte, NC, he brings a multi... Show more

Srinivasa Rao Akyana is a dynamic and results-oriented Senior Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft with over 10 years of experience in building and modernizing large-scale data systems. He is a visionary leader with a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives, leading high-performing global teams, and architecting AI-driven, cloud-based solutions that enable data-driven decision-making across organizations. His work primarily focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Microsoft Azure, AI, and machine learning to drive impactful change.
Srinivasa has played a key role in modernizing Microsoft’s financial systems, including CAPEX, OPEX, and Headcount analytics, and has designed and implemented cloud-native data platforms that deliver real-time self-service analytics. He has successfully scaled engineering teams from 4 to over 120 engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and accountability. Additionally, he has led the development of solutions like OneSpend, a unified expense management platform, and worked closely with executive leaders to align AI-driven analytics with company-wide financial objectives.
With a strong foundation in engineering leadership, scalable system development, and AI integration, Srinivasa has a deep understanding of data analytics and financial decision-making. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Andhra University and is currently pursuing the Technology Leadership Program at MIT. He is also a frequent speaker and contributor at industry forums, engaging with leaders to align technology solutions with business strategies.
Srinivasa's expertise extends across engineering leadership, cloud data architecture, AI solutions design, financial analytics, cross-functional collaboration, and scalable systems development. He is certified as a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCPS) and a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), and he is fluent in English and Telugu.

Srinivasa Rao Akyana is a dynamic and results-oriented Senior Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft with over 10 years of experience in building and modernizing large-scale data systems. He is a visionary leader with a proven track reco... Show more

I like hacking through software engineering problems. I am currently working as Developer Advocate & Product Manager. Over the past 4 years I have been developing solutions for software reliability. I love everything around cloud-native, open source, and security. As a CNCF ambassador this year, I am meeting other like-minded ambassadors, motivating each other to contribute, support, and inspire. I have also founded the Women in Cloud Native community

I like hacking through software engineering problems. I am currently working as Developer Advocate & Product Manager. Over the past 4 years I have been developing solutions for software reliability. I love everything around cloud-native, open source,... Show more

Patrick LeBlanc is a currently a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft and a contributing partner to Guy in a Cube. Along with his 15+ years’ experience in IT he holds a Masters of Science degree from Louisiana State University. He is the author and co-author of five SQL Server books. Prior to joining Microsoft he was awarded Microsoft MVP award for his contributions to the community. Patrick is a regular speaker at many SQL Server Conferences and Community events.

Patrick LeBlanc is a currently a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft and a contributing partner to Guy in a Cube. Along with his 15+ years’ experience in IT he holds a Masters of Science degree from Louisiana State University. He is the author and... Show more

Business Intelligence and Power BI Developer

Business Intelligence and Power BI Developer Show more

I'm a Senior Site Reliability Engineer and currently work at Storyblok, with a postgraduate degree in Computational Forensics and doing a Master's degree in Operation, Evaluation and Advanced Management of Computer Networks at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO). I am Docker Community Leader awarded twice by Docker Inc, Hashicorp Ambassador, Docker Captain, Google Developer Expert, organizer and speaker of DevOpsDays and other DevOps events across Brazil and instructor by LinuxTips.

I'm a Senior Site Reliability Engineer and currently work at Storyblok, with a postgraduate degree in Computational Forensics and doing a Master's degree in Operation, Evaluation and Advanced Management of Computer Networks at the Federal University ... Show more

Amit is the Chief Analytics Officer (CAO)/Data Architect at Kanerika and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of data analytics. Amit is Microsoft's Most Valuable Professional (2023) and Power BI Community Super User since 2020.

Amit is the Chief Analytics Officer (CAO)/Data Architect at Kanerika and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of data analytics. Amit is Microsoft's Most Valuable Professional (2023) and Power BI Community Super User since 2020. Show more

I am an Information Management, Business Intelligence and Project Management specialist with extensive data warehouse development experience and a passion for understanding client requirements to create the best solution achievable.

I am an Information Management, Business Intelligence and Project Management specialist with extensive data warehouse development experience and a passion for understanding client requirements to create the best solution achievable. Show more

NA

NA Show more

Joe Salisbury is VP Engineering at Giant Swarm. He’s tasked with making Giant Swarm an attractive work environment for engineers and generally a dope place to work. When he’s not ensuring engineering operational excellence, he can be found rowing and playing D&D, but just not at the same time… yet.

Joe Salisbury is VP Engineering at Giant Swarm. He’s tasked with making Giant Swarm an attractive work environment for engineers and generally a dope place to work. When he’s not ensuring engineering operational excellence, he can be found rowing and... Show more

Maya Shenhav is a Group Program Manager at Microsoft, leading the Power BI consumer experiences across mobile applications and Microsoft 365 integrations, including PowerPoint, Teams, and other Office products. In this role, she drives the vision and execution of features that enhance data accessibility and collaboration for millions of users worldwide.
Prior to joining the Power BI product team, Maya served as an Architect at Microsoft Consulting Services, where she partnered with enterprise customers to design and deliver complex business solutions. Before her tenure at Microsoft, she held key roles at multiple independent software vendors, focusing on building innovative software products and technology solutions.

Maya Shenhav is a Group Program Manager at Microsoft, leading the Power BI consumer experiences across mobile applications and Microsoft 365 integrations, including PowerPoint, Teams, and other Office products. In this role, she drives the vision and... Show more

I am a Computer science graduate from Carnegie Mellon University, USA and I am working as a Staff engineer at
Linkedin in the Information Retrieval (IR) team, focusing on cutting-edge challenges in ML infrastructure, ranking algorithms,
and machine learning.

I am a Computer science graduate from Carnegie Mellon University, USA and I am working as a Staff engineer at Linkedin in the Information Retrieval (IR) team, focusing on cutting-edge challenges in ML infrastructure, ranking algorithms, and machine... Show more