Leonard is a Microsoft Power Platform Certified Solutions Architect holding 10 Microsoft certifications and 5 years of specialized expertise in Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Azure development. As the leader of a 40-developer team, he architects and delivers enterprise-grade solutions encompassing custom plugins, Azure Functions, Power Apps, and complex system integrations.

His experience spans the full development lifecycle—from Business Process Flow implementation and plugin architecture to CI/CD pipeline design and Azure-based automation.

Leonard has successfully led numerous enterprise deployments and modernization initiatives, bringing deep technical knowledge and proven patterns to organizations navigating the Microsoft ecosystem.

A dedicated technical educator, Leonard regularly conducts bootcamps and training programs, equipping development teams with the skills and best practices needed to build robust, scalable solutions on the Microsoft platform.

Leonard is a Microsoft Power Platform Certified Solutions Architect holding 10 Microsoft certifications and 5 years of specialized expertise in Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Azure development. As the leader of a 40-developer team, he architects a... Show more

Data engineering Lead focused on data products, GenAI/agents, and the modern Microsoft Fabric/Azure data stack.
I design and build governed data products and end‑to‑end pipelines on hybrid on‑prem + cloud platforms, using tools like Microsoft Fabric, Azure data services, SQL Server, SSIS, Azure DevOps, Python, Spark, and Power BI.
Recently, I’ve been working on:
Standardizing data product contracts and schemas (ODPS‑style) to make data reusable and self‑service for analytics and AI teams.
Exploring GenAI and agents to automate data ingestion, documentation, and operational workflows using cloud‑native agent frameworks.
Implementing CI/CD, monitoring, and error‑handling patterns for production data pipelines so teams can trust and rely on the data.
I’m especially interested in how data products + GenAI‑powered agents can transform traditional ETL into smarter, context‑aware data services.

Data engineering Lead focused on data products, GenAI/agents, and the modern Microsoft Fabric/Azure data stack. I design and build governed data products and end‑to‑end pipelines on hybrid on‑prem + cloud platforms, using tools like Microsoft Fabric... Show more

Eva Panadero is a Senior Software Engineer at Novatec, specializing in backend development with technologies such as Spring Boot, Java, Kotlin, and Nest.js, as well as microservices, databases, containers, and automation with GitHub Actions. She holds a master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Privacy, along with certifications as a cybersecurity professional and in Management 3.0.

With over 10 years of experience, she combines a solid technical background with a creative and innovative approach. She is actively involved in initiatives like "Seré Ingeniera", encouraging girls to pursue technical careers through workshops and hands-on projects. Currently, she is also developing two new initiatives focused on digital education and cybersecurity.

"This is my story." (FFX)

Eva Panadero is a Senior Software Engineer at Novatec, specializing in backend development with technologies such as Spring Boot, Java, Kotlin, and Nest.js, as well as microservices, databases, containers, and automation with GitHub Actions. She hold... Show more

Sheena Salwan is an AI/ML Manager at Accenture focused on building enterprise-grade Generative AI solutions that drive real business impact. Her work spans RAG architectures, AI agents, NLP, and end-to-end AI systems, helping organizations move from experimentation to scalable production leveraging cloud technologies such as Azure and AWS.

She brings a blend of technical depth and product thinking, shaped through years of delivering AI solutions for enterprise clients across global markets. Sheena also holds a Master’s degree in Data Science from The University of British Columbia.

As a technical speaker and Women in Data Science Ambassador, she enjoys breaking down complex AI topics into practical, “no-fluff” insights that teams can apply immediately. She is passionate about mentoring, community learning, and empowering more women to become leaders in technology.

Sheena Salwan is an AI/ML Manager at Accenture focused on building enterprise-grade Generative AI solutions that drive real business impact. Her work spans RAG architectures, AI agents, NLP, and end-to-end AI systems, helping organizations move from ... Show more

John Athayde is a designer and developer who spends his days fighting bad coding practices in the Rails view layer. He runs Meticulous, a product design & branding consultancy that has been shipping with Rails since 1.0. He also is a partner in Ocufii, a startup focused on improving safety through movement notifications. He lives on a small permaculture farm outside of Charlottesville where he can garden and play in the dirt with his wife and four children, chickens, goats, and dairy cow.

John Athayde is a designer and developer who spends his days fighting bad coding practices in the Rails view layer. He runs Meticulous, a product design & branding consultancy that has been shipping with Rails since 1.0. He also is a partner in Ocufi... Show more

Nick Gill, a Power Apps champion, has transformed his career with Power Platform. Once a Logistics Manager at the American Red Cross who modernized business processes with Power Platform for the Red Cross, Nick has learned valuable developer skills and worked to become a Solution Architect for a leading Microsoft Partner, Applied Information Sciences, where he has since helped many more large organizations realize the potential of digital transformation.

Nick Gill, a Power Apps champion, has transformed his career with Power Platform. Once a Logistics Manager at the American Red Cross who modernized business processes with Power Platform for the Red Cross, Nick has learned valuable developer skills a... Show more

JavaScript enthusiast and full-stack developer in the making. I build things with React, Spring Boot, and a curious mind. Always exploring what makes the web tick—from frontend frameworks to JS engines.

JavaScript enthusiast and full-stack developer in the making. I build things with React, Spring Boot, and a curious mind. Always exploring what makes the web tick—from frontend frameworks to JS engines. Show more

Hanna ist Azure Cloud Consultant mit Fokus auf Data & AI-Lösungen. Derzeit entwickelt sie maßgeschneiderte Azure OpenAI-basierte Chatbots für verschiedene Branchen, darunter Finanzwesen, FMCG, Medizintechnik und Produktion. Ihre Expertise umfasst Data Engineering, AI-Anwendungsentwicklung und IT-Strategie. Hanna berät Unternehmen täglich dabei, neueste Technologien effektiv zu nutzen, um Kundeninteraktionen zu verbessern und Probleme datenorientiert zu lösen. Ihre Begeisterung für AI und innovative IT-Lösungen treibt sie an, stets auf dem neuesten Stand der Technik zu bleiben und ihre Kunden optimal zu unterstützen.

Hanna ist Azure Cloud Consultant mit Fokus auf Data & AI-Lösungen. Derzeit entwickelt sie maßgeschneiderte Azure OpenAI-basierte Chatbots für verschiedene Branchen, darunter Finanzwesen, FMCG, Medizintechnik und Produktion. Ihre Expertise umfasst Dat... Show more

I am passionate about crafting high-quality software, both as a professional and as a hobbyist. I love to see people enjoy using the programs I create. I focus on frontend development in my professional life, but also build full-stack software on occasion.

In my current role at the Port of Rotterdam and Portbase, I'm crafting cross-platform software solutions to enhance the safety and efficiency of the port's land-side logistics. This includes the development of a website, a mobile application, and data analytics tools. We're always in the process of prototyping new features and gathering user feedback to refine our software. I find great satisfaction in this dynamic environment, where close collaboration with users and stakeholders is key.

I am very much into board games, tabletop games and large-scale multiplayer videogames.

I am passionate about crafting high-quality software, both as a professional and as a hobbyist. I love to see people enjoy using the programs I create. I focus on frontend development in my professional life, but also build full-stack software on occ... Show more

Tejaswi Katta is a Lead Software Engineer with over a decade of experience transforming critical systems in the aviation and federal sectors. Currently at Southwest Airlines, Tejaswi specializes in modernizing enterprise architecture through innovative integration solutions using TIBCO technologies, Kafka event streaming, and microservices.
As a technical leader, Tejaswi has orchestrated the modernization of booking and supply chain systems, implementing solutions that automate reservations, optimize inventory tracking, and ensure real-time data exchange. Their work has significantly reduced operational downtime while establishing frameworks for scalable growth.
Prior to Southwest Airlines, Tejaswi contributed to National Institute of Health Business Systems, where they developed integration frameworks for asset tracking, financial management, and travel expense systems that aligned with federal compliance requirements.
Throughout their career, Tejaswi has demonstrated exceptional prowess in navigating complex integration challenges, particularly in implementing secure data exchange protocols and optimizing performance across legacy systems. Their implementation of AI-powered chatbots at Southwest Airlines exemplifies their forward-thinking approach, enabling 24/7 customer support and streamlining flight status inquiries while substantially reducing the need for manual intervention.
Tejaswi holds a Master of Science in Software Engineering from Stratford University and maintains an impressive portfolio of professional certifications including MuleSoft Certified Integration Architect, AWS Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Engineer, and Certified Kubernetes Administrator.
With expertise spanning system design, event-driven architecture, and performance optimization, Tejaswi excels at bridging technical solutions with business objectives while mentoring junior engineers and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

Tejaswi Katta is a Lead Software Engineer with over a decade of experience transforming critical systems in the aviation and federal sectors. Currently at Southwest Airlines, Tejaswi specializes in modernizing enterprise architecture through innovati... Show more

I am a strategic and results-driven Supplier Performance Agent with over 11 years of global experience in procurement, purchasing, vendor development, and supply chain operations across the aerospace, manufacturing, and energy sectors. Currently, I support advanced supplier management initiatives at Bombardier, where I drive performance improvement through on-site assessments, risk mitigation, and the execution of strategic development plans. My professional journey includes senior roles at TechnipFMC and Bayer, where I managed multi-million dollar monthly expenditures and directed complex procurement activities for large-scale international projects.
I hold a Master of Science in Management Science and Supply Chain Management from Wichita State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering. I am technically proficient in SAP MM, SAP Ariba, Power BI, and Oracle Database, with deep expertise in inventory management and material requirement planning.

I am a strategic and results-driven Supplier Performance Agent with over 11 years of global experience in procurement, purchasing, vendor development, and supply chain operations across the aerospace, manufacturing, and energy sectors. Currently, I s... Show more

I am a US Navy Veteran and leading Reputation Management and Social Selling thought leader who is the
architect of the official state websites of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, which are powered by Microsoft SharePoint technologies. I served a key technical advisory role in the successful re-election campaign of a US governor.

I am the author of the Microsoft Thought Leader Blueprint, published by Apress.

I am the leader of the longest-running Microsoft training and User group community in Maryland and
host of Community Days Baltimore, an annual one-day conference which is currently in its 18th year

I specialize in high-visibility, public-facing consulting engagements with a key focus on information and platform architecture on-premises to cloud migrations, enterprise social media, governance, instructional systems design, and information worker training.

I am a graduate of Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Business program and serve as program Ambassador.

I am a US Navy Veteran and leading Reputation Management and Social Selling thought leader who is the architect of the official state websites of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, which are powered by Microsoft SharePoint technologies. I serve... Show more

Geospatial expert, data scientist - PhD student.

Geospatial expert, data scientist - PhD student. Show more

Paul is the Founder and CEO of Carbon Six Digital and Rubber Cheese. He is an Umbraco veteran of 14 years and somewhat of a lapsed developer. He likes to think outside the box, often coming up with creative technical solutions that clients didn’t know were possible. Paul oversees business development and people management at Rubber Cheese and Carbon Six but in his heart just wants to solve problems with tech.

Paul is the Founder and CEO of Carbon Six Digital and Rubber Cheese. He is an Umbraco veteran of 14 years and somewhat of a lapsed developer. He likes to think outside the box, often coming up with creative technical solutions that clients didn’t kn... Show more

Hi, I’m Priya Vardhini Mohan, a passionate and results-driven System Architect with over 14 years of experience in the Modern Workplace space, specializing in Microsoft 365, Azure, and Microsoft Copilot. I’ve had the privilege of working with enterprise clients across EMEA and APAC, helping them transform their digital workplaces with cutting-edge cloud and AI solutions.

My journey has taken me through a variety of roles—from technical consulting and pre-sales to leading complex cloud migrations and enabling Copilot across environments like Teams, Power BI, SharePoint, and Outlook. I’ve been deeply involved in the early phases of Copilot pilot programs, designing custom copilots, integrating them with Azure OpenAI, and driving adoption through training, governance, and secure implementation.

I’m currently based in London, working with iSquare Tech Solutions, where I focus on building scalable, secure, and intelligent solutions for clients navigating their M365 and Copilot journey. Whether it's Exchange migrations, Intune policy design, Defender configurations, or Power Platform automation, I enjoy working closely with stakeholders to architect solutions that not only work—but elevate user productivity and security.

My certifications include Microsoft Copilot Expert, Security Ninja Training, MS-900, AZ-900, and SC-900, among others. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with incredible organizations like AirAsia, TRX Malaysia, and several educational institutions across Singapore and Malaysia, delivering value through digital transformation initiatives.

Beyond the tech, I love sharing knowledge—whether through live demos, training sessions, or writing on my Medium blog. I'm always open to conversations around AI, productivity, security, and how we can create meaningful impact with technology.

Hi, I’m Priya Vardhini Mohan, a passionate and results-driven System Architect with over 14 years of experience in the Modern Workplace space, specializing in Microsoft 365, Azure, and Microsoft Copilot. I’ve had the privilege of working with enterpr... Show more

Wolfgang Strunk works as an architect at iteratec GmbH on projects in the fields of mobility services and logistics. Before he was head of software development at Sixt Leasing SE and was responsible for the modernization of the self-developed application landscape. Wolfgang Strunk has more than twenty years of experience as a software developer, architect and consultant. His current interests are microservices, workflow automation, cloud deployments and application software integration with external partners and customers.

Wolfgang Strunk works as an architect at iteratec GmbH on projects in the fields of mobility services and logistics. Before he was head of software development at Sixt Leasing SE and was responsible for the modernization of the self-developed applica... Show more

Charutha Bandara has built his professional journey through steady effort, careful thinking, and a strong sense of responsibility. Over more than a decade, he developed his career by working directly with real systems and real challenges, allowing experience to shape his decisions. His progress reflects patience and consistency, with growth emerging from hands-on work rather than shortcuts. This approach has guided his movement from technical roles into leadership and entrepreneurial responsibilities.

In the early part of his career, Charutha demonstrated a strong interest in understanding how complex systems operate in practical settings. Software engineering became the foundation for this interest, offering a structured way to approach real-world problems. Charutha D. Bandara worked across different technical environments, learning how to adapt while maintaining reliability and clarity. These early experiences helped him develop discipline, attention to detail, and an appreciation for clear communication when working with others.

As his experience grew, he began taking on responsibilities beyond direct development tasks. Bandara contributed to planning, system design, and long-term decision-making, which required a broader perspective. This shift encouraged him to think about sustainability, usability, and long-term impact rather than only immediate results. Balancing technical execution with thoughtful planning became a key part of his professional growth.

Over time, he moved into senior and executive-level roles, leading teams and managing priorities. These positions required steady judgment, accountability, and the ability to make clear decisions under pressure. His leadership style remained grounded in firsthand technical experience, helping him stay realistic and approachable. He emphasized preparation, consistency, and follow-through, building trust through actions rather than authority.

After many years in technology-focused roles, Charutha reached a point where he could pursue work more closely aligned with his personal interests. Motorcycles had long been an essential part of his life, offering balance outside professional responsibilities. Riding and maintaining performance machines reinforced values he already practiced in his work, including precision, patience, and respect for tools and process.

This personal interest eventually intersected with his professional background. Bandara recognized the importance of careful motorcycle transportation and applied his technical and operational mindset to help shape a service built around responsibility and experience. Systems were thoughtfully designed, and service standards reflected an understanding of what riders value when they trust others with their machines. Growth followed through reliability and consistency rather than speed.

Outside of professional work, Charutha D. Bandara maintains a creative interest in photography, focusing mainly on landscapes and automotive subjects. This outlet supports observation and balance, complementing his technical discipline. Across engineering, leadership, entrepreneurship, and creative pursuits, Charutha Bandara continues to focus on steady improvement, clear thinking, and work shaped by experience, care, and long-term commitment.

Charutha Bandara has built his professional journey through steady effort, careful thinking, and a strong sense of responsibility. Over more than a decade, he developed his career by working directly with real systems and real challenges, allowing ex... Show more

Corporate Digital Architecture Leader, Work as Solution Architect at different companies; now Financial Latam Group, in past IBM Global Business Services, Oracle & EDS (HPe now DXC) in Colombia. Agile Coach, Mentor & Design Thinking practitioner.

Has experience in developing & deploying distributed solutions, including APIs strategy, API Economy adoption (ecosystems & platform), Cloud, Omnichannel, Microservices, SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) & Front End technologies (Ionic, Bootstrap, Angular, etc.), applying Agile & Design Thinking techniques to align IT solutions to customer needs.

Corporate Digital Architecture Leader, Work as Solution Architect at different companies; now Financial Latam Group, in past IBM Global Business Services, Oracle & EDS (HPe now DXC) in Colombia. Agile Coach, Mentor & Design Thinking practitioner. ... Show more

Karthik Govardhanan is affiliated with Boston University and has spent over 14 years building and scaling AI-powered search and discovery systems across large-scale retail and e-commerce platforms. His work spans search relevance, personalization, SEO, and conversational commerce, with a strong focus on applying large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, and semantic search in production environments.

Karthik Govardhanan is affiliated with Boston University and has spent over 14 years building and scaling AI-powered search and discovery systems across large-scale retail and e-commerce platforms. His work spans search relevance, personalization, SE... Show more

Erik Pronk is a passionate software engineer that has been working in IT since 2001. During this period he has gained a lot of experience in a variety of technologies, roles, development environments and market segments. His main focus is on implementing enterprise solutions in an agile way. In his spare time, Erik loves to run and experiment with VR and domotics. Erik works at JDriven where he shares his passion and drive with other colleagues.

Erik Pronk is a passionate software engineer that has been working in IT since 2001. During this period he has gained a lot of experience in a variety of technologies, roles, development environments and market segments. His main focus is on implemen... Show more

Jen Fisher currently serves as the Assistant Vice President, Project Implementation and Support. In this role, Jen delivers leadership and implementation support for key organizational and strategic initiatives such as the College’s Strategic Plan. Jen’s experience includes creative problem-solving, facilitation, skills-based training, and strategic planning. Prior to her current role, Jen served as the Assistant Vice President of Employee Benefits at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana beginning in 2013.
Prior to joining Ivy Tech, Jen worked in the Human Resources field in the transportation industry with Republic Airways and Vanguard Services, Inc. Jen has a Bachelors of Arts from Purdue University and a Masters of Business Administration from Butler University. She is a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist, a SHRM Certified Professional, a certified CliftonStrengths Coach, and Change Management Practitioner.

Jen Fisher currently serves as the Assistant Vice President, Project Implementation and Support. In this role, Jen delivers leadership and implementation support for key organizational and strategic initiatives such as the College’s Strategic Plan. ... Show more

Victor Getz is really passionate about platform engineering and surfing. He likes to show things as they are, whether good or bad, from his projects.

As the Co-Founder & CTO of iits-consulting and has been active in software development for over 10 years. As a CTO & cloud architect, he has created a multitude of cloud architectures in recent years with petabytes of data or millions of daily users.

Victor Getz is really passionate about platform engineering and surfing. He likes to show things as they are, whether good or bad, from his projects. As the Co-Founder & CTO of iits-consulting and has been active in software development for over ... Show more

Mike Ullrich ist Managing Consultant bei der Objektkultur. Neben den 13 Jahren Erfahrungen im Projektgeschäft mit Microsoft Cloud Technologien zieht er seine Erfahrung aus 9 Jahren in einem KI-Start-Up, aus der Gründung und Skalierung eines eigenen Unternehmens. Sein Fokus ist Dynamics 365 Customer Experience, Power Platform und Copilot Studio.

Mike Ullrich ist Managing Consultant bei der Objektkultur. Neben den 13 Jahren Erfahrungen im Projektgeschäft mit Microsoft Cloud Technologien zieht er seine Erfahrung aus 9 Jahren in einem KI-Start-Up, aus der Gründung und Skalierung eines eigenen U... Show more

An engineering student at Model Engineering College and a Co-Founder of Flink. I am passionate about exploring the intersection of emerging technologies and business solutions. My work focuses on building secure, efficient systems and helping organizations navigate the evolving landscape of AI and automation.

An engineering student at Model Engineering College and a Co-Founder of Flink. I am passionate about exploring the intersection of emerging technologies and business solutions. My work focuses on building secure, efficient systems and helping organiz... Show more

Thomas McCorry devoted 20 years of his professional career to Constellation Brands, a global producer of some of the most recognized beer, wine, and spirits brands, including Corona, Modelo, Meomi, Robert Mondavi, Casa Noble, Mi Campo, and Svedka. During his tenure, he progressed through a variety of senior financial leadership positions, gaining extensive experience in accounting and controls, operational finance, controllership, business partnership, strategy, and overall financial management. His work consistently produced strong results, supported by expertise in strategic and financial planning, risk management, financial controls, process improvement, mentoring, US GAAP accounting, cost optimization, valuations, modeling, and revenue management.

He joined the company in 2004 as a Director and was later promoted to Vice President of Global Accounting. In that role, he oversaw the global consolidated accounting close for the $3.6 billion publicly traded business, reducing the close process by eight days while enhancing reporting quality and strengthening internal controls. He developed global cash flow reporting processes, shortened preparation time by 10 days, and streamlined multi-currency statement consolidation. His responsibilities included conducting in-depth accounting research on complex transactions, leading purchase price allocations for billion-dollar acquisitions, creating global accounting policies, centralizing intercompany transactions, and ensuring compliance with US GAAP for both domestic and international operations. He also played a key role in the design and implementation of a new global ERP system.

In 2012, he became Vice President of FP&A – Wine & Spirits, directing strategic and annual planning for a $2.7 billion U.S. business. Two years later, as Vice President of Commercial Finance – Wine & Spirits, he centralized $150 million in non-price investments, introduced zero-based budgeting, improved forecasting processes, and implemented financial metrics that connected sales performance with company objectives. He restructured the sales finance function into a shared services model, enabling both growth and acquisitions without adding headcount.

He went on to serve as Chief Audit Executive and Senior Vice President & Controller before returning to the Wine & Spirits Division as Senior Vice President & CFO. There, he redefined strategy following a $1 billion divestiture, reduced $100 million in stranded fixed costs, and built a pricing execution team that improved price realization by 500%. From 2021 to late 2023, he served as Senior Vice President & CFO of the Beer Division, an $8 billion revenue business, where he reduced planned capital spending by $1.5 billion, enhanced governance, increased margins, and launched a multi-year cost efficiency plan.

Before joining the company, he spent seven years in public accounting at major firms. In 2024, he became Managing Consultant at Pinnacle Growth Strategies, helping organizations strengthen financial performance, manage risk, and achieve sustainable growth. He serves on several boards, funds scholarships, and volunteers in his community. A graduate of SUNY Geneseo, he is a CPA and completed an executive program at Dartmouth College. Originally from Brooklyn, he is married with two children and enjoys running, traveling, and time at the beach. Thomas McCorry continues to apply his experience to guide organizations toward long-term success.

Thomas McCorry devoted 20 years of his professional career to Constellation Brands, a global producer of some of the most recognized beer, wine, and spirits brands, including Corona, Modelo, Meomi, Robert Mondavi, Casa Noble, Mi Campo, and Svedka. Du... Show more

Currently Senior Data Scientist for Smart Container Analytics at Hapag-Lloyd, previously responsible as Product Owner for building the central Hapag-Lloyd Data Lake. Working in the Data and Analytics field for over 10 years, focusing on (data) product development, data science, and big data.

Currently Senior Data Scientist for Smart Container Analytics at Hapag-Lloyd, previously responsible as Product Owner for building the central Hapag-Lloyd Data Lake. Working in the Data and Analytics field for over 10 years, focusing on (data) produc... Show more

Michael Quantrell is a seasoned yacht Captain with more than 20 years of experience in yacht engineering, estate management, and high-level marine operations. His career includes managing multimillion-dollar refits, leading diverse crews, and overseeing complex logistics for private vessels. Michael is known for calm leadership, strong technical knowledge, and sound judgment in demanding conditions, including operating through major weather events such as Category 4 Hurricane Irma in Florida during the 2017 season.

Growing up in Camden, Maine, Michael developed a deep connection to the water and competitive sport at an early age. His youth was divided between sailing and ski racing, both of which demanded discipline and precision. He earned three medals at the Junior Olympics in the Laser Class Division, including bronze and silver finishes. These early achievements reinforced his work ethic, competitive mindset, and respect for preparation and teamwork.

Michael continued racing into adulthood, competing in professional sailing programs throughout New Zealand, New England, and England. Ski racing remained a vital pursuit, with over ten years spent competing in organized night races in Maine. While living in Florida, he won all three qualifiers and two finals in the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge series. These experiences strengthened his adaptability, endurance, and ability to perform consistently in changing environments.

Since the age of 18, Michael has built his professional life as a yacht Captain, managing vessels ranging from 20 to 120 feet and captaining yachts up to 112 feet. His experience includes extensive cruising and deliveries throughout Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and the eastern United States. He has overseen major refit projects, balancing mechanical upgrades, aesthetics, safety compliance, and financial accountability.

For nearly 5 years, Michael Quantrell has owned and operated Ox Eye Marine Corporation, providing full-service vessel management for yachts ranging from 40 to 112 feet. His responsibilities include crew placement, system analysis, refits, deliveries, overseas shipping, sales support, and boat show preparation. Outside of his professional work, Michael values time with family, enjoys the outdoors, and shares his life with his dogs, maintaining a lifelong connection to the water.

Michael Quantrell is a seasoned yacht Captain with more than 20 years of experience in yacht engineering, estate management, and high-level marine operations. His career includes managing multimillion-dollar refits, leading diverse crews, and oversee... Show more

Nitheesh Yennampelly is a dynamic supply chain and business analytics professional with proven expertise in strategic operations, automation, and data-driven optimization. Currently serving as a Supply Chain Specialist at Amazon in Nashville, Tennessee, Nitheesh leads initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and generate multimillion-dollar savings. His notable accomplishments include designing an automated build planning and forecasting system that achieved $7 million in cost savings, and developing a real-time QuickSight dashboard that drove a $6.4 million ROI.
A skilled innovator, Nitheesh has successfully integrated AI-powered solutions into operational workflows, such as creating an automated Q&A assistant for Amazon’s SOP management tool, now used across 4,000+ sites, and spearheading the hub-and-spoke topology optimization for an $85 million asset management system using advanced Python modeling. His ability to combine technical acumen with strategic insight makes him a trusted leader in logistics innovation and data analytics.
Previously, as an Area Manager at Amazon in California, Nitheesh managed teams of 30+ associates, implementing performance management systems that boosted productivity by 25% and reduced workplace incidents by 20%. Earlier in his career, he contributed to FedEx Services as a Strategy & Analytics Intern, where he developed Power BI dashboards and data validation processes that improved reporting accuracy by 25%.
Nitheesh began his professional journey at Unacademy in India, where he streamlined asset management processes and implemented CRM systems to enhance business operations.
He holds a Master’s degree in Management Science (Business Analytics & Supply Chain Management) from The University of Texas at Dallas, where he was recognized as a Dean’s Excellence Scholar and served as an Operations Lead for the Project Management Club. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Guru Nanak Institutions Technical Campus in Hyderabad, India.
An advocate for continuous improvement, Nitheesh is certified in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt) and skilled in SQL, Alteryx, Power BI, Tableau, and advanced analytics tools. His leadership, technical expertise, and innovative mindset consistently drive measurable results in complex operational environments.

Nitheesh Yennampelly is a dynamic supply chain and business analytics professional with proven expertise in strategic operations, automation, and data-driven optimization. Currently serving as a Supply Chain Specialist at Amazon in Nashville, Tenness... Show more

Preston is a seasoned Business Intelligence professional with nearly two decades of experience in the field. As the CEO of Insights In Action, he has successfully led the analytics efforts of a diverse portfolio of 131+ companies. His tenure includes a Fortune 2 company where over 30,000 team members relied on his and his team's work. Preston's expertise has taken him around the globe, where he has shared his knowledge and insights with thousands of teams and individuals, empowering them to effectively manage, wrangle, store, and effectively present their data. Throughout his career, Preston has demonstrated a deep passion for learning and teaching, thriving on the opportunity to help others achieve their data goals.

Preston is a seasoned Business Intelligence professional with nearly two decades of experience in the field. As the CEO of Insights In Action, he has successfully led the analytics efforts of a diverse portfolio of 131+ companies. His tenure includes... Show more

Duke Valentour works as an Industrial and Systems Engineer at Ball Aerospace, a division of BAE Systems in Boulder, Colorado. Ball Aerospace, now known as Space & Mission Systems, develops technology and solutions for space missions, supporting national security, intelligence, and civilian efforts.

Duke holds a Commercial Pilot License and is a Certified Flight Instructor. His interest in aviation was sparked early by his grandfather, who significantly encouraged his passion for flying.

In his engineering role, Duke analyzes workflow processes within assembly and fabrication operations to identify cycle times and improve efficiency. He leads projects that enhance procedures across Research and Development, Production, and Depot Programs for Optical Systems. His responsibilities include performing root cause analyses to identify and address production challenges. He works closely with production technicians to implement process and product improvements.

Duke began his career at Ball Aerospace as an intern in 2020 and later earned a full-time position. In 2024, he was promoted to his current role. That same year, Ball Aerospace was acquired by BAE Systems and incorporated into the Space & Mission Systems division.

Jonathan Wayne Valentour’s passion for aviation developed during childhood visits to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force near Dayton, Ohio, with his grandfather, Colonel Wayne Basset. These visits deepened his interest in military aviation. While interning at Ball Aerospace in 2021, Jonathan passed his private pilot check ride and earned his instrument rating by late 2023.

In early 2024, Jonathan earned his commercial pilot license and flight instructor certification. He began working as a tow pilot and flight instructor at Mile High Gliding in Boulder.

Duke holds endorsements for complex airplanes, high-performance aircraft, tailwheel operations, and glider towing. He has logged roughly 800 flight hours, including 250 in tailwheel aircraft and 10 in complex airplanes. His experience includes flight instruction at Journeys Aviation and glider towing at Mile High Gliding, where he provides flight and ground instruction.

Jonathan attended Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio, where he played baseball and football. His football team qualified for the state playoffs during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. In 2017, he enrolled at Ohio State University in Columbus and earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Systems Engineering. While at OSU, Jonathan served as Business Development Lead for the Buckeye Space Launch Initiative from 2020 to 2021.

Duke worked at the Ball Packaging facility during college, where he first became familiar with Ball Aerospace. His persistence helped him secure an internship with the company, laying the foundation for his aerospace engineering career.

Jonathan Wayne Valentour volunteers with the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, offering free introductory flights to youth aged 8 to 17 to inspire interest in aviation. Jonathan conducts pre-flight briefings, pilots flights, and leads post-flight question sessions. This volunteer work reflects his dedication to sharing his passion for flying, inspired by his grandfather and father.

Outside of his professional and aviation pursuits, Duke enjoys hiking and skiing. He values the physical challenge and connection to nature that these activities provide. His appreciation for the outdoors complements his passion for flying, giving him a unique perspective on the landscapes he explores from the ground and the air.

Duke Valentour works as an Industrial and Systems Engineer at Ball Aerospace, a division of BAE Systems in Boulder, Colorado. Ball Aerospace, now known as Space & Mission Systems, develops technology and solutions for space missions, supporting natio... Show more