🏆 Power BI DataViz World Championships | Meet the Judges | Qualifying Rounds

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The Power BI DataViz World Championships are heating up, and our panel of judges is ready to evaluate your visualizations! These data experts will be looking for insights, design, and accessibility as they determine who advances to the grand finale in Las Vegas.

Meet the judges!

Andrei Khaidarov, a Leader in Data Visualization

When it comes to data visualization, analytics, and community-driven learning, few people bring as much expertise and passion as Andrei. With a deep technical background and a commitment to sharing knowledge, Andrei is a driving force in the Power BI and Microsoft Fabric ecosystem.

• Andrei brings deep expertise in Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, and Azure AI as a Cloud Solution Architect. A Microsoft MVP in Data Platform and Certified Trainer, he’s passionate about helping others build their skills.
• As a conference speaker, mentor, and competition judge (including Data2Speak), Andrei actively supports the data community. He is also an IEEE Senior Member and part of the Technical Community on Visualization and Graphics (VGTC).
• In 2025, he joined Workout Wednesday as a Core Contributor, designing challenges that push the boundaries of data storytelling. He also served on the 2024 Information is Beautiful Awards committee, recognizing excellence in data visualization.
• Andrei is also actively involved in our user group community, leading the Power BI UX/UI User Group. 

With a passion for analytics and community-driven learning, Andrei brings invaluable insight to the Power BI DataViz World Championships as a judge.

Elena Drakulevska, a Data Viz and Accessibility Champion

When it comes to transforming data into meaningful, user-friendly experiences, Elena is a true expert. With a passion for data visualization and user experience, she helps others bridge the gap between data and design.

• As a BI & UX Consultant, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, and leader of the Global Fabric VizDesign Hub, Elena is deeply involved in the data community. 
• She shares her insights as a blogger at MoonStory and regularly speaks at global data conferences, inspiring others to think creatively about data storytelling.
• Elena is an experienced dataviz challenge judge and is sharing her expertise with all of us!

With her keen eye for design and usability, Elena is ready to evaluate the most creative and effective visualizations in the Power BI DataViz World Championships.

Shannon Lindsay, an Accessibility Ally and Data Witch

When it comes to building inclusive, engaging communities in the data world, Shannon is a standout leader. With a passion for connecting people, she is dedicated to helping data professionals and newcomers alike find resources, build skills, and grow their careers within the Microsoft Fabric ecosystem.

• Shannon is an analyst and BI leader on a mission to improve data viz in Power BI. She's a Workout Wednesday lead and loves watching participants improve their skills.
• She recently moved into a role on the Fabric Community team and is thrilled to be back in the community, making data as fun as possible!

Shannon is committed to ensuring that every visualization is not only creative but also accessible and inclusive for all users.

A huge thank you to Andrei, Elena, and Shannon for volunteering their time and expertise as judges for the DataViz Challenge. Their passion for data visualization, design, and accessibility will help showcase the most innovative and impactful work from the community. We can't wait to see what you create!