The Modern Data Stack Conference has a lot to offer attendees. We’re especially excited to announce the winners of the inaugural Modern Data Stack Awards, celebrating the industry’s brightest individuals and data teams.

This year’s nominations, across seven categories, captured the very best our industry has to offer. They cast a spotlight on the mentors building institutional knowledge, connector by connector; the leaders designing innovative architectures that can stand the test of time; and the people putting data tools in the hands of the communities that need them the most.

Modern Data Team

This team is the proverbial dream. Modern Data Team recognizes outstanding overall team achievement in the world of data engineering, analytics and visualization.

Callahan

Callahan is a unique digital marketing agency that starts with front-end data analysis to inform client strategy, and focuses on building a community of thinkers and makers to make that possible. Instead of simply running a marketing campaign and measuring its impact retroactively, the team blends the doctrines of data and creativity to develop unique campaigns, and deploys tools like Fivetran and Trifacta to focus on insights — not on the technicalities of managing data pipelines or cleaning data.

Modern Data Hero

Hold out for a hero no longer — this award recognizes the contributions of an engineer or analyst making an immense impact within their organization.

Chris Wagner, Sr. Director Software Product Development, Stride

Stride's mission is to help learners of all ages reach their full potential through inspired teaching and personalized learning. At the core of that mission is Senior Director of Software Product Development, Chris Wagner. As online learning skyrocketed through the pandemic, Chris led a data team of over 30 to migrate the company’s core operational system to power analytics and reporting in Snowflake, just in time for the new school year.

Modern Data Project

The project that shot for the moon, and landed with both feet planted. From vision to execution, this award recognizes a project that made a huge impact.

Daniel Guzmán Burgos, Head of Data Platform, Rappi

Rappi, a consumer tech company that specializes in providing online delivery services, has been described as the Latin American “SuperApp” and one of the fastest-growing companies in the region. In just over a year at Rappi, Daniel Burgos, Head of Data Platform, has completely redefined Rappi's core data analytics platform, moving from legacy tools to the Modern Data Stack and improving experience for over 13 million users.

Modern Data Leader

This leader’s vision is 20-20. The Modern Data Leader award recognizes leaders whose strategic direction has made an immense impact on their business.

Emilie Schario, Director of Data, Netlify

Netlify is a web developer platform that multiplies productivity, allowing front-end teams to build, deploy and scale modern web applications. Director of Data Emilie Schario has set a compelling vision for how data works at the business, continually driving her data-as-a-product ethos and focusing on the impact each person in her team makes. The team's rapid growth — more than doubling in less than a year — is a testament to Emilie's vision, leadership and impact on the industry as a whole.

Modern Data Mentor

Guidance is golden. This award honors a community leader or mentor who selflessly helps and supports others in pursuit of data excellence.

Kelly Kohlleffel, VP GTM, Hashmap

Hashmap was founded in 2012 with a mission focus exclusively on creating solutions and customer value around data. From his work on the Hashmap on Tap podcast to driving and participating in dozens of industry webinars and learning sessions, Hashmap's Kelly Kohlleffel has done just that — demonstrating a dedication to guiding others through every aspect of the modern data stack.

Modern Data App

Experience is everything. This award celebrates a product or application that delivers delightful and insightful customer experiences with data.

Kloudio

Kloudio enables businesses to access, prep and act on data from any SaaS application, database or data warehouse. Trusted by global brands including Netflix, Square and Rakuten, Kloudio leveraged the Powered by Fivetran platform to build a data app that delights its customers and allows them to make smarter and faster data-driven decisions.

Transformation for Good

Data has the power to improve the lives of those around us. This award recognizes an individual or team that is using data for good and transforming the world for the better.

NextAfter

NextAfter combines the perpetual learning of a fundraising research lab, the practical application of a digital-first agency, and the rigorous instruction of a training institute to optimize fundraising campaigns for some of the largest and most well-known nonprofit organizations in the world. The digital-first agency's creative ideas, influence and testing have changed the way nonprofits approach their campaigns, driving donations and transforming the world for the better.