Elevate Your Brand. Showcase Your Innovation

Mila Tkachuk has earned her recognition in the Digital Marketing Leader of the Year category through consistent, high-impact contributions to the SEO and digital strategy field across a wide array of industries—from tech and eCommerce to healthcare, finance, and travel. With over six years of progressive experience, Mila has established herself as a results-driven strategist and team leader, combining deep technical SEO knowledge with a creative and analytical mindset.

Currently leading the SEO function at New Media Services Pty Ltd, and consulting as a Senior SEO Specialist at Heyday in Los Angeles, Mila has successfully managed complex optimization projects, improved site architecture, and guided cross-functional teams toward measurable digital growth. She’s known for building SEO strategies from the ground up—integrating on-page and off-page tactics, link building, content development, user experience enhancements, and performance tracking into one cohesive system.

What sets Mila apart is her ability to lead with both vision and precision. Her work spans global and local markets, with a strong focus on aligning business goals with organic growth strategies. She is certified in digital marketing, content strategy, and SEO, and has recently completed an advanced program at UCLA Extension.

Diana Akchurina is being nominated in recognition of her outstanding achievements in elevating the global visibility of her communications agency, Easy Communications, despite operating with limited resources. In 2023, Diana began transitioning the agency’s focus from the Russian market to the international stage. This shift required building global trust and brand recognition without the support of large advertising budgets. Traditionally relying on word-of-mouth and personal referrals, Diana understood the need for a structured and strategic PR approach. Over the past two years, she has successfully positioned herself as a respected expert in tech communications through LinkedIn visibility, international media contributions, professional speaking engagements, and industry jury roles. Her efforts have led to partnerships with global clients, increased media mentions across more than five countries, and recognition of her as a thought leader in cross-border communication strategy.

Marketing Link exemplifies excellence in full-service digital marketing, delivering measurable growth and strategic innovation to clients worldwide. Since its founding in 2016, the agency has operated with a 100% in-house team, ensuring transparency, agility, and accountability across every project .

With offices in Tampa, Florida, and Kyiv, Ukraine, Marketing Link specializes in performance-driven services including PPC (Google Ads, Microsoft Ads), paid social (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Reddit), SEO, email marketing, and comprehensive analytics setup . Their approach is rooted in data and automation, enabling clients to scale efficiently while entering new markets across the U.S., Canada, and Europe .

Marketing Link’s commitment to results is reflected in glowing client feedback. On Clutch, they maintain a perfect 5.0 rating, with clients praising their ability to “take on challenges and deliver results” and noting significant improvements in SEO and PPC performance .

Beyond execution, the agency provides strategic leadership in digital transformation—offering white-label services to other agencies, unifying analytics across channels, and integrating marketing funnels into CRM systems. Their founder and CEO, Mykola (Nick) Lukashuk, is recognized globally, including membership in the Forbes Business Council .

Anna Slitskaia is a pioneering force in the global e-commerce landscape whose work has reshaped the professional education of Amazon specialists and set new benchmarks in the industry. As the founder of XSELLER8 Academy, she created a comprehensive educational platform that has equipped hundreds of professionals with the skills needed to thrive in competitive marketplaces like Amazon. Her flagship programs—Amazon Account Management and Amazon PPC Advertising—are among the most rigorous and practical in the field. They not only deliver certification but also real-world results, with graduates successfully launching their own ventures or securing roles in high-performing e-commerce teams.

Since entering the field in 2016, Anna has launched and scaled over 10 brands, placing more than 350 unique products on major platforms including Amazon, Wildberries, and Ozon. Her strategic focus on deep competitor analysis and lean marketing has enabled multiple products to reach category leadership with advertising costs reduced by as much as 78%. One of her most notable achievements includes adapting a Russian brand for the U.S. market on Amazon, where post-rebranding sales surged while marketing spend decreased—a case now widely referenced in e-commerce education circles.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Anna is a recognized thought leader and educator. Her detailed guide to launching a business on Amazon, published on VC.ru, has become a practical manual for new sellers, widely shared across the professional community. She is also a published academic, with three peer-reviewed articles on artificial intelligence in e-commerce and marketing—each indexed by Google Scholar and cited by industry researchers.

Anna’s influence extends to industry leadership. She served as a jury member for the National Creative Industries Award 2024, where she evaluated innovations across AI startups, education, and tech-enabled commerce. She is also a member of the International Association of Entrepreneurs and Executives, actively shaping programs that support business growth and policy dialogue.

Her career is distinguished not only by revenue performance—reaching over 885 million rubles in a single year—but by her consistent commitment to professionalizing the e-commerce sector. Through training, publishing, mentoring, and international judging, Anna Slitskaia has made a measurable impact on the development of the global e-commerce ecosystem.

Predictive Inventory Profitability System for Auto Parts. This custom-built inventory and data analytics platform was created to transform how auto parts businesses make purchasing and operational decisions. Developed in-house by our team at Straight Six, the system integrates and analyzes data from over 80,000 sales transactions across online and offline platforms, covering every dismantled vehicle since 2021. It offers real-time insights into break-even periods, return on time invested, and forecasted profits over customizable timeframes—monthly, quarterly, annually, or lifetime.

The system automates 99% of data processing tasks, reducing manual labor to near zero. It is structured as an intelligent spreadsheet-based platform that continuously consolidates financial and operational metrics—including cost of goods sold, sales performance, and cash flow—from all available channels. This has enabled the business to scale rapidly, with no added personnel, while increasing strategic accuracy in procurement.

What sets this solution apart is its adaptability: it can be reconfigured to fit different industries, languages, and company sizes, from single-operator businesses to enterprises with 1,000+ employees. The platform has become the foundation of our company’s exponential growth and is now being prepared for patenting, with interest already expressed by multiple external companies eager to implement it in their operations.

By turning raw transactional data into clear, actionable strategy, this system empowers data-driven decision-making at every level of the business. It not only reveals which investments generate the highest returns in the shortest time but also helps predict future profitability, enabling smarter, faster decisions. It is a living model of operational intelligence built from the ground up—by a business, for businesses.

Make it Real! is a unique community that brings together leaders and professionals from the digital and marketing industries.

In an era oversaturated with formal events, we have created a space for genuine connections — where ideas turn into projects and acquaintances grow into real partnerships.
We unite participants from leading advertising agencies, banks, FMCG companies, tech startups, and major manufacturers.
We are not bound by contracts or shared employers — we are united by values: a drive for growth, a willingness to support one another, and a passion for moving the industry forward together.
Make it Real! is more than just a meetup

Make it Real! is proof that the future of the industry belongs to real human connections.”,”Since 2022, Make it Real! has hosted over 50 events in Armenia, becoming one of the most recognized platforms for networking and professional development in the digital community.
All events are held in Russian, creating a welcoming space for professionals from different countries to connect and grow.
We originally started as a community for expat marketers — and today, Make it Real! unites not only expatriates but also a growing number of local Armenian professionals and international participants from across the region.

Our lineup includes:
⏺ the first Russian-language marketing hackathon in Armenia,
⏺ 18 meetups on current digital topics,
⏺ 8 large-scale lectures by industry speakers,
⏺ a Digital StandUp show,
⏺ and 20 networking brunches.

Each Make it Real! event is not just about speaker sessions. Every gathering has its own theme and a unique networking format:
🎴 card games for structured introductions,
💬 dynamic chat discussions,
🧠 team quizzes during session breaks,
🤖 interactive engagement through a Telegram bot,
🤝 and dedicated business networking sessions.

We actively develop partnerships, having organized events together with leading IT companies and collaborated with Armenia’s largest HR event — Career City Fest.

Our events have attracted speakers and participants not only from Armenia but also from Georgia, various Asian countries, and Europe, giving Make it Real! an increasingly international reach.

Within our community, we’ve also launched special interest clubs:
🎾 squash,
🎲 board games,
📚 and a bilingual book club focused on cultural diversity (in Russian and English).

Today, Make it Real! brings together over 500 engaged community members.
We help participants discover new career paths, launch collaborative projects, and build meaningful professional relationships that truly transform their lives and careers.
With a growing organizing committee, we continue to expand and strengthen our impact on the professional landscape.
Our meetups are often informally called “”the trendiest events in Yerevan’s digital scene.”,”Strategies we employed:

а) A clear focus on core values:
From the very beginning, we built the community around support, knowledge sharing, and real networking — not around formal speeches or status.

b) A customized approach to every event:
Each event has a unique theme and a dedicated networking mechanic: from card games and dynamic chats to team quizzes, interactive Telegram bots, and structured business networking sessions. This keeps every gathering engaging and fresh.

c) Building a high-quality audience:
We attracted participants through personal recommendations, partnerships with IT companies, and collaborations with major events such as Career City Fest.

d) Integrating international expertise:
We welcomed speakers and participants not only from Armenia but also from Russia, Georgia, various Asian countries, and Europe, expanding the community’s global reach.

e) Maintaining strong community engagement:
We created internal clubs for squash, board games, and a bilingual book club, ensuring that the community thrives not only during events but between them.

Why our achievements stand out:

1. Every event is built around genuine engagement, not passive listening.

2. Each gathering has its own unique concept and networking experience.

3. We have created a space where participants feel part of a vibrant, supportive community.

4. In just a short time, we evolved from a small expat-focused group into one of the most dynamic international digital communities in Armenia.

5. Our participants naturally become ambassadors for the community, fueling organic growth and long-term impact.”,”Make it Real! is a community and event series for digital and marketing professionals, created to foster real professional connections through open and engaging communication.

What we do:
We organize regular events in Armenia, held in Russian, attracting participants and speakers from Armenia, Russia, Georgia, Asia, and Europe.
Our program includes meetups on trending digital topics, expert lectures, networking brunches, thematic quizzes, a Digital StandUp show, and a signature marketing hackathon.
Each event is enhanced with unique networking formats to help every participant build valuable connections and feel truly part of the community.

How we work:
Each event has a specific theme and a carefully designed engagement mechanic.
We use elements like card games, dynamic chat activities, team quizzes, interactive Telegram bots, and structured business networking to break barriers and create an atmosphere of openness and energy.

Who it’s for:
Initially, Make it Real! was created for expat marketers who had relocated to Armenia. Over time, the community grew into an international and open platform for all digital and marketing professionals — welcoming both local specialists and international participants.

Our approach:
At the core of Make it Real! is the belief that networking should be genuine and human.
We believe in the power of real human connections and create conditions where people can meet, exchange ideas, support each other, and grow together.
We don’t just host events — we build an environment for personal and professional growth.

The result:
Since its launch in 2022, Make it Real! has united over 500 members, hosted more than 50 events, formed a growing organizing committee, and become one of the most recognizable networking platforms in Armenia’s digital scene.

Sergey Kurazhev and his achievements in HR PR and HRM Marketing Over the past three years, the technology market has been characterized by significant changes and challenges, but Sergey Kurazhev’s work at DataArt Armenia has been proof that it is possible to achieve impressive results even in conditions of instability. His achievements are not only large-scale but also qualitative, and we are happy to share their details. Sergey has developed a unique scientific sociological approach, which, thanks to the application of a completely new methodology, has been successfully integrated into the company’s business cases. Unlike traditional methods, this approach allows to rely on scientific data and sound research, which is a highly effective solution in the context of HRM marketing. This innovation has opened new horizons for DataArt Armenia, allowing the company to more consciously and purposefully implement changes that are reflected in measurable business performance. Sergey strives to ensure that all changes recommended within HRM are based on facts and analytical data, which minimizes risks and makes the process of people management more transparent and predictable. This not only improves team performance, but also creates a sustainable foundation for a corporate culture based on respect and trust. Understanding and applying science-based methodologies in HRM marketing allows Sergey to promote changes that affect not only the internal atmosphere in the company, but also its positioning in the labor market. He actively contributes to DataArt’s positive image, thus strengthening the company’s reputation as an employer that values and develops its employees. Despite external challenges and market instability, Sergey’s work is hard to overestimate. His approach to HR management to the DataArt Armenia team has become a role model and best practice in HR PR and HRM marketing. He applied principles that help not only to solve current problems, but also lay the foundation for the future sustainable growth of the company. Taking into account all the above-mentioned factors, we can confidently state that Sergey Kurazhev is the strongest professional on the market. His achievements based on deep understanding and scientific approach to HRM make him a candidate eligible for nomination to the ECDMA Global Awards. We are confident that his successes will not go unnoticed and he will become an example for future HR and marketing professionals around the world.

Polina Varfolomeeva’s nomination for the “Outstanding PR Achievement” award reflects not only her extraordinary capabilities as a legal strategist but also her rare ability to navigate public narratives and regulatory landscapes across high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional environments.

As the Founder and CEO of Ation Law, Polina leads a consultancy that supports media, tech, and creative businesses in over 20 countries. Her approach uniquely combines legal precision with PR foresight—ensuring that organizations under reputational, regulatory, or geopolitical pressure not only survive but maintain operational integrity and public trust.

A standout example of this was her leadership in crafting and executing crisis PR strategies for companies affected by international sanctions. These strategies safeguarded reputations while simultaneously mitigating legal exposure in over 10 key markets. Through coordinated legal-communications frameworks, she helped businesses maintain access to financial services, retain strategic partnerships, and continue international operations—achievements that speak to both legal mastery and reputational resilience.

Polina also brings PR sensibility into the heart of brand architecture. She has successfully structured marketing campaigns in tightly regulated industries like alcohol and tobacco, delivering legally sound yet creatively vibrant campaigns that reached over 3 million users. These campaigns not only complied with varying national advertising laws but were also recognized with multiple industry awards, highlighting her ability to fuse compliance with competitive positioning.

Further demonstrating her cross-functional leadership, Polina has advised on the launch of media platforms, lifestyle venues, and digital products with valuations up to $10M—each requiring a coordinated legal and PR foundation to build credibility, manage public messaging, and support investor relations. Her experience structuring high-profile media deals with global entertainment leaders such as Netflix, Warner Bros., and HBO speaks to her deep involvement in content rights, brand alignment, and stakeholder positioning.

Polina’s excellence lies in her strategic ability to ensure that every public-facing message is not only compelling but legally secure—an essential asset in a world where media exposure, market regulation, and litigation risk are deeply intertwined.

In an industry increasingly shaped by public perception and legal scrutiny, Polina Varfolomeeva exemplifies what it means to lead with clarity, integrity, and cross-border influence. Her achievements position her as a clear frontrunner for the Outstanding PR Achievement award.

The nomination arises from a critical need in today’s increasingly virtual workplace: remote workers, particularly those with ADHD, face unique challenges in maintaining focus and engagement. Empy.ai, led by the nominee, addresses this gap by offering an AI-driven platform that structures meetings, provides real-time focus cues, and tracks engagement for individuals who struggle to stay present in digital environments. This innovation emerged during a pivotal period when remote collaboration became the norm, spotlighting a growing demand for tools that promote inclusivity and productivity. By combining advanced AI with a deep understanding of neurodiversity, the nominee successfully transformed a recognized problem—underrepresented support for ADHD professionals—into a high-impact solution that redefines how remote teams function.

I am a software engineer specializing in civic technology, with a focus on building open, scalable tools for public participation. Since 2022, I have been a contributor to Decidim—an open-source platform for participatory democracy used by governments and institutions around the world. Decidim powers citizen participation processes in cities like Barcelona, Helsinki, Paris, and Zurich. In 2024, the Brazilian federal government formalized a national-level partnership with the Decidim Association, aiming to bring the platform to millions of citizens. My work has been part of this ecosystem. Over the past years, I have contributed to the platform’s architecture, improved its modularity, and led the development of new features. In 2023, I played a leading role in one of Decidim’s most ambitious technical evolutions: integrating a full digital voting system into the platform. Before this work, Decidim supported deliberative processes, proposals, and participatory budgeting, but it lacked the ability to conduct formal voting within its core. Institutions that wanted to run verifiable digital votes had to rely on external or closed-source tools, which often conflicted with the transparency and autonomy values that define civic tech. I was responsible for designing and implementing the core elements that made voting possible directly within Decidim. That included the backend logic, admin flows, participant-facing voting interface, scheduling system, result display, and public traceability. I worked to ensure that the module followed platform conventions, was easy to adopt by cities and organizations, and could operate without introducing unnecessary complexity. This development has already been used in real-world decision-making contexts, such as the Decidim Association’s General Assembly. At the same time, all of this work was published as free and open-source software. I ensured the module was cleanly structured, documented, and extendable—allowing others to build on it across countries and contexts. My role combined technical leadership with product thinking and a deep understanding of how public-sector technology must work: reliably, transparently, and under public control. This nomination reflects both my technical contribution to a key innovation in Decidim and my broader commitment to building open, civic-focused digital infrastructure that can serve millions of people, today and in the future.

Sergiu Metgher is a technology executive, AI architect, and founder of ReignCode, specializing in large-scale digital transformation for Fortune 500 companies and international enterprises. He has led the development of AI-powered platforms across fintech, retail, and B2B marketplaces, including nationwide financial systems serving more than eight million users and managing over €250 billion in assets.

Sergiu is the creator of multiple enterprise frameworks and platforms, among them SourceMate PIM, an AI-driven product information system that orchestrates millions of SKUs and powers major European marketplaces. His work emphasizes structural modernization, data governance, and the safe deployment of intelligent automation in complex legacy environments.

Alongside his commercial work, Sergiu has founded education and innovation initiatives that have trained more than 100 professionals transitioning into software careers. He is currently pursuing a PhD in International Law focused on AI, ethics, and digital regulation.

Over the past three years, I have made a significant impact in digital marketing, personal branding, and content creation, helping creators and business owners build strong digital presences. My expertise has been recognized internationally, leading to jury positions at prestigious awards, including ECDMA Global Awards and Armenia Digital Awards.

I have worked with many successful creators and entrepreneurs, including Angela Pearl, a well-known international celebrity, global awards winner “WIBA AWARDS”^ frequent guest at events like the Cannes Film Festival. I contributed to the development of her personal brand on the international market, enhancing her visibility and positioning.

Beyond individual collaborations, I am a member of professional marketing associations and guilds in Russia (“Guild of Marketers” and “RASO”), where experts are selected based on their industry contributions. My work spans across personal branding, social media marketing, and content strategy, impacting thousands of professionals and businesses.

My book, “How to Become a Content Creator and Build a Personal Brand”, became a #1 Amazon bestseller in Global Marketing and E-Commerce, further solidifying my authority in the field. Through my blog, I have built an engaged audience of over 11,000 followers, sharing insights on branding, content marketing, and social media strategies. My marketing campaigns have reached millions, driving engagement and business growth for my clients and collaborations.

The nomination arises from a critical need in today’s increasingly virtual workplace: remote workers, particularly those with ADHD, face unique challenges in maintaining focus and engagement. Empy.ai, led by the nominee, addresses this gap by offering an AI-driven platform that structures meetings, provides real-time focus cues, and tracks engagement for individuals who struggle to stay present in digital environments. This innovation emerged during a pivotal period when remote collaboration became the norm, spotlighting a growing demand for tools that promote inclusivity and productivity. By combining advanced AI with a deep understanding of neurodiversity, the nominee successfully transformed a recognized problem—underrepresented support for ADHD professionals—into a high-impact solution that redefines how remote teams function.

Candidate for the “Professional of the Year” award: Sergey Kurazhev and his achievements in HR PR and HRM Marketing

Over the past three years, the technology market has been characterized by significant changes and challenges, but Sergey Kurazhev’s work at DataArt Armenia has been proof that it is possible to achieve impressive results even in conditions of instability. His achievements are not only large-scale but also qualitative, and we are happy to share their details.

Sergey has developed a unique scientific sociological approach, which, thanks to the application of a completely new methodology, has been successfully integrated into the company’s business cases. Unlike traditional methods, this approach allows to rely on scientific data and sound research, which is a highly effective solution in the context of HRM marketing. This innovation has opened new horizons for DataArt Armenia, allowing the company to more consciously and purposefully implement changes that are reflected in measurable business performance.

Sergey strives to ensure that all changes recommended within HRM are based on facts and analytical data, which minimizes risks and makes the process of people management more transparent and predictable. This not only improves team performance, but also creates a sustainable foundation for a corporate culture based on respect and trust.

Understanding and applying science-based methodologies in HRM marketing allows Sergey to promote changes that affect not only the internal atmosphere in the company, but also its positioning in the labor market. He actively contributes to DataArt’s positive image, thus strengthening the company’s reputation as an employer that values and develops its employees.

Despite external challenges and market instability, Sergey’s work is hard to overestimate. His approach to HR management to the DataArt Armenia team has become a role model and best practice in HR PR and HRM marketing. He applied principles that help not only to solve current problems, but also lay the foundation for the future sustainable growth of the company.

Taking into account all the above-mentioned factors, we can confidently state that Sergey Kurazhev is the strongest professional on the market. His achievements based on deep understanding and scientific approach to HRM make him a candidate eligible for nomination to the ECDMA Global Awards. We are confident that his successes will not go unnoticed and he will become an example for future HR and marketing professionals around the world.

Creating an IT School: steps to reach educational horizons In a world where information technologies are rapidly developing, the importance of education in this field cannot be overestimated. The idea of creating an IT School was proposed by the PR team, as well as by Karapet Hakobyan, an experienced web developer from DataArt. His more than ten years of experience became the basis for creating this unique educational program aimed at helping new professionals eventually expand their technical knowledge and skills. As part of DataArt’s commitment to education and empowerment, the QA for the Women of Artsakh program provided women who were forcibly displaced from their homes in Artsakh with an opportunity to gain valuable IT skills. Through hands-on training and mentorship, participants learned the fundamentals of Quality Assurance (QA), helping them transition into the tech industry and rebuild their professional paths. The program not only equipped them with technical knowledge but also fostered resilience and new career opportunities in a supportive community. Classes are held twice a week, allowing participants to balance their studies with other responsibilities. The focus is on the offline format, which creates an opportunity for face-to-face interaction between instructors and students. This approach promotes better learning and allows for a friendly classroom atmosphere. Each course has specific requirements, which makes learning more structured and effective. A basic knowledge of English is a prerequisite for admission. This is a crucial factor, given that most modern technologies and resources are available in this language. Thus, IT School participants not only gain technical knowledge, but also develop their international communication skills. The project focuses on the creation of QA School for Artsakh Women, a course specifically aimed at supporting the socially vulnerable group of “Artsakh women”. This course has been designed to help women who find themselves in difficult circumstances and provides them with new opportunities for employment and professional development. QA School for Artsakh Women provides access to training in the field of software quality assurance, which opens new horizons for the participants in the IT field. The training is on the same terms as other courses: free of charge and in a convenient format, making it even more accessible to the target audience. Supporting socially vulnerable groups in such difficult times is an important aspect of IT School’s work, which emphasizes the importance of social responsibility of educational initiatives. In addition, the project was made possible thanks to a highly qualified team of organizers and marketing specialists ready to take care of recruiting participants and promoting the program. It is also important to note the presence of a senior staff member who shares their experience and supports students throughout the program. IT School has become not just an educational project, but a real platform for creating communities where people can share experiences and inspiration. This project aims to create a new generation of professionals capable of making a positive contribution to the world of technology. Thanks to the commitment of the organizers, the inspiration of the mentors and the participants’ desire to learn, IT School has turned into a significant event in the educational space. Thus, we take pride in the impact of our IT School programs, which provide hands-on education, career opportunities and industry-relevant skills to aspiring tech professionals. By equipping participants with essential knowledge and connecting them with mentors, we help shape future IT specialists and foster growth in the tech ecosystem. We look forward to achieving even greater successes and contributing to the advancement of the industry.

Kirill Baryshkov is a global digital marketing leader at L’Oréal, based in Paris. Since 2016, he has driven large-scale transformation across key markets, building in-house media teams, replacing agency models, and introducing a performance system requiring every ad dollar to deliver at least 2× ROI.

He led the creation of real-time analytics and forecasting systems adopted globally, enabling agile, data-driven decisions during periods of rapid market change, including the COVID-19 crisis. His work in automation, AI-driven personalization, and scalable data architecture continues to shape how L’Oréal and the wider industry approach digital strategy, investment, and growth.

Sergei Gasilov is an Enterprise Software Architect at One Inc (U.S.), a leading digital payment platform for the insurance industry. With over 13 years of experience in enterprise software engineering, he defines the company’s architectural vision and leads the design of secure, scalable, and cloud-native payment systems processing billions of dollars annually.

He is the author of several key innovations at One Inc, including the Payment Data Migrator, Payment Platform API, Batch Processing System modernization, and Webhook Platform scaling, each contributing to the company’s technological leadership and PCI DSS compliance. Recognized for his deep technical expertise and strategic insight, Sergei has received multiple internal awards, including Employee of the Year and Tech Driver, and continues to shape the evolution of enterprise architecture and digital payments across the U.S. market.

The collaboration between GoMining and AdQuantum has played a crucial role in the app’s growth and market expansion. The primary goal was to grow the active paying user base within the app and run campaigns worldwide to reach a global audience. AdQuantum assisted GoMining by optimizing top traffic sources, generating high-quality traffic, and achieving significant results.

During the five months of collaboration, AdQuantum generated over 350,000 registrations for GoMining, leveraging various traffic sources such as Unity Ads, Moloco, Google UAC, Meta, and ironSource. The partnership delivered impressive results, including a ROAS of 646.04% during the initial campaign period.

By integrating advanced advertising techniques, AdQuantum has transformed GoMining into one of the leading platforms for Bitcoin mining. AdQuantum’s remarkable success in promoting GoMining makes it a strong contender for the ECDMA Global Awards.

Alena Lipina has emerged as a transformative figure in the field of Human Resources, particularly in digital and e-commerce sectors, through her innovative application of artificial intelligence in personnel management. As companies navigate the evolving demands of talent acquisition and retention, Alena’s work stands out as a beacon of modern HR transformation. From pioneering ethical AI practices to ensuring employee well-being while enhancing efficiency, her contributions have resonated within the HR community, marking her as a forward-thinking leader in the digital age. Her active membership in global HR associations such as the American Economic Association and various regional HR networks has positioned her as an influential voice in the discourse on AI integration in human resources. Alena’s leadership in these environments, coupled with her innovative approach to AI application, has contributed to a positive shift in the adoption of advanced HR solutions in the e-commerce landscape.

With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, I’ve come to understand that technologies should provide tangible value by solving real-world problems and bringing happiness to its users. This understanding guides me in creating meaningful solutions across various domains. In this nomination, I present a technological innovation that enables differentiated access management based on the importance of consumers. As a result, it improves the overall quality and stability of IT solutions.

In 2022, I designed and launched a solution at Sberbank (the largest universal bank in Russia and Eastern Europe) that enabled clients to automatically receive tax refunds, reducing the waiting period from four months to just one month. This solution was awarded the Digital Leaders Award 2022 in the category “Solution of the Year” within the investment banking services sector.

In 2023, I designed and introduced new features in Sberbank’s mobile app that allow users to perform financial transactions using voice commands. This innovation won the Investment Leaders Award in the “Online Assistant of the Year” category for informational support in investing, as well as the National Banking Award in the “Investment Product” category.

In 2024, during my personal research, I delved deeper into system design principles. Through this exploration, I identified gaps in existing rate-limiting methodologies. Consequently, I formulated and experimentally validated new methods addressing these deficiencies. Additionally, in 2024, I presented at the prominent Code Fest conference, where I shared my original approaches to improving the analysis and design of information systems.

This comprehensive track record underscores my commitment to driving technological innovation and creating impactful solutions across industries.

At the core of my focus lies the client and their needs. This approach ensures that I avoid creating overly complex yet unnecessary solutions. Additionally, the innovations I develop often reveal untapped potential for further improvements, allowing me to remain optimistic about future possibilities.

Companies today rely heavily on distributed systems and intricate ecosystems composed of numerous interconnected information systems. These systems interact through APIs, delivering vital data and functionalities required for seamless business operations. However, unchecked access to these resources may lead to escalating operational costs, overburdened servers, degraded performance, and even catastrophic system failures. These challenges frequently stem from abuse by specific users or malevolent actions such as DDoS attacks.

In response to these threats, rate-limiting algorithms have been developed. At the same time, existing algorithms do not differentiate between types of users, leading to scenarios where lower-priority users exhaust available quotas, depriving critical users of essential services. For example, free-tier or unregistered users could monopolize all available resources, leaving paying subscribers without access. In e-commerce, this issue manifests as heightened infrastructure costs and potential attrition of premium clients. Similarly, in digital marketing, it generates inaccuracies in analytics due to duplicate requests and disrupted communication between advertisers and platforms.

I devised two novel methods based on the time-tested token-bucket algorithm to address these shortcomings. By implementing a classification framework for API consumers, my methods guarantee equitable allocation of resources among disparate user groups while ensuring consistent access for high-value customers. These methods not only boost system efficiency but also bolster customer satisfaction by curtailing service outages and enhancing overall dependability. Furthermore, they empower businesses to exercise greater control over operational expenditures by mitigating superfluous resource usage.

It’s worth noting that public literature on rate limiting has been sparse until now. My methods were recently published in a scientific journal online, making them accessible to anyone who wishes to adopt and build solutions based on them, thus increasing their operational effectiveness.

Alexey Kalmykov, known globally as Alex Bobl, is a trailblazer in digital publishing, content distribution, and online e-commerce strategy. As the Founder and CEO of Magic Dome Books, he has transformed independent publishing into a scalable, multimillion-dollar digital enterprise. Over the past three years, he has expanded his publishing operations internationally, developed high-impact content monetization models, and leveraged platform-driven e-commerce strategies to dominate niche literary markets. His leadership has directly contributed to Magic Dome Books’ position as a market leader in multilingual digital publishing and audiobook production.
Revenue Growth & Market Expansion: In 2022-2024, Aleksey doubled Magic Dome Books’ revenue, expanding its presence in Germany, the U.S., France, Spain, and South Korea through strategic partnerships with Amazon Kindle, Audible GmbH, Tantor Media, and Dreamscape. Audiobook Market Penetration: Successfully launched audiobook production in German, partnering with six professional narrators, and secured exclusive distribution deals with Audible GmbH, ensuring top-charting audiobook sales. Global Publishing & Content Localization: Maintains active contracts with 45 professional translators, ensuring efficient content adaptation across multiple languages and sustaining a 50% market share in the European LitRPG segment. E-Commerce-Driven Publishing Strategy: Leveraged SEO, platform-driven ranking algorithms, and data-driven marketing to maintain a consistent presence in Amazon Kindle’s bestseller categories for niche genres, positioning Magic Dome Books as a leading global independent publisher. Editorial & Production Leadership: Structured two specialized editorial teams dedicated to literary publishing and audiobook production, enhancing content quality, scalability, and monetization strategies.

Anvar Bogdanov has built a unique career by turning deep customer understanding into a powerful business driver. With roots in law enforcement and entrepreneurship, he has consistently applied psychological insight and structured thinking to the field of marketing. Today, as an independent consultant, Anvar leads customer development (CustDev) initiatives for businesses across the heating equipment, medical supply, and digital sectors — consistently delivering measurable sales growth and product-market alignment.
His standout contribution lies in a distinctive approach to CustDev, which he has refined into a practical framework that directly influences marketing strategy, sales funnels, and product design. Unlike traditional customer surveys, Anvar’s method uses in-depth psychological probing to uncover not only customer pain points but also subconscious drivers of purchase behavior. He carefully constructs each interview to create trust and provoke genuine insights — often culminating in the customer purchasing the product during the interview itself.

If payment is secured, the same script is reused for others. If not, the questions are refined — creating a continuous feedback loop that evolves in real time based on actual purchasing behavior. The learnings are then transformed into specific marketing triggers, updated sales scripts, blog content, and social media creatives. This system ensures that marketing speaks the language of the customer — literally using their own words, priorities, and emotions.

Thanks to this approach, Anvar has helped clients significantly increase funnel conversion rates and discover unmet customer needs, leading to the launch of new revenue-generating product lines. His strategy doesn’t just improve campaigns — it transforms businesses by putting the customer’s voice at the center of every decision.

This nomination recognizes Anvar Bogdanov’s outstanding work in creating a living, adaptive, and customer-driven marketing system that delivers both commercial success and lasting brand loyalty.

Ruslan Shadenov, founder of RS IMPORT, stands as a trailblazer in the digital transformation of cross-border car trading for private clients in Kazakhstan. In a market historically dominated by opaque processes and intermediaries, Ruslan was among the first to introduce a transparent, client-focused e-commerce model for purchasing vehicles from U.S. auctions. His strategic approach has set new industry standards and created genuine value for thousands of Kazakhstani consumers.

Ruslan’s strategy is built around direct-to-client service, leveraging a proprietary digital platform that simplifies every step—from auction selection and bidding, to logistics, customs clearance, and final delivery. By integrating legal, financial, and operational expertise, RS IMPORT provides end-to-end support with absolute transparency in pricing, documentation, and vehicle condition. This model eliminates hidden costs and risks, empowering private buyers to access the global auto market confidently.

Beyond operational excellence, Ruslan has driven significant advances in digital education and industry literacy. Recognizing a gap in consumer awareness, he launched educational initiatives, including webinars, guides, and expert commentary, demystifying the process of cross-border vehicle purchase. His educational content not only builds trust in the RS IMPORT brand but also elevates the entire market by fostering informed decision-making.

Ruslan’s leadership has helped shape public discussion on regulatory best practices for vehicle importation and digital commerce, positioning him as both an innovator and a responsible industry voice. His dual background in finance and law ensures each transaction is not just efficient, but fully compliant and secure, reflecting a rare blend of entrepreneurship and consumer advocacy.

As RS IMPORT continues to grow its presence both in Kazakhstan and internationally, Ruslan Shadenov’s B2C strategy stands out for its clarity, customer-centricity, and measurable results. By setting new benchmarks for transparency, support, and digital innovation in e-commerce, he has redefined how consumers in Kazakhstan access the U.S. auto market—making global commerce accessible, honest, and secure for all.

Over the past three years, I have made a significant impact in digital marketing, personal branding, and content creation, helping creators and business owners build strong digital presences. My expertise has been recognized internationally, leading to jury positions at prestigious awards, including ECDMA Global Awards and Armenia Digital Awards. I have worked with many successful creators and entrepreneurs, including Angela Pearl, a well-known international celebrity, global awards winner “WIBA AWARDS”^ frequent guest at events like the Cannes Film Festival. I contributed to the development of her personal brand on the international market, enhancing her visibility and positioning. Beyond individual collaborations, I am a member of professional marketing associations and guilds in Russia (“Guild of Marketers” and “RASO”), where experts are selected based on their industry contributions. My work spans across personal branding, social media marketing, and content strategy, impacting thousands of professionals and businesses. My book, “How to Become a Content Creator and Build a Personal Brand”, became a #1 Amazon bestseller in Global Marketing and E-Commerce, further solidifying my authority in the field. Through my blog, I have built an engaged audience of over 11,000 followers, sharing insights on branding, content marketing, and social media strategies. My marketing campaigns have reached millions, driving engagement and business growth for my clients and collaborations.