Elevate Your Brand. Showcase Your Innovation

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.

Aliya Bolek is a financial analyst, investment strategist, and founder of Aliya Capital Academy and IP Bolek, an online edtech business focused on financial education and investment training. Since 2021, she has trained hundreds of private investors annually through proprietary programs that combine algorithmic trading models, behavioral finance, and disciplined risk-management strategies designed for volatile markets.

She is an international conference speaker and author of research on portfolio management, ESG integration, crisis markets, and automated trading systems. Recognized at the national level for advancing financial literacy and investment education, she received the State Medal of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Eren Enbegi Ushin” (For Distinguished Labor) in 2023 along with an official presidential commendation.

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.

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.

The development of the program “Snapshot Testing for UI Consistency in SwiftUI and UIKit” is officially protected by patent No. 2025610028, registered with the Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent). It was created in response to the increasing demand for high-quality user interfaces in mobile applications and is designed for free use. This tool ensures high accuracy and automation of the UI testing process, minimizing display errors across various devices. My goal is to make a significant contribution to the industry by providing iOS developers with an accessible and efficient tool that meets modern quality standards and helps to raise them even further.
“Snapshot Testing for UI Consistency in SwiftUI and UIKit” Project Objectives: Provide automated and highly accurate testing of user interfaces for iOS applications. Simplify interface development for various devices and screen orientations. Minimize display errors and improve the visual consistency of interfaces. Project Description: The program is designed for automated testing of user interfaces in iOS applications. It leverages the Snapshot Testing approach to compare visual changes in the interface with pre-saved reference images. This helps developers quickly detect unintended changes and maintain the visual quality of their applications. Key components of the program: Core Module – SnapshotTestCase.swift: Defines the required device and OS version for testing. Configures the visual comparison tool (ksdiff) and disables animations for stable testing. Array+Images.swift Module: Extends arrays to work with snapshot testing strategies. Supports precision and subpixel threshold settings for image comparison. SnapshotTesting+Extensions.swift Module: Adds functionality for testing SwiftUI and UIKit components. Includes methods to test across various devices and configurations. UITraitCollection+Extensions.swift Module: Provides predefined configurations for different iPhone models, including screen orientations. Technical Features: Programming Language: Swift. Frameworks: SwiftUI, UIKit. Testing Type: Snapshot Testing. Devices: Supports iPhones (including various models), iPads, and different screen orientations. Flexibility: Customizable precision parameters and device configurations. Key Benefits: Automated Testing: Reduces manual effort and minimizes human errors. Supports cross-platform solutions for interface testing. Flexibility and Precision: Configurable testing parameters, such as pixel precision and screen sizes. Supports multiple device configurations. Accelerated Development: Identifies errors in the early stages, reducing the time to release updates. Simplifies application maintenance through precise change control. Compliance with Modern Standards: Aligns with Apple guidelines. Utilizes modern technologies like SwiftUI. Implementation Results: Reduced development time by 40%. Increased visual consistency of interfaces to 95%. Improved user ratings for applications utilizing the technology. Accelerated update release cycles and enhanced interface stability. Uniqueness: The project is protected by a patent (No. 2025610028) and offers an innovative approach to user interface testing, making it an indispensable tool for iOS developers. Future Goals: Expand the functionality of the program. Integrate with additional CI/CD tools. Promote the project among developers for widespread industry adoption.

Oleksandr Pliekhov is an award-winning Senior Android Engineer and recognized authority in mobile and IoT systems engineering, with over 11 years of experience in native mobile development. A Senior Member of the IEEE—a distinction reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional technical achievement—he is acknowledged by the Ukrainian IT community DOU.UA as a top-tier technical expert. Oleksandr has gained sustained national recognition for his pioneering work in Bluetooth communication, mesh networking, and performance optimization in mobile systems.

He has played a critical role in the success of several award-winning and high-impact technology projects. At Ezlo Innovation, Oleksandr was the lead Android architect behind the Atom Smart Hub, a smart home device that won the 2020 IoT Breakthrough Award. He engineered the hub’s Android system, enabling robust communication over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and developed multiple MVPs using BLE and mesh networking. His innovations in this area have had a lasting impact on the development of low-power, high-reliability mesh communication protocols in consumer IoT products.

Oleksandr’s work has been consistently recognized for its technical originality and practical application. His thought leadership includes multiple published articles on Android-based mesh networking and mobile power/resource optimization, including: “Strategies for Minimizing Power Consumption and Optimizing Resources for Android-Based Mesh Networks,” “Optimizing Android Mesh Networks for Mobility,” and “Disaster-Proof Mobile Networks.” These publications have informed the creation of FindMe.AI, his most recent invention—an indoor navigation system using voice, AI, and hybrid BLE/Wi-Fi localization for real-time guidance in airports, campuses, and shopping centers.

In addition to his technical achievements, Oleksandr has served in a leading capacity at distinguished companies such as Welltech and Intellias, where he directed codebase modernization, implemented CI/CD pipelines, and mentored engineering teams. At Welltech, his optimization initiatives helped raise app stability to 99.8% and increased the Play Store rating from 4.4 to 4.9. He also created and published the productivity app “Clients & Visits,” which has surpassed 5,000 downloads. Oleksandr’s consistent record of innovation, influence, and leadership positions him as a candidate of extraordinary ability within the field of mobile and IoT engineering.

Dmytro Balan has emerged as a leader in marketing automation through the creation and successful scaling of ThinkAd — an AI-powered Amazon advertising optimization platform built specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. With years of hands-on experience in Amazon PPC management and a career that spans agencies like Profit Whales and Disqover, Dmytro identified a critical need in the market: affordable, high-impact automation for sellers lacking the expertise or resources to manage complex ad campaigns.

Launched in 2022, ThinkAd addresses this gap by offering an intelligent, user-friendly solution that automates bid adjustments, keyword harvesting, budget allocation, and ad scheduling. It empowers businesses to achieve enterprise-level ad performance without the overhead of large teams or external consultants. Under Dmytro’s leadership, the platform has delivered impressive results: a 25–30% reduction in ACoS, 206% increase in ad-driven revenue, and over 50% improvement in organic rankings for clients such as Handcraft Blends, Brooklyn Botany, and New York Biology.

Dmytro’s strategic approach combines data-driven precision with real-world seller pain points. ThinkAd doesn’t just automate tasks — it creates a seamless feedback loop between ad performance, product visibility, and business growth. His commitment to continuous improvement is evident in ThinkAd’s weekly client reporting system, which includes ad performance analytics, keyword tracking, and stock-to-sales ratios — tools that transform tactical decisions into scalable strategies.

Recognized by the Amazon Ads Partner Network and trusted by over 100 SMBs, Dmytro’s vision has redefined what automation can achieve for e-commerce entrepreneurs. His work stands as a testament to how thoughtful technology can democratize success, helping smaller players thrive in one of the world’s most competitive marketplaces. This nomination acknowledges his innovation, execution, and real-world business impact in the field of marketing automation.

Yang Liu’s nomination arises from her transformative leadership in China’s rapidly evolving children’s physical education sector. She joined iKidFit in 2015 as a founding team member when the company was a single-classroom startup with limited market visibility. Over the next eight years, she played a pivotal role in turning it into China’s leading children’s fitness education brand, growing it to over 400 chain stores nationwide and helping the company achieve listing on the New Third Board.
Her achievements occurred during a period of dramatic shifts in both consumer behavior and digital marketing. The younger generation of parents demanded more personalized, high-quality services, while traditional education marketing methods were being disrupted by platforms like Douyin (TikTok China). Within this context, Yang Liu not only scaled operations and standardized franchise systems across the country but also successfully led a digital transformation that positioned iKidFit as a benchmark case for livestream e-commerce in the education sector.
Her ability to integrate user insights, brand storytelling, and tech-enabled marketing solutions allowed iKidFit to thrive in a highly competitive and regulated industry — even during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Her efforts directly impacted both B2C growth and B2B training systems, making her a standout leader worthy of global recognition.

As Director of Marketing at Halyk Insurance, Damir Zholeuov led a bold digital transformation that redefined how insurance products are marketed and delivered in Kazakhstan. His standout initiative—Halyk KASKO—was not only a product launch, but a strategic overhaul of the entire customer journey. Under his leadership, KASKO evolved into a fully digital experience: from vehicle inspection via video to online policy issuance and AI-powered damage assessment. These innovations turned a once lengthy, offline process into a seamless online service completed in minutes.

Backed by deep market research, a new positioning strategy, and a streamlined product offering, Damir’s work resulted in a 20x increase in KASKO sales—growing from 4.5 million to 175 million KZT in just one year. He doubled digital sales share, tripled conversion through direct channels, and implemented a loyalty program that raised retention from 65% to 80%. Campaigns featuring influencers and automotive bloggers helped raise national awareness of voluntary auto insurance, a product historically unfamiliar to many.

Damir’s contributions extend beyond insurance: he previously managed large-scale digital growth at Halyk Bank, launched lifestyle platforms like Halyk Market and Halyk Travel, and oversaw campaigns reaching over 5,500 schools. His results-driven, human-focused approach marks him as a true digital marketing leader for the region.

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.

ThinkAd was created by Dmytro Balan to address a critical challenge faced by small businesses selling on Amazon: the complexity and inefficiency of managing advertising campaigns. Many small business owners lack the expertise, time, and resources to effectively optimize their Amazon PPC campaigns, leading to wasted ad spend and unprofitable sales. Recognizing this gap, ThinkAd developed an AI-powered advertising automation platform designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. The platform automates keyword bidding, budget allocation, and campaign optimization, enabling sellers to reduce wasted ad spend, improve profitability, and scale their businesses efficiently. Since its launch, ThinkAd has been tested by over 100 small business owners and has demonstrated measurable improvements in Advertising Cost of Sales (ACoS), Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), and overall ad performance. The platform has already contributed to the success of well-known U.S.-based brands such as Handcraft Blends, Brooklyn Botany, and New York Biology, helping them scale their operations and increase sales. With a commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and economic growth, ThinkAd is not just a software tool—it is a business enabler that empowers small businesses to compete effectively in the Amazon marketplace.

Vladimir Kochnev’s nomination for E-Commerce Leader of the Year at the ECDMA Global Awards is a recognition of his exceptional achievements in e-commerce brand development, Amazon marketplace strategy, and digital business scaling. As the CEO of Purus Manufacturing, he has built a thriving herbal supplement empire, transforming an initial investment into a multi-million-dollar business while pioneering new approaches to product development, operational efficiency, and customer engagement. In just four years, Vladimir has launched and scaled multiple high-performing e-commerce brands, including Herbamama and Forever Puppy, generating over $53.2 million in revenue and amassing 102,000+ Amazon reviews—a testament to customer trust and brand loyalty. His ability to identify untapped market segments, leverage data-driven marketing strategies, and implement cutting-edge operational processes has established him as a leader in the competitive digital commerce space. Beyond financial success, Vladimir has revolutionized e-commerce product development, introducing 819+ unique herbal supplements tailored to evolving consumer health needs. His strategic expansion of manufacturing facilities from a single 2,500 sq. ft. warehouse to six totaling 15,000 sq. ft. showcases his visionary approach to scaling operations, ensuring sustainable growth and supply chain optimization. Vladimir’s leadership extends beyond his own brands—he is a recognized thought leader in the e-commerce industry, regularly sharing insights through workshops, educational content, and media contributions in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the Los Angeles Times. His commitment to mentorship and knowledge-sharing has empowered countless entrepreneurs and e-commerce professionals to succeed in the digital marketplace.

The Eurasian Beauty Guild (EBG) demonstrated that an email campaign doesn’t need a massive list to make a powerful impact. Targeting a niche but highly engaged audience of beauty professionals, EBG launched a personalized member email series designed to drive participation, renewals, and professional involvement — achieving exceptional engagement rates and real-world results.

Rather than relying on generic newsletters, EBG’s campaign focused on creating a sense of personal relevance and professional belonging. The emails were segmented by member status and involvement history (e.g., new member, inactive, or previously nominated), and crafted with a direct, friendly tone that reflected the Guild’s supportive values. Each message included tailored content such as member spotlights, upcoming awards deadlines, invitations to join the jury panel, and curated opportunities for public recognition.

What made the campaign stand out was its format: concise, visually clean, and action-driven, each email featured one clear call to action — whether to submit a nomination, update a profile, or book a member consultation. Personal touches, like addressing members by name and referencing past interactions, helped boost open and click-through rates well above industry averages.

Despite the relatively small database, the campaign achieved:

• Over 75% average open rate
• 40% response or click-through rate on key calls to action

The EBG’s success proves that highly focused, emotionally intelligent email marketing — even to a select group — can outperform mass campaigns when it speaks to the right people in the right way. This nomination celebrates an elegant, effective approach to community engagement through smart, human-centric email communication.

Kristina Pikunova is a public communications and social impact specialist with more than ten years of experience in large-scale public, municipal, and civic information initiatives. Her work focuses on designing clear, policy-compliant communication systems that support social integration, workforce readiness, and community engagement. She has led and implemented socially significant projects across institutional and international contexts, combining strategic communication expertise with ethical responsibility and measurable societal impact.

Gulzira Omarova is a visionary public relations strategist, media expert, and educator who has redefined communications across government, corporate, and international sectors. As Founder and President of the PR Academy for Central Asian Journalists, she has pioneered professional education in the region, empowering over one hundred specialists with expertise in strategic PR, ethics, and global communication standards.

Her distinguished career includes serving as Press Secretary for the Ministry of Justice of Kazakhstan, where she spearheaded the modernization of public information frameworks, and contributing to the PR team for Astana EXPO-2017—one of the most significant international events in Kazakhstan’s history. Before entering public service, she spent years as a journalist and TV host at Khabar Agency, where she produced and presented over 3,000 national broadcasts, establishing new benchmarks for ethical storytelling in Kazakhstani media.

A Bolashak International Scholarship Laureate and Rutgers University alumna, Gulzira merges academic excellence with visionary leadership, championing PR as a discipline rooted in transparency, trust, and social responsibility.

Ianina Agapovichev is recognized for her transformative contributions to international conference management, demonstrating exceptional adaptability and innovation in crisis conditions. Her pioneering approach combines agile methodologies with strategic budget optimization, consistently delivering world-class events at 50-70% below industry average costs.
Her expertise shines through her development of a proprietary 700+ point checklist system that standardizes the preparation of complex international events while maintaining flexibility to navigate changing circumstances. This methodology enables her to create scalable event structures that can adapt to evolving budgets and sponsorship conditions without compromising quality.
Throughout her career, Iana has successfully executed conferences for up to 15,000 participants across multiple countries, including complex international events requiring coordination of speakers, logistics, marketing, and sponsorship elements. Her skill in managing events during challenging situations, including the evacuation of international speakers during conflict, showcases her exceptional risk management abilities.
Beyond technical competence, Iana has demonstrated remarkable business development skills, creating and implementing the “Adizes. Think Together” project that organized over 250 roundtable discussions for business leaders, resulting in significant revenue growth despite market instability.

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.

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.

The nomination of Alisa Aidarova reflects a transformative shift in marketing, where artificial intelligence moves from novelty to necessity. As an independent strategist, she developed AI-MOS, a full-scale marketing operating system that empowers small and mid-sized businesses with predictive analytics, dynamic pricing, multimodal creative generation, and real-time personalization.

Her innovations replaced fragmented tools with intelligent, self-optimizing systems that drive measurable results—raising ROMI, lowering acquisition costs, and strengthening brand consistency. Adopted across industries in North America and Eastern Europe, her model has become a blueprint for accessible, enterprise-grade AI in marketing. Alisa’s work stands as a benchmark for resilient, efficient, and future-ready digital growth.

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.

Denis Saliukov is an entrepreneur and business leader specializing in manufacturing operations, digital product development, and applied AI solutions. He launched and scaled a manufacturing business from scratch, building the full operating model across sales, marketing, production, and logistics. Under his leadership, the company achieved nationwide distribution, partnered with federal retail chains, and reached peak annual turnover of 180 million rubles.

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.

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.

As the SEO Expert for Solomia Home, a luxury furniture brand based in the UAE, I spearheaded a digital marketing campaign that transformed the brand’s online presence from nonexistent to globally recognized within one year, starting in December 2023. Initially, the website had no traffic, no rankings, and zero visibility in the highly competitive luxury furniture market. Facing challenges like frequent Google algorithm updates in 2024, I drove exponential growth in organic traffic by targeting a discerning luxury audience searching for premium furniture brands and interior design solutions. My SEO strategies not only generated clicks and users but delivered a highly targeted audience, boosting Solomia Home’s visibility—including in AI-powered search answers—and establishing it as a trusted name for affluent customers worldwide. This nomination reflects my ability to achieve exceptional results, building a luxury brand from scratch and securing global reach through innovative SEO.