Inspire Awards 2025
Celebrate the people, content, and creativity that make our tech community thrive!
ESPC Inspire Awards 2025
The ESPC Inspire Awards honour the standout contributors whose tutorials, videos, podcasts, innovations, and community spirit truly made an impact in 2025.
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and cast their votes in this year’s Awards. Your participation helped shine a light on the individuals and moments that inspired us all.
Below, you’ll find the 2025 winners! Congratulations to them all, and thank you for their contributions to our community that earned each a well-deserved place in the spotlight!
Best Community Contributor
Markus Franz
Congratulations to Markus Franz, the 2025 Best Community Contributor! Markus was nominated for his positive, supportive presence online and in person, his active help on Microsoft forums, social media, and user groups, and his role in building the Austrian Power Platform community. He was also recently recognised as a Microsoft MVP. Congratulations to the other finalists, Ejaz Hussain and Sebastián Zamorano.
Best Podcast
Copilot Connection
Congratulations to Copilot Connection (Zoe Wilson and Kevin McDonnell), voted Best Podcast! The community praised Copilot Connection for its clear, practical, and accessible coverage of AI and Microsoft Copilot, including walkthroughs, demos, and myth-busting. The hosts and guests were noted for making complex topics engaging and easy to understand. Well done also to the other finalists: Code, Deploy, Go Live! and Office 365 Distilled.
Best YouTube Channel
Shane Young
Congratulations to Shane Young for winning Best YouTube Channel! The community highlighted Shane Young for: Clear, practical explanations that simplify complex Power Apps and Power Platform topics. Videos that address real-world problems with honest insights and workarounds. Content that builds true understanding of Power Platform concepts beyond simple demos. Congratulations also to the other finalists, Kaz Demos and Vlad Talks Tech.
Diversity Leader
Zoe Wilson
Congratulations to Zoe Wilson, our Diversity Leader! The community nominated Zoe for launching the New Speakers Workshop, which helps people across tech gain confidence and find their voice on stage. Her work elevating diverse perspectives has already resulted in seven new MVPs and many new speakers presenting at events worldwide. Congratulations also to the other finalists, Femke Cornelissen and Emily van Putten.
Best Mentor
Sharon Smith
Congratulations to our 2025 Best Mentor winner, Sharon Smith! Sharon was nominated for her outstanding impact through Women in Power and The Mentoring Hub, dedicating significant time and resources to support others. She also founded the Mentoring Hub charity, creating a structured network of mentors and mentees and supporting career-switchers entering the Microsoft ecosystem. Well done also to the other finalists, Vlad Catrinescu and Simon Owen.
Tech Leader
Zoe Wilson
Congratulations to Zoe Wilson, voted Tech Leader 2025! The community nominated Zoe for her inspirational leadership at Avanade, helping the organisation win the inaugural Copilot Partner of the Year award. She is a consistent champion of women in IT, plays a key role in the Scottish Summit leadership team, actively speaks at events worldwide, and mentors new MVPs to help emerging talent thrive. Congratulations also to the other finalists, Sami Laiho and Sebastián Zamorano.
Tech Trailblazer
Reshmee Auckloo
Congratulations to our 2025 Tech Trailblazer, Reshmee Auckloo. The community recognized her for sharing clear, high-quality insights on AI and agents, supporting others generously with complex concepts, and inspiring everyone with her enthusiasm for learning and experimenting with new technologies. Congratulations as well to finalists Andrew Connell and Adam Wójcik.
On-site Awards
In addition to the above awards, we also had other on-site awards handed out to those who made an impact during ESPC25!
Best Tutorial
We celebrated the tutorial that left attendees inspired, energised, and ready to apply what they learned. The winner was the tutorial with the highest attendee rating from the Tutorial Feedback forms.
Best Session
Some sessions leave a lasting impact – packed with insights, fresh ideas, and moments that shift your thinking. The winning session was the top rated ESPC session based on the ESPC Session App ratings.
Best Sponsor Booth
We recognised the sponsor booth that truly stood out – through great conversations, smart demos or just an unforgettable experience. The winner was voted for by ESPC Attendees.
Best Social Post
We celebrated the social media post that captured the spirit of ESPC25 – whether insightful, uplifting or just perfectly timed. The winner was decided by our judging panel.
The Judging Panel
Our brilliant Programme Team, the minds behind the ESPC25 conference schedule, served as our 2025 Judging Panel. With their deep knowledge of the tech landscape and a sharp eye for standout content and community impact, they were perfectly placed to decide who was a finalist for a 2025 Inspire Award!
Luise Freese
MVP | Germany
Maarten Eekels
Microsoft RD & MVP | Netherlands
