The Connected Awards Certifies Aparna Krishna Bhat as 130th Global Tech Hero, first Asian Woman Honoured

By Akeem Aliyu

In a historic moment for The Connected Awards, Aparna Krishna Bhat, Senior Analyst at EY, has been named the 130th Global Tech Hero by The Connected Awards. This monumental recognition makes her the first Asian woman to receive this esteemed accolade, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in technology and innovation. As the 27th honoree in the Data category, Aparna’s achievement highlights her groundbreaking contributions to data engineering, full-stack development, and artificial intelligence.

With over nine years of experience, Aparna has redefined the boundaries of data-driven solutions in the financial services sector. Her innovative work includes developing sophisticated fraud detection models and AI-powered applications that have transformed business operations and enhanced decision-making processes. Her expertise in data migration, ETL processes, and high-performance systems like DB2, Snowflake, and YugabyteDB has set benchmarks in operational efficiency.

At EY, Aparna has been a catalyst for change, leveraging her skills in Python and Java Spring Boot to create scalable digital solutions that support some of the largest financial institutions in the country. These efforts have not only strengthened fraud detection mechanisms but also empowered organizations with actionable insights to navigate complex challenges.

Aparna’s exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Business Mint Nationwide Award 2024 for “Most Prominent Industry Expert of the Year – Texas in Full-Stack Development for Financial Services.” Also was recognized as Distinguished Researcher of the Year in Information Technology at the Business Excellence Leadership Awards. Her leadership extends into academia as an editorial member and reviewer for journals like the ESP Journal of Engineering and Technology Advancements (ESP-JETA), where she helps shape cutting-edge research in AI, databases, and telecommunications.

As a judge for global platforms such as Technovation Girls and the Globee Awards for Innovation and Technology, Aparna actively mentors emerging talent, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. Her recent distinctions as an IEEE Senior Member, an International Organization for Academic and Scientific Development (IOASD) Royal Fellow, and an SAS Eminent Fellow further underscore her expertise and influence across professional and academic landscapes.

Aparna’s journey is not just a testament to her technical prowess but also a reflection of her commitment to creating a more inclusive technology sector. As a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), she emphasizes the importance of mentorship and supportive platforms for underrepresented groups in tech. Through her blogging on Medium, mentorship roles, and active engagement in AI and machine learning research, she continues to inspire the next generation of technologists.

Qazeem Oladejo, the Founder of The Connected Awards, hailed Aparna Krishna Bhat’s certification as a significant milestone that aligns with the brand’s global mission. Describing Aparna as a passionate and highly skilled professional, Qazeem praised her exceptional contributions to data engineering and full-stack development. He remarked, “Aparna’s work has redefined industry standards, particularly through the innovative application of transformative tools such as Python, Snow SQL, shell scripting, and database systems like DB2, Snowflake, and YugabyteDB. Her expertise in developing advanced ETL processes has greatly streamlined data migration and transformation, while your Python-based solutions have set new benchmarks for efficiency in managing complex data workflows.”

Reflecting on her achievements, Aparna attributes her success to a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability. She encourages aspiring technologists to embrace curiosity, resilience, and a growth-oriented approach in their careers. Her vision for a dynamic, inclusive tech landscape aligns seamlessly with the mission of The Connected Awards—to honour individuals whose innovation drives meaningful impact on a global scale.

As the 130th Global Tech Hero, Aparna Krishna Bhat stands as a beacon of excellence and a pioneer in breaking barriers in the tech industry. Her story is a reminder of the boundless potential within the human spirit and the transformative power of technology to create a better, more inclusive future.