Tableau has announced its 2025 class of Ambassadors, a global group of community leaders recognized for their efforts to teach, share, innovate, and inspire within the data ecosystem. This year’s class includes 386 individuals from diverse backgrounds, making it the most geographically varied group of Ambassadors to date. Notably, two professionals from Pakistan, Waqar Ahmed Shaikh and Rida Hamid, have been selected, highlighting the country’s growing presence in the global data and analytics community. Their recognition is a significant moment for the local data community, where initiatives to encourage learning and collaboration are gaining momentum.
Tableau simplified the Ambassador program this year by merging all previous categories into a single “Tableau Ambassador” designation. While the title has been unified, Ambassadors are now identified through specific designations that reflect their area of contribution. These include Tableau Community Leaders, DataDev Community Leaders, Teaching Community Leaders, Student Community Leaders, and CRM Analytics Community Leaders. The change aims to make the program clearer and to allow the community to easily recognize the expertise and value each Ambassador brings. Both Waqar Ahmed Shaikh and Rida Hamid have been acknowledged for their leadership, dedication, and ability to support others in navigating the growing world of data.
The recognition of Pakistani professionals within this prestigious global program highlights how the country’s talent pool is increasingly making an impact on international platforms. With a rapidly expanding data ecosystem, more professionals in Pakistan are engaging with global tools and communities, contributing both technical knowledge and thought leadership. Waqar Ahmed Shaikh and Rida Hamid’s inclusion reflects not only their individual contributions but also the efforts of Pakistan’s growing #DataFam community, which has been steadily building through local initiatives, knowledge-sharing, and active participation in the broader Tableau ecosystem.
Tableau emphasizes that Ambassadors, regardless of their designation, are tasked with nurturing growth, amplifying connection, and encouraging knowledge-sharing within the community. They often lead user groups, share visualizations, contribute to online forums, and guide academic programs to support the next generation of data professionals. In Pakistan, the recognition of Waqar Ahmed Shaikh and Rida Hamid is expected to further strengthen the visibility of the local community, inspiring more data professionals to take part in global forums and community-driven initiatives. Their presence is also a testament to the country’s evolving role in the global analytics landscape, where local expertise is gaining international acknowledgment.
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