Yana Podroubaeva is a passionate leader in the world of media, entertainment and technology, leaving a mark on the industry with her innovative approach and unwavering dedication. Born in Russia, and raised in New Zealand and Australia, Yana's journey began at Epsom Girls Grammar School, where she excelled academically and was recognized as the country's Top Scholar for Photography and Visual Story Telling.

Yana's passion for the arts and media led her to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Film, Television, Media & Theatre Studies at the University of Auckland. During her time there, she became the face of the School of Arts, appearing in multiple brochures and commercials, showcasing her work and life journey.

After graduating, Yana embarked on a career path that took her from Sydney, Australia, to the heart of New York City. Her early roles at Viocorp and Telstra laid the foundation for her expertise in video streaming and digital media, where she played a pivotal role in pioneering live streaming events, including the Prime Minister's address to the nation and the iconic Mardi Gras parade.

In January, 2018, Yana joined Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world's leading cloud computing platform, and her career trajectory soared. Currently based in New York, she serves as a Senior Account Leader, leading a team focused on supporting NBCUniversal's adoption of the public cloud across its broadcast, streaming, themed parks, news, sports, films, and local TV station organizations.

Yana's leadership skills and technical prowess have been instrumental in delivering groundbreaking projects for NBCUniversal, including broadcasting the largest exclusive NFL game powered by AWS and delivering the largest streaming Olympic Games in the company's history. Her team's contributions have been widely recognized and celebrated within the industry.

Beyond her professional achievements, Yana is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and mentorship. She leads with empathy and has built a team that is 90% diverse, fostering an environment where different perspectives are valued and celebrated. Additionally, she mentors 14 Amazonians across various levels and departments, paying it forward and nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Yana's commitment to giving back extends beyond Amazon, as she is an active member of organizations such as WICT (Women in Cable Telecommunications) and America On Tech, dedicated to empowering women and underrepresented communities in media, entertainment, and technology.

Her accolades and honors are a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. In 2019, Yana was awarded the AWS Media & Entertainment Person of the Year, and in 2022, she received the prestigious Forty Under 40 Award in the US M&E industry, recognizing her as one of the best and brightest in New York's media landscape.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Yana is a well-rounded individual with a diverse range of interests and hobbies. She is an avid golfer, tennis player, and runner, and her love for photography has led her to plan an exhibit in Manhattan in 2024. Yana is also a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and accomplished a remarkable feat of 365 consecutive days of workouts in 2024, showcasing her dedication to personal growth and well-being.

Yana Podroubaeva's journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her contributions to the media and technology industries have left an indelible mark, and her commitment to mentorship and advocacy ensures that she will continue to inspire and empower generations to come.

Yana Podroubaeva