We just wrapped up our first-ever hybrid workshop — “Python-Powered Analytics in Power BI” — and it was a powerful experience from start to finish!
Held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at The UWI St. Augustine Campus and streamed online, this 3.5 hour hands-on session brought together over 160 participants, with 30 joining us in person and 130+ attending virtually from 23 countries across the Caribbean, North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania — reflecting a truly global audience spanning over 20 countries. (These countries included: Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, United States, Suriname, Guyana, Jamaica, United Kingdom, Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Virgin Islands (British), India, Australia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Kenya, Vietnam, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Canada, Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Grenada)! 🌎💻 53% of registrants were female!
Participants explored how the synergy between Python and Power BI can revolutionize data workflows — from integrating Python scripts directly into dashboards to enabling advanced analytics, automating processes, and visualizing insights in impactful ways.
By the end of the session, participants were able to:
✔️ Navigate the Power BI interface using appropriate Power Query transformations
✔️ Visualize insights and analytics for data stories
✔️ Extend Power BI’s functionality using Python-powered tools
Most importantly, participants of all experience levels were able to follow along on their own devices, actively engaging in experiential, hands-on learning that reinforced each concept in real time. We were also happy to see they were also assisting each other when they encountered challenges. Team work at its best!
Huge thanks to our incredible facilitator Mr. Adhir Soechit who did a fantastic job giving participants a patient and detailed overview of the training elements.
Special thank you to the mentors and collaborators from the Women in Data Science Trinidad and Tobago, IEEE Young Professionals Trinidad and Tobago and Caribbean ICT Youth Network Caribbean Telecommunications Union, including Dr. Letetia Addison (PhD, SFHEA), Mr. Tariq Mohammed, Ms. Gabrielle Johnson, and Mr. Ismaeel Hosein — and to everyone who contributed to making this workshop a vibrant and valuable learning experience.
🙏 A special thank you to RBR Ramjattan’s AV/IT Services Ltd for their excellent audio-visual support (📸 @rbrramjattanstt) and to Cassie’s Creations for keeping us fueled with delicious catering (🍴 @cassiescreationstt). We also sincerely thank the Faculty of Engineering, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus for graciously providing the venue and facilities for this event and last but not least to all our data enthusiasts for your unwavering commitment to learning!
Here’s to building stronger data communities globally, one line of code at a time! 💡📊