Author: Cristal Kawula

Cristal Kawula is an accomplished author, prolific blogger, and world-renowned speaker with over two decades of experience in the IT industry. She is highly regarded for her expertise in enterprise consulting and Microsoft technologies, having built a reputation as a trusted leader who has helped numerous clients overcome complex IT challenges. Her deep knowledge across Microsoft’s ecosystem, from Windows Server to cloud solutions, underpins her ability to deliver practical, impactful results for organizations of all sizes. Microsoft Community Leadership For more than 20 years, Cristal has been a steadfast contributor to the Microsoft technical community. She has been repeatedly recognized as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for her ongoing community contributions and expertise. Cristal remains an active mentor and participant in the Microsoft Windows Server community, frequently sharing insights through blogs, forums, and technical books. In addition, she has co-founded influential community initiatives – including the MVPDays Community Roadshow and the #MVPHour live Twitter chat – to foster knowledge exchange among IT professionals. Her passion for community engagement extends beyond Microsoft: Cristal was one of the first women in the world to earn the prestigious Veeam Vanguard award, highlighting her impact and leadership in the broader IT community. Industry Engagement and Speaking Cristal is a sought-after speaker who has presented at numerous conferences and industry events around the world. She shares her real-world expertise at premier events such as Microsoft Ignite, Live! 360 (TechMentor), VeeamON, and many regional user groups and workshops. Whether discussing Windows Server best practices, cybersecurity and ransomware defense, or emerging cloud technologies, Cristal’s sessions are known for their depth and practical insights. Her engaging speaking style and authority in her field have made her a frequent highlight at these events, where she inspires IT professionals to adopt innovative solutions and community-driven learning. Leadership at TriCon Elite Consulting As the founder and President of TriCon Elite Consulting, Cristal leads a team of experts delivering top-notch enterprise consulting services to clients worldwide. Under her leadership, TriCon Elite has developed a reputation for excellence in solving complex IT problems and driving digital transformation. Cristal is an innovative leader who approaches challenges with creative problem-solving, leveraging her broad expertise in Microsoft technologies to craft solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. She is deeply dedicated to client success – ensuring that every project not only meets technical requirements but also empowers the client’s business goals. Innovative Vision and Impact Widely respected for her visionary approach, Cristal Kawula exemplifies the blend of technical acumen and community spirit. She is known for her innovative thinking and her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service. Equally important, Cristal is devoted to helping others succeed: she actively mentors peers, contributes to community knowledge bases, and champions inclusive growth in the IT sector. This dual focus on client success and community support has made her a highly respected figure in the industry, and an inspiration to IT professionals who follow in her footsteps. Every aspect of Cristal’s career – from leading a consulting firm to speaking on global stages – reflects her passion for technology and her commitment to empowering others, solidifying her status as an innovative leader and community icon.