Meet the team

Creating a Community of Curiosity

We are a group of data enthusiasts from different companies who assemble the organizing team. hayaData conference, created out of our love for data from all sources, and our desire to gather the Israeli data community in one place, to share insights, learn about new tools, and exchange best practices for big data.

Hen Ben-Hemo

Data Architect, Riskified

Hen is a Data Architect at Riskified. Riskified's next-generation big data platform was designed and developed by Hen using various technologies, including his favorite Spark. Before joining Riskified, Hen worked for various tech companies facing various scaling & big data challenges. In addition to being an amateur pilot and foodie, Hen enjoys traveling with his family.

Hen is a Data Architect at Riskified. Riskified's next-generation big data platform was designed and developed by Hen using various technologies, including his favorite Spark. Before joining Riskified, Hen worked for various tech companies facing various scaling & big data challenges. In addition to being an amateur pilot and foodie, Hen enjoys traveling with his family.

Dafna Frank Szarfman

Director of Data Engineering, Outbrain

Dafna received her B.Sc and M.Sc in Computer Science from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. She has 20 years of experience in software development and product management, including 10 years at Microsoft, among other companies. She currently manages the Data engineering group, consisting of software developers and Devops people. Responsible for Outbrain's data platform including the Data Pipeline, Data Processing and Data Stores, supporting data ingestion and processing of TBs of raw data a day, storing PBs of data, and serving billions requests a month. Developing and operating in house as well as a large variety of third party data systems. Dafna is committed to supporting youth, and particularly young women, to enter into successful careers in the hi-tech ecosystem.

Dafna received her B.Sc and M.Sc in Computer Science from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. She has 20 years of experience in software development and product management, including 10 years at Microsoft, among other companies. She currently manages the Data engineering group, consisting of software developers and Devops people. Responsible for Outbrain's data platform including the Data Pipeline, Data Processing and Data Stores, supporting data ingestion and processing of TBs of raw data a day, storing PBs of data, and serving billions requests a month. Developing and operating in house as well as a large variety of third party data systems. Dafna is committed to supporting youth, and particularly young women, to enter into successful careers in the hi-tech ecosystem.

Doron Porat

Director of Infrastructure, Yotpo

Doron Porat is the Director of Infrastructure at Yotpo, managing vertical teams focused on Backend, Frontend, and Data. Doron has been practicing Data and leading Data teams for 13 years. Doron is deeply passionate about the data world and believes that infrastructure plays a vital role in driving innovation and scaling engineering organizations. For someone that's spent a fair amount of time in this area, Doron feels like we are on the verge of the next generation of data platforms as we know them – and these are super exciting times to be part of the data community! Her current obsession around Data revolves around eliminating bottlenecks and redefining the roles and responsibilities of Data practitioners. In addition to her work, Doron co-hosts a popular podcast in Hebrew called “The Data Swamp,” which explores all aspects of data alongside her good friend and fellow data expert, Liran Yogev. In her free time, Doron LOVES plant grooming and forces herself to go on long runs in the park.

Doron Porat is the Director of Infrastructure at Yotpo, managing vertical teams focused on Backend, Frontend, and Data. Doron has been practicing Data and leading Data teams for 13 years. Doron is deeply passionate about the data world and believes that infrastructure plays a vital role in driving innovation and scaling engineering organizations. For someone that's spent a fair amount of time in this area, Doron feels like we are on the verge of the next generation of data platforms as we know them – and these are super exciting times to be part of the data community! Her current obsession around Data revolves around eliminating bottlenecks and redefining the roles and responsibilities of Data practitioners. In addition to her work, Doron co-hosts a popular podcast in Hebrew called “The Data Swamp,” which explores all aspects of data alongside her good friend and fellow data expert, Liran Yogev. In her free time, Doron LOVES plant grooming and forces herself to go on long runs in the park.

Erez Filosof Timnat

Data Science Team Leader, AppsFlyer

Erez is a hands-on research and engineering manager at AppsFlyer. He co-founded the data science group at AppsFlyer. Erez started his career as a software engineer at IDF unit 8200. He is also an alumni of leading corporations, Microsoft and Google. At AppsFlyer, Erez initially worked on models for fraud detection, and built a classifier based on Bayesian networks. Today, Erez is leading the work on multiple models behind AppsFlyer's attribution solution, the core business of the company. Erez holds a B.Sc. in physics and CS from TAU and an M.Sc. in online algorithms from the Technion CS faculty.

Erez is a hands-on research and engineering manager at AppsFlyer. He co-founded the data science group at AppsFlyer. Erez started his career as a software engineer at IDF unit 8200. He is also an alumni of leading corporations, Microsoft and Google. At AppsFlyer, Erez initially worked on models for fraud detection, and built a classifier based on Bayesian networks. Today, Erez is leading the work on multiple models behind AppsFlyer's attribution solution, the core business of the company. Erez holds a B.Sc. in physics and CS from TAU and an M.Sc. in online algorithms from the Technion CS faculty.

Orit Mansur

Data Engineering Team Lead Riskified

Orit is a Data Engineering Team Lead at Riskified, leading the Finance domain, and has over 10 years of experience in the data industry. As a data specialist, she is passionate about data, technology, business, and people. Her main expertise is in data modeling, analytics, and data visualization. She sees a big part in her role in mentoring and out-of-the-box thinking. Her favorite place in the world is India, and as they say there, Orit truly believes "everything is possible".

Orit is a Data Engineering Team Lead at Riskified, leading the Finance domain, and has over 10 years of experience in the data industry. As a data specialist, she is passionate about data, technology, business, and people. Her main expertise is in data modeling, analytics, and data visualization. She sees a big part in her role in mentoring and out-of-the-box thinking. Her favorite place in the world is India, and as they say there, Orit truly believes "everything is possible".

Liran Yogev

Working on something new

Liran Yogev has been a member of the big data community for over 8 years. Before working on a new startup in the data infra domain, he spent several years at Yotpo and Ziprecruiter developing innovative data platforms, ML products, and complex data-driven backend applications. Liran is passionate about solving complex problems and creating impactful infrastructure that increases the velocity of the organizations he works for. In addition to his work, Liran co-hosts a popular podcast in Hebrew called “The Data Swamp”, which explores all aspects of data alongside his good friend and fellow data expert, Doron Porat.

Liran Yogev has been a member of the big data community for over 8 years. Before working on a new startup in the data infra domain, he spent several years at Yotpo and Ziprecruiter developing innovative data platforms, ML products, and complex data-driven backend applications. Liran is passionate about solving complex problems and creating impactful infrastructure that increases the velocity of the organizations he works for. In addition to his work, Liran co-hosts a popular podcast in Hebrew called “The Data Swamp”, which explores all aspects of data alongside his good friend and fellow data expert, Doron Porat.

David Ostrovsky

Software Engineer, Meta

David is a software engineer with over 25 years of industry experience, speaker, trainer, and co-author of “Pro Couchbase Server”. He specializes in big data systems and large-scale distributed architecture.

David is a software engineer with over 25 years of industry experience, speaker, trainer, and co-author of “Pro Couchbase Server”. He specializes in big data systems and large-scale distributed architecture.

Tal Laron

Data Science Team Lead, Riskified

Tal Laron is a Data Science Team Lead at Riskified, responsible for Riskified’s models and DS components. Tal has extensive data science experience across multiple fields, and, before Riskified, she worked in several startups. Tal holds a B.Sc in statistics and economics from the Tel Aviv University and a master’s degree in financial economics, a global program from the Reichman University. As a former gymnast she enjoys sports and sporting events, beside her great love for data and sports, she is a mother of two, Assaf & Noa.

Tal Laron is a Data Science Team Lead at Riskified, responsible for Riskified’s models and DS components. Tal has extensive data science experience across multiple fields, and, before Riskified, she worked in several startups. Tal holds a B.Sc in statistics and economics from the Tel Aviv University and a master’s degree in financial economics, a global program from the Reichman University. As a former gymnast she enjoys sports and sporting events, beside her great love for data and sports, she is a mother of two, Assaf & Noa.

Hilla Peled

SVP Data Science, Riskified

In the last couple of years, Hilla has held leading roles in partnering with business stakeholders across large enterprises such as Ahold-Delhaize and Citi, to aspire these to leverage technology, AI, data science and machine learning to drive company's commercial success. Layered by M.Sc in distributed algorithms and reinforcement learning, years of leading teams consisting of data scientists and engineers, and technology driven lecturer experience, Hilla is known for her ability to transform business needs/opportunities into advanced data products that demonstrate large scale impact, supported by the innovative ML technology. Her visionary perspective has earned her the opportunity to work for multinational companies, building long-term data strategy and driving game-changing data science projects.

In the last couple of years, Hilla has held leading roles in partnering with business stakeholders across large enterprises such as Ahold-Delhaize and Citi, to aspire these to leverage technology, AI, data science and machine learning to drive company's commercial success. Layered by M.Sc in distributed algorithms and reinforcement learning, years of leading teams consisting of data scientists and engineers, and technology driven lecturer experience, Hilla is known for her ability to transform business needs/opportunities into advanced data products that demonstrate large scale impact, supported by the innovative ML technology. Her visionary perspective has earned her the opportunity to work for multinational companies, building long-term data strategy and driving game-changing data science projects.

Tal N. Mizrachi

Data Academic Lead, Master School

Hey! I’m Tal Mizrachi, AKA Analysis Paralysis. I’m a Data scientist, Educator and Mentor trying to make data science, analytical methods and programming accessible and fun to learn about. I’m married to Adi, we have 2 daughters and a big black dog.

Hey! I’m Tal Mizrachi, AKA Analysis Paralysis. I’m a Data scientist, Educator and Mentor trying to make data science, analytical methods and programming accessible and fun to learn about. I’m married to Adi, we have 2 daughters and a big black dog.

Yulia Stolin

AI/DataScience Group Architect, Outbrain

Yulia is a seasoned industry professional with over 20 years of hands-on experience, specializing in building high-volume, scalable, high-performance distributed data services. Her deep expertise lies in Big Data, NoSQL products, Data Modeling, Analytics Flows, and a strong focus on AI. With a passion for developing AutoML and Data Science in production systems, she adeptly bridges production scalability with research requirements, pivotal in driving the core engine of the company's business. Her favorite quote, by Mark Twain, is: "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

Yulia is a seasoned industry professional with over 20 years of hands-on experience, specializing in building high-volume, scalable, high-performance distributed data services. Her deep expertise lies in Big Data, NoSQL products, Data Modeling, Analytics Flows, and a strong focus on AI. With a passion for developing AutoML and Data Science in production systems, she adeptly bridges production scalability with research requirements, pivotal in driving the core engine of the company's business. Her favorite quote, by Mark Twain, is: "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

Shai Peretz

SVP Engineering, Riskified

Seasoned technology executive, focused on building great technology teams, emphasis on the culture of excellence, ownership, transparency, and trust driving business impact with social responsibility.

Seasoned technology executive, focused on building great technology teams, emphasis on the culture of excellence, ownership, transparency, and trust driving business impact with social responsibility.

Shlomit Goldenberg

Data Engineering Team Lead, Riskified

Shlomit is a Data Engineering Team Lead at Riskified. With a decade of experience in business intelligence and the data industry, Shlomit has honed her expertise in designing and implementing tailored data solutions to optimize business decision-making and analysis. Her comprehensive understanding of data modeling, ETL processes, and data warehousing principles has positioned her as a formidable force in delivering impactful projects across diverse sectors. As a leader, she cultivates a collaborative environment, empowering her team to drive innovation and deliver solutions of significant impact.

Shlomit is a Data Engineering Team Lead at Riskified. With a decade of experience in business intelligence and the data industry, Shlomit has honed her expertise in designing and implementing tailored data solutions to optimize business decision-making and analysis. Her comprehensive understanding of data modeling, ETL processes, and data warehousing principles has positioned her as a formidable force in delivering impactful projects across diverse sectors. As a leader, she cultivates a collaborative environment, empowering her team to drive innovation and deliver solutions of significant impact.

Dor Polovincik

ML Engineer, Riskified

Dor is an experienced ML Engineer at Riskified. He has a strong background in statistics, data science, and engineering and has applied his knowledge and skills in various data-related roles at different sizes of companies. Dor holds a bachelor's degree in statistics and operational research from Tel Aviv University, and currently pursuing his master's degree in the same field. In his current role, Dor is a lead ML Engineer at Riskified, specializing in the field of MLOps, where he applies his expertise to develop and maintain machine learning systems and processes.

Dor is an experienced ML Engineer at Riskified. He has a strong background in statistics, data science, and engineering and has applied his knowledge and skills in various data-related roles at different sizes of companies. Dor holds a bachelor's degree in statistics and operational research from Tel Aviv University, and currently pursuing his master's degree in the same field. In his current role, Dor is a lead ML Engineer at Riskified, specializing in the field of MLOps, where he applies his expertise to develop and maintain machine learning systems and processes.

Shani Fachler

Data Analyst, Upstream Security

Shani Fachler is an Industrial Engineer from Ben-Gurion University with an MBA (major in Big Data) from Tel Aviv University. She has been working as an Analyst and Team Lead in the last 7 years in technology companies

Shani Fachler is an Industrial Engineer from Ben-Gurion University with an MBA (major in Big Data) from Tel Aviv University. She has been working as an Analyst and Team Lead in the last 7 years in technology companies

Lior Winner

Data Engineering Team Lead & Head of Data Guild, Riskified

Lior is the Head of Riskified’s Data Guild and leading the Data Streams team. He took a significant part in creating Riskified’s modern data architecture. Today, his team focuses on building the company Streaming Platform that is responsible for enabling Riskified’s event streaming architecture and real-time streaming applications.

Lior is the Head of Riskified’s Data Guild and leading the Data Streams team. He took a significant part in creating Riskified’s modern data architecture. Today, his team focuses on building the company Streaming Platform that is responsible for enabling Riskified’s event streaming architecture and real-time streaming applications.

Shahar Caspi

Data Engineer, Riskified

Shahar is a Data Engineer with 7 years of expertise in the data field. Throughout her career, she has gained expertise in designing and implementing data solutions to support business decision-making and analysis. She has a strong understanding of data modeling, ETL, and data warehousing principles and has a track record of delivering successful projects for clients in various industries. She is passionate about innovation, exploring new features, and efficiency. Outside of work, she finds joy in hiking, embracing the belief, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars”.

Shahar is a Data Engineer with 7 years of expertise in the data field. Throughout her career, she has gained expertise in designing and implementing data solutions to support business decision-making and analysis. She has a strong understanding of data modeling, ETL, and data warehousing principles and has a track record of delivering successful projects for clients in various industries. She is passionate about innovation, exploring new features, and efficiency. Outside of work, she finds joy in hiking, embracing the belief, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars”.

Ori Tal

Developer Relations Manager, Riskified

Ori is the Dev Relation Manager at Riskified. As part of her role, Ori owns the Riskified Tech brand, helps the R&D employees to share their professional knowledge with the tech community, and build their personal brand. She is also responsible for brand content creation and managing internal and external projects, like the hayaData conference. Ori is also a big Harry Potter fan and a professional photographer.

Ori is the Dev Relation Manager at Riskified. As part of her role, Ori owns the Riskified Tech brand, helps the R&D employees to share their professional knowledge with the tech community, and build their personal brand. She is also responsible for brand content creation and managing internal and external projects, like the hayaData conference. Ori is also a big Harry Potter fan and a professional photographer.

Tal Levinger

Agile Program Manager, Riskified

Tal is an Agile Program Manager at Riskified. She is an experienced senior project manager in the agile world, specializing in project execution, transparency, efficiency, and clarity for R&D teams. Tal collaborates with the product team, defines roadmaps, analyzes risks, and works with the CTO on org. KPIs. She is a Certified Scrum Master and SAFe practitioner with strong communication skills. Tal is also passionate about traveling.

Tal is an Agile Program Manager at Riskified. She is an experienced senior project manager in the agile world, specializing in project execution, transparency, efficiency, and clarity for R&D teams. Tal collaborates with the product team, defines roadmaps, analyzes risks, and works with the CTO on org. KPIs. She is a Certified Scrum Master and SAFe practitioner with strong communication skills. Tal is also passionate about traveling.

Sophie Strajnik

Brand Design Team Lead, Riskified

Over the last five years, Sophie took a massive part in shaping the evolving look and feel of Riskified, including extensive involvement in the in-house rebranding process and its implementation during the company’s IPO. She leads the design of Riskified Technology and its implications, including design for print, web, and social media.

Over the last five years, Sophie took a massive part in shaping the evolving look and feel of Riskified, including extensive involvement in the in-house rebranding process and its implementation during the company’s IPO. She leads the design of Riskified Technology and its implications, including design for print, web, and social media.

Patrissia Leibovich

Brand Designer, Riskified

Stav Bachar

Sourcing Specialist, Riskified

Stav is a Sourcing Specialist within Riskified's recruitment team, where her primary focus lies in identifying and attracting top-tier talent to drive the company's mission forward. As a data-driven Sourcer, she leverages insights to pinpoint ideal candidates and optimize talent acquisition strategies seamlessly. Stav thrives on building connections with others and enriching her knowledge, constantly seeking new ways to grow and learn.

Stav is a Sourcing Specialist within Riskified's recruitment team, where her primary focus lies in identifying and attracting top-tier talent to drive the company's mission forward. As a data-driven Sourcer, she leverages insights to pinpoint ideal candidates and optimize talent acquisition strategies seamlessly. Stav thrives on building connections with others and enriching her knowledge, constantly seeking new ways to grow and learn.

Nir Alal

Lead Web Developer, Riskified

Nir is Lead Web Developer at Riskified. With over a decade of experience, he spearheads projects from inception to completion, ensuring they align with the company’s objectives and exceed client expectations. Nir’s leadership fosters innovation and maintains the highest standards of quality across all our web development endeavors.

Nir is Lead Web Developer at Riskified. With over a decade of experience, he spearheads projects from inception to completion, ensuring they align with the company’s objectives and exceed client expectations. Nir’s leadership fosters innovation and maintains the highest standards of quality across all our web development endeavors.