There are powerful, solemn moments when our personal and professional lives intersect. When the darkness of grief finds a counterweight in the brilliant light of celebration, and gratitude fills our cup.

I had the privilege of working with Jon Panella while serving on the executive advisory board for the MACH Alliance. We met in person at numerous conferences, but most of our connection was through screens. Even when separated by great distances, his force was undeniable.

When Jon passed away suddenly in March of this year, his loss was felt far and wide. He was a respected leader in our industry, but more than that, a kind and generous soul. He was the sum of our best parts, a pioneering explorer who pushed this MACH experiment from possibility to promise. He was a giant in our small corner of the tech world, and I often marveled at his quiet ability to shape the air in a room with charged positivity.

For the first time, I’ve received an award for building communities and connecting people.

Yesterday in Amsterdam, I became the first recipient of the Jon Panella Award from the MACH Alliance. I’m proud, grateful and still taking it in.

The award honours someone whose work has advanced open, composable and connected technology across the wider industry through building, teaching, connecting or advocating. It recognises the people influenced, the projects enabled and the ideas shared.