As Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary—marking five decades of innovation, leadership, and global influence—it’s a moment to recognize the people who have helped shape the digital age. Behind Microsoft’s transformation into a trillion-dollar powerhouse stand not only visionary founders and technologists, but also remarkable women whose bold contributions have redefined what’s possible.
Throughout the company’s history, women at Microsoft—past and present—have been pioneers in advancing access, scaling innovation, and driving meaningful change. Leaders like Nathalie D’Hers, Jacky Wright, Amy Hood, Sumit Chauhan, Joy Chik, Gavriella Schuster, Julia White, Dawn Trudeau, Trish Millines Dziko, and Kate Behncken exemplify the resilience, inclusion, and purpose that fuel Microsoft’s lasting impact.
As we look toward the next wave of transformation, we rise together as a global force—committed to democratizing access, inspiring future generations, and equipping women to lead in AI and emerging technologies. Our shared legacy is a powerful call to action: to build a digital economy that is more inclusive, empowered, and prosperous for everyone.
In that spirit, the Women in Cloud ecosystem proudly launches the #empowHER50 campaign. Today, we honor over fifty extraordinary women whose leadership has helped drive Microsoft’s growth and laid the foundation for today’s digital infrastructure. These trailblazers have opened doors, created economic opportunities, and expanded access to technology for millions.
We celebrate their profound impact, amplify their voices, and express our deepest gratitude for shaping a future where when women lead in tech—everyone benefits.
Four Stories That Will Change How You See the Future
The stories of the #empowHER50 honorees are powerful reminders of how women have been essential in driving Microsoft’s trillion-dollar transformation and expanding access to technology around the world.
Yanna Andronopoulou: Building AI Access Across Europe
In Southeast Europe, Yanna Andronopoulou is quietly leading a digital revolution. As Microsoft’s General Manager for Greece, Cyprus, and Malta—and the sponsor of the region’s Women Employee Resource Group—Yanna has been a catalyst for change. She launched the Women’s AI Hackathon across nine countries, drawing over 900 applicants and empowering 100 women with AI skills to shape their communities’ digital futures.
But her impact goes far beyond a single event. Yanna spearheaded Greece’s largest AI skills initiative, AI School 360, ensuring that women made up 50% of participants. She also collaborated with local partners to provide digital literacy training and career opportunities to more than 4,000 women. Under her leadership, Microsoft Greece earned the Inclusivity Award and gained international recognition for advancing equity in technology.
Yanna’s story is a testament to the power of inclusive leadership—and how one woman’s vision can ignite transformation across an entire region.
“Together, we can ignite change and shape a future where women not only thrive but lead in technology,” Yanna reminds us.”
Gavriella Schuster: Architecting Allyship and Access
Gavriella Schuster has been a driving force behind transformative change in tech, championing structural shifts that have opened doors for women across the industry. As a former Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, she not only reimagined the global partner ecosystem but also emerged as a powerful voice for inclusion and equity.
Gavriella played a key role in founding The WIT Network, which now connects over 11,000 members across 76 countries, offering mentorship and technical certifications to women in technology. She also co-founded Women in Cloud, an initiative that has helped more than 120,000 women gain access to economic opportunities and cloud marketplaces.
Her influence extends well beyond the corporate world. Gavriella has personally mentored over 100 women, launched mentorship rings to support emerging leaders, and took the stage at TEDx to issue a bold call for 8 million women to pursue careers in tech. She also created allyship training programs that are now adopted by Fortune 500 companies to foster more inclusive workplace cultures.
Gavriella’s legacy is one of action, advocacy, and deep commitment to building a more equitable future in tech.
“If a person who is an ONLY in any group has an ally, they are not alone, #ALLIES step up in the moments that matter through the little acts they practice every day to turn moments of exclusion into moments of inclusion. ” Gavriella says—a message that has fueled a global movement.“
Jenny Lay-Flurrie: Making Technology Accessible for 1.3 Billion People
Jenny Lay-Flurrie’s journey is a powerful testament to how technology can—and should—be inclusive for all. As Microsoft’s Chief Accessibility Officer, she leads one of the most expansive accessibility programs in the world, focused on empowering the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities.
While Microsoft’s commitment to accessibility dates back to Windows 95, it was under Jenny’s leadership since 2016 that accessibility became a company-wide mission. She helped embed accessibility training into the culture, reaching over 5 million people globally and ensuring every Microsoft employee plays a role in building inclusive experiences.
Jenny’s impact can be seen across countless innovations—like Read Aloud, Immersive Reader, Windows Captions, Eye Control, and the groundbreaking Xbox Adaptive Controller—all designed with inclusivity at their core and used by millions every month. Beyond technology, she’s also a fierce advocate for inclusive hiring, spearheading initiatives like the Neurodiversity Hiring Program and expanding the Ability Summit from just 20 attendees to over 20,000 participants in 2025.
Jenny’s leadership proves that when accessibility is prioritized, everyone benefits. Her work continues to set a global standard for what inclusive tech can truly achieve.
“Accessibility makes technology easier for everyone,” Jenny says. Her work is proof that inclusive design isn’t optional; it’s essential.”
Melissa Mulholland: Turning Personal Adversity Into Industry Impact
For Melissa Mulholland, the connection between technology and human impact is deeply personal. During her time at Microsoft, her life took a dramatic turn when her unborn son was diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening condition—a moment that transformed her view of what technology, particularly AI, could do to improve healthcare.
As Microsoft’s Director of Business Strategy, she became a passionate advocate for the ethical and impactful use of AI in patient care. Today, as CEO of Crayon, she is leading groundbreaking initiatives to scale AI in healthcare, including partnerships with Oslo University Hospital to advance cancer detection and enable real-time patient monitoring.
Melissa’s journey is a powerful example of how personal challenges can fuel purpose-driven innovation—and how technology, when led with empathy and intention, can create meaningful and lasting change.
The Power of Collective: Women in Cloud’s Impact
The #empowHER50 campaign is part of a larger mission to democratize economic access for women in technology. At Women in Cloud, we’ve built a global movement focused on breaking down barriers and opening doors to meaningful opportunities. Over the past five years, our collective efforts have sparked real, measurable impact:
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Generated over $500 million in economic value, empowering more than 120,000 members worldwide.
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Equipped 5,000+ women across 80+ countries with Microsoft certifications in AI and cybersecurity, accelerating their careers in DevSecOps.
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Reached more than 4 million individuals globally through 300+ events and 32 industry partnerships—including setting a Guinness World Record for the largest vision board video hangout.
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Launched the empowHERaccess Prestige Awards, celebrating over 2,500 women, allies, and organizations driving inclusive innovation.
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Earned official recognition through Washington State Senate Resolution 8621, honoring Women in Cloud’s impact in inspiring women and girls in technology.
We believe access to technology is access to opportunity—and when we invest in women, we invest in a stronger, more inclusive future for all.
A Historic Celebration: Honoring the Women Who Powered Microsoft’s Trillion-Dollar Shift
As Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary, we honor the women whose innovation, leadership, and vision have been instrumental in shaping the digital economy. Through the #empowHER50 campaign, we spotlight the trailblazers who expanded access, built foundational infrastructure, and played a pivotal role in Microsoft’s trillion-dollar transformation—women who helped redefine the future of technology for billions around the world.
Their stories make one thing clear: inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic advantage. The next trillion-dollar shift in tech will be shaped by those who are empowered to lead it.
Join us on July 18, 2025, for the empowHERaccess Awards and Recognition Gala, as we celebrate the women who helped build Microsoft’s legacy—and connect with the innovators shaping the future of the global tech industry.
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