Diversity and Inclusion
People of Microsoft Asia
Our mission is deeply inclusive: empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. We play an active role in creating inclusive environments where people of diverse backgrounds are excited to bring all of who they are and do their best work. We reach out, connect with, and help build diverse communities. Here are some of our stories:
Gebi Liang: Flexibility, balance and the art of reinvention
She originally studied to be an English teacher. But things changed and so did her plans. She rethought her future and jumped into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Now she holds an important leadership role in Microsoft China, where she encourages women to break out and strive for more. Read her story here.
Kelly McKenzie: “Be a supporter, not a fixer”
After her twins were born prematurely she devoted the next 19 months nurturing them back to health. When they started to thrive she decided it was time to return to the workplace. How did she do it after such a long break and so much personal upheaval? Read her story.
Rachel Bondi: Learning how to bring your whole self to work
Profound hearing loss affects Rachel’s life in many ways, though others might never know. Like 90 % of Australians with a disability, Rachel’s condition is ‘invisible’. And like many others, she once tried to keep it that way. But that changed over time as she overcame a major setback and built an impressive career as a leader. Read her story here.
Juliana Cen: A parent’s journey starts with the empathy and allyship of others
For years, Juliana avoided telling her colleagues that her twin sons had a disability. But when she finally opened up, she found her manager and colleagues to be empathic and encouraging. Their continuing allyship and a culture of inclusion are helping her better address her children’s needs. Read her story here.
Kenny Singh: Building strength and powering through
Kenny Singh is a powerlifter – not just in his day job where he helps protect the data and privacy of millions of Australians, but also in his suburban garage where he’s just deadlifted 170 kilograms. At first, Singh seems like a mild-mannered character. But chat with him for a while about his life, and it becomes clear that he’s very much into achieving and winning. Much of what drives him has to do with loss. After his fading eyesight ended his dreams of being a doctor, Kenny Singh embraced the tech world. Read how he is now a champion for accessibility.
Alistair Stratford: From Her Majesty’s Navy to the tech world
Alistair wanted to see the world and as a young man enlisted in Britain’s Royal Navy. During his years in uniform, Alistair became accustomed to doing things strictly by the book and living a regimented life. But things changed when he became a civilian. He switched careers and moved to a new country. He adopted a growth mindset and found that many of the skills he acquired in the service have been surprisingly useful in a corporate environment. Read his story of reinvention.
Dan Te Whenua Walker: Walking in two worlds
At just 40, Dan holds two master’s degrees, serves on multiple boards and charitable trusts, and is now a rising star within Microsoft New Zealand. He is a 21st-century achiever. But for him, the starting point of his personal journey dates back 600 years ago when his ancestors made a legendary ocean voyage. Read how he is tapping his Māori heritage and values in life and business.
Rohini Srivasthi: Technical curiosity with a philosophical bent
Rohini was a sixth-grader when she saw a computer for the first time. “I was little, and it was big,” she recalls. “It was programmed using old-style punch cards. It was nothing like the PCs of today, but I was fascinated.” Now as National Technology Officer at Microsoft India, she is on a mission to empower a new generation for the digital age. Read our interview.
