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Stories behind the innovation
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Giving fonts a purpose – across culture and ability
As a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Greg, knows the importance of preserving the emotion and expression of native languages. As Principal Software Engineering Manager for Microsoft, he aims to work with fonts and characters to further protect and archive sacred languages in the digital landscape. 1 of 21
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Growing day by day
After her family experienced bankruptcy when she was young, Gabriela learned how to fix things the only way she knew how — through community. Now she’s set on driving growth bit by bit every day. 2 of 21
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Freedom in self-expression
Emerging from a journey of self-discovery and embracing their nonbinary identity, Caroline, senior business administrator at Microsoft, embodies resilience. Drawing from their Puerto Rican heritage and love for self-expression, Caroline blends humor with originality and compassion in their role, redefining norms through unique understanding. 4 of 21
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“You are enough. You wouldn’t be here if someone here didn’t think you were incredible.”
Raised with values rooted in her Japanese heritage, Megumi found solace in community during deployments while in the military. Now as a managing editor of customer storytelling at Microsoft, she empowers global voices, advocating for authenticity and reminding others of their inherent worth. 5 of 21
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Utilizing your superpower
Armed with what he calls “super empathy,” Joao, principal customer reliability engineer at Microsoft, harnesses inclusivity as his strength. As a gay man and a Latino, he activates allyship in the workplace, ensuring all voices are heard. His actions have not only brought in new talent but also propelled inclusivity forward. 6 of 21
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Near and dear
Keepsakes that get passed through generations of a connected family can unlock hidden characteristics of our colleagues. Cynthia presents us with some of hers that showcase her mom’s creativity and how she encourages herself to fly. 8 of 21
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“Your uniqueness makes you who you are.”
Inspired by her early love for fantasy and gaming, Christina champions diversity and representation in the gaming industry, explaining the accuracy of portrayals and the importance of players seeing themselves in the virtual worlds they love. 9 of 21
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Art of cherishing memories
Sometimes our possessions remind us of our favorite places or home. Athena shares the items that take her back to Taiwan, Prague, and New York. 10 of 21
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When innovation and passion collide
Jerome discusses the influence of his father’s guidance, his passion for art and music, and his innovative approach to driving positive change and representation in his professional sphere. 11 of 21
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“At the end of the day, I think that’s what people want: to be heard.”
Guided by a gift for listening and a commitment to motherhood, Erin shares how she navigated post-maternity challenges and pioneered support networks for parents in the workplace by blending her passion and leadership to foster inclusive environments. 12 of 21
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Melissa’s treasures of heritage and achievement
Our possessions showcase the things that really matter to us. Melissa unveils the artifacts that encapsulate her heritage, achievements, and bonds that shape her. Tell us about the artifacts that weave the fabric of your story. 13 of 21
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Embrace your identity, embrace life
Kimberly Marreros Chuco discusses embracing one’s unique identity and learning from challenges, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and accepting mistakes as part of growth, inspired by her experiences moving from an Andean mining town.
Featured Artist: Tai Silva
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Ashley Innovator’s Inventory and the big plans she’s made
Our personal treasures hold the stories of who we are. Ashley shares the tangible symbols of her values and journey. What mementos narrate your life’s chapters? 16 of 21
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This is my sazón
Ivelisse is a user experience designer who uses patience and her family to combat her own self-doubt. 17 of 21
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Nurturing inner peace
When Ethan started at Microsoft, he prioritized money over his wellbeing. Twelve years later, the senior customer success account manager and D&I storytelling host knows that the only way to truly take care of others is to first take care of yourself. Discover his story of gratitude and growth. 18 of 21
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Master of messiness
As a mom and a tech leader, Elaine has learned to embrace the chaos and put her “octopus mind” to work in service of innovation, at work and at home. 19 of 21
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What leaders look like
Shrivaths worried that coworkers would be reluctant to follow a leader who had disabilities. Instead, he discovered that his experiences made him a stronger, more empathetic manager. 20 of 21
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Experiencing both sides
As a child, Ana crossed between Juárez, Mexico , and El Paso, Texas, every day to go to school. Learning how to live, communicate, and connect in both cultures has made her a better designer, mentor, and innovator. 21 of 21
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“If there's a family issue…you have
enough grace to be able to take care of it.”
enough grace to be able to take care of it.”
Communities
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Bringing ourselves to the work of improving accessibility
Roberto, Technical Program Manager at Microsoft, refuses to let his blindness keep him from creating solutions for those with disabilities. Equipped with a vivid imagination, a love for reading, and the magic of technology, he works to enhance independence and communication through innovative tools.
Partnering for inclusion and accessibility
Jessica, Director of Accessibility Partnerships at Microsoft, views her disability as a strength. Drawing from personal experience, she leads global initiatives to drive inclusion and accessible technology, empowering people with disabilities and ensuring everyone can bring their full selves to work.
How a military veteran found empowerment in her ADHD and autism
Ryen, Principal Security Program Manager at Microsoft, harnesses her ADHD and autism to her advantage in work and life. Drawing from military experience, she’s dedicated to protecting Microsoft and its customers from cybersecurity threats, while fostering trust and striving to be her best every day.
Proactive transparency
As one of the most transparent multinationals of our size, we have proactively shared our data on representation and inclusion since 2013 – assessing where we made progress and where we still need to improve.
Honoring heritage and self
Staci, Sr. Software Engineer at Microsoft, attributes her resilience and willingness to listen to her Indigenous heritage. As the first in her family to be born and raised off the Blackfeet reservation and graduate from college, she honors her parents’ sacrifices by advocating for representation in the tech world.
Giving fonts a purpose – across culture and ability
As a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Greg, knows the importance of preserving the emotion and expression of native languages. As Principal Software Engineering Manager for Microsoft, he aims to work with fonts and characters to further protect and archive sacred languages in the digital landscape.
Telling Indigenous stories in gaming
Crediting her Cherokee roots, Gillian, Software Engineer at Microsoft, takes pride in seeing the value in everything around her. Now she’s made it her mission to show that Indigenous Peoples, culture, and stories are valuable in tech and gaming as well.
Finding a sense of belonging
As a young mom, Diana experienced imposter syndrome. Her personal journey helped her overcome it and she’s now a Senior Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft. Diana also gets to pursue a childhood interest, writing for Fashion at Microsoft.