Celebrating 20 inspiring female tech leaders advancing innovation and inclusion throughout the Microsoft EMEA partner ecosystem
Dublin, Ireland, 24th June, 2025 – Microsoft today announced the winners of the Microsoft Power Women Awards 2025, a recognition programme celebrating exceptional female leaders within its partner ecosystem across the EMEA region. Breda O’Callaghan, Managing Director at KPMG Ireland, was named as the Ireland winner for her outstanding leadership in technology and her commitment to advancing gender equity in the sector.
This year’s 20 winners were selected from 368 nominations submitted across 20 countries and regions, highlighting remarkable stories of innovation, leadership, and impact.
Microsoft Ireland’s Power Women in Tech 2025 Winner
Breda O’Callaghan, Managing Director at KPMG Ireland, has been recognised as the Ireland winner of Microsoft’s 2025 Power Women in Tech award for her outstanding leadership in technology and her commitment to advancing gender equity in the sector. Breda leads KPMG’s Technology practise, delivering complex transformation programmes across industries. Her deep technical expertise and ability to build high-performing teams have made her a trusted leader in driving innovation and impact.
Breda’s influence extends beyond delivery—she is a passionate advocate for women in tech. She founded KPMG’s Women in Technology initiative and leads the firm’s gender equity programme, supporting women at every stage of their consulting careers. Her grassroots STEM recruitment efforts and sponsorship of the 2024 TechFoundHer Innovation Labs, which supported 35 female tech entrepreneurs, reflect her dedication to building a more inclusive and representative industry.
“We’re delighted to honour these trailblazing women shaping digital transformation and championing inclusion in tech,” said Clare Hillis, Commercial Partner Lead, Microsoft Ireland. “Breda stands out for her track record on delivering complex transformation projects for customers across Ireland and for her unwavering passion in supporting women in technology. We were massively impressed by the number of impactful initiatives she has led, to not only empower individuals, but to help create a more innovative and inclusive industry for all.”
Accepting the award, Breda O’Callaghan, KPMG said, “I’m incredibly proud to be recognised by Microsoft through the Microsoft Power Women Awards. Working in and advocating for women in Tech has always been a passion and driving force in my career, and this award is a meaningful reminder of why that work matters. This recognition fuels my continued commitment to keep pushing for progress, championing inclusion, and helping build a future where every woman feels empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive in tech.”
Each winner will also participate in the Microsoft Women’s Leadership Program at INSEAD Business School, led by Professor Jennifer Petriglieri, providing a platform for growth, connection, and long-term impact.
To view the full list of winners, visit: Celebrating the Power Women igniting inspiration – Microsoft Pulse
About the Microsoft Power Women Awards:
Launched to celebrate, elevate, and empower women in technology, the Microsoft Power Women Awards recognise exceptional contributions to leadership, innovation, and diversity in tech. This initiative is part of Microsoft’s broader commitment to building a more inclusive partner ecosystem and supporting women at all stages of their careers.
