Inclusion is Innovation

Inclusion is Innovation

We’re activating the same ingenuity, intention, and experience behind our most groundbreaking technological innovations to develop solutions to the diversity and inclusion challenges in our workplace and our world.

Stories behind the innovation

You can’t make a breakthrough without breaking something: systems that don’t support us all, barriers that prevent access, mindsets that no longer serve us. Explore these stories to learn more.

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Showing up, authentically

Senior Program Manager Morty Scanlon, often felt unsafe bringing his identity to the forefront. Now, at Microsoft, he’s been given the welcoming and supportive environment that he’s needed to thrive in the workplace. Discover his story of authenticity and advocacy, illustrated by Avalon Nuovo.

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Building something better

Ilyas Fakir Mohamed is a Bangalore-based program manager who is passionate about building a better, more diverse developer community. Discover his story, illustrated by artist Mansi Joshi.

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This is my sazón

Ivelisse Capellan Heyer is a user experience designer who uses patience and her family to combat her own self-doubt. Follow her journey, illustrated by Sol Cotti.

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Everything has a solution

Jose Hernandez is a data scientist who uses the lessons instilled by his parents to find solutions to the challenges around him. Discover his story, illustrated by Sebastian Curi.

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Your culture is your personal contribution

Cloud Solution Architect Dylan Apera leverages the power of nontechnical skills learned from his small island upbringing to build relationships with customers.

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Master of messiness

As a mom and a tech leader, Elaine Chang has learned to embrace the chaos and put her “octopus mind” to work in service of innovation, at work and at home. Illustrated by Niege Borges.

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What leaders look like

Shrivaths Iyengar 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. Illustrated by Ananya Rao-Middleton.

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Experiencing both sides

As a child, Ana Sofia Gonzalez 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. Discover Ana’s story, illustrated by artist Dai Ruiz.

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Empowerment as a personal value

Sales Manager Danielle Skeen’s growth mindset and passion for empowering her team tie back to her Jamaican roots.

Real progress requires real work

Together we’re sharpening our intention, activating insights, looking inward, and focusing our influence to drive this work, and our progress, forward.

Innovation demands intention.

Microsoft’s custom Allyship Program is grounded in our unique growth mindset culture, focusing on allyship, covering, and privilege to intentionally shift behavior. We pair it with a company-wide D&I; performance priority, so that every employee is accountable for culture change.

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Innovation thrives on insight.

The conversation about identity in the workplace is rapidly evolving. That’s why we engage external experts to spark employee and ecosystem conversations on topics like intersectionality, mental health, faith, gender identity, and chosen families.

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Innovation requires introspection.

We are accountable to look within our organizations, assess what is working and what is not, and measure our progress. As one of the most transparent multinationals of our size, we proactively share data on representation and inclusion.

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Innovation calls for investment.

Our collective potential is limited when everyone doesn’t have access. Microsoft supports unique partnerships to invest in students interested in technology careers. We develop custom programs such as the Neurodiversity Hiring Program, Microsoft Leap, and the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy for transitioning military service members to clear a path for future tech talent.

Embracing the ancestral

Meet Dai Ruiz, Inclusion is Innovation illustrator. Daiana shares her journey as an artist and her profound connection with Paola’s story as a South American woman reconnecting with her indigenous roots.

Communities

Anything is possible when everyone is included. Discover stories told by Microsoft employees and illustrated by members of their communities at Microsoft and around the world. Explore moments of uncovering deeper empathy for one’s self and inspiration to use technology as a bridge to our personal histories and shared future.