Inclusion is Innovation: Black and African American Community
When you're given the space to own your power, you empower those around you. Discover stories of innovation and inspiration from Black and African American Microsoft employees and community artists.
Good energy
Mekonnen Kassa first learned about mechanical engineering from a cab fare. Now, as a leader, mentor, and advocate, he’s helping the next generation of Black innovators find their way. Discover his story, brought to life by illustrator Phoenix Owens.
More stories
Changing the game
Content Program Manager Albert Dankwa didn’t have a computer until high school. Today, he’s working to create more opportunities in the gaming industry for people who look and sound like him.
Small world, big ideas
Michele Luma, a Cameroonian native, was inspired to pursue her passions half a world away. But she never expected that spreading her wings would help her reconnect with her roots. Illustrated by Monique Wray.
Removing the mask of perfection
For Customer Success Account Manager and Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Chief of Staff Iona Wilson, finally showing up as her true authentic self, helped her see her full potential — and created a safe space for other Black women.
A Journey to racial awareness
For Digital Account Executive Douglas Neres, starting the first Blacks at Microsoft chapter in Latin America has brought him closer to his cultural identity and community.
Empowerment As a personal value
Sales Manager Danielle Skeen’s growth mindset and passion for empowering her team tie back to her Jamaican roots.
Accountable for progress
Responsibility and accountability require action, not just promises. We leverage our platform to improve lived experiences at Microsoft and beyond—exercising the same commitment we bring to all we do.
Increasing representation
We are building on our momentum, adding a $150 million investment to strengthen inclusion and double the number of US Black and African American, and Hispanic and Latinx people managers, senior individual contributors, and senior leaders by 2025.
Informing personal action
Inclusion is the result of the actions we take daily. Through the personalized Race and Ethnicity Learning Path, employees can build their knowledge and deepen awareness around critical topics, informing allyship.
Investing in future talent
Building an industry reflective of the world we live in relies on meaningful partnerships. We’ve provided $8 million in funding since 2020 to HBCUs, pairing financial support with direct collaboration on curriculum and recruiting.
Intentional career development
Investing in leadership development has never been more important. We have launched 38 cohorts of our mid-level and senior-level differentiated development programs to date, with further staged cohorts planned for this year and beyond.