Video

Bringing ourselves to the work of improving accessibility

Roberto Perez, 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.

Video

Partnering for inclusion and accessibility

Jessica Rafuse, 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.

Video

How a military veteran found empowerment in her ADHD and autism

Ryen Macababbad, 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.

Video

Honoring heritage and self

Staci Pendergress, 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.

Video

Giving fonts a purpose – across culture and ability

As a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Greg Hitchcock, 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.

Video

Telling Indigenous stories in gaming

Crediting her Cherokee roots, Gillian Vaughn, 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.

Video

Finding a sense of belonging

As a young mom, Diana Gonzalez 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.

Video

A path for the gamers

Utilizing the resourcefulness he feels is intrinsic to his Brazilian heritage, Daniel Martins, Xbox Loyalty Marketing Lead at Microsoft, set out to help young Latin-Americans get into gaming with programs like Imagine Cup.

Video

Growing day by day

After her family experienced bankruptcy when she was young, Gabriela Olmos-Hill, Senior Director at Microsoft, learned how to fix things the only way she knew how — through community. Now she’s driving the business forward every day.

Video

A captain’s treasure

We hold on to items over time and watch them become symbolic for where we’ve been and what we’ve done. For Petrus Johnson, an essay, insignia, and audiobook all hold significance to his path so far.

Video

A journey defined by wings and words

For Vishal Amin, relics like his “thinking ball,” his first wings earned in the US Marine Corps, and treasured letters from his family offer comfort and remind him of who he is and what he’s both accomplished and overcome. These objects help to portray Vishal’s journey of duty, sacrifice, and gratitude.

Video

Art of cherishing travel

Sometimes our possessions remind us of our favorite places or home. Athena Chang shares the items that take her back to Taiwan, Prague, and New York. Join the conversation and share with us what items remind you of the places you’ve been.

Video

Tosh’s journey through time

There are artifacts in our lives that represent how we connect to the world around us. Tosh Hudson shares how journaling, music, and plants, for him, represent a willingness to release, learn and grow. Join the conversation, and tell us about what artifacts carry a deeper meaning in your life.

Video

Near and dear

Keepsakes that get passed through generations of a connected family can unlock hidden characteristics of our colleagues. Cynthia Bryant presents us with some of hers that showcase her mom’s creativity and how she encourages herself to fly. What cherished keepsakes have passed through the hands of your family?

Video

Power of empathy in effective leadership

After balancing work and caring for her son as he dealt with challenges to his eyesight, Cynthia Bryant activated her courage. Now, she strives to manage her team with grace, strength and truth in moments where they are also balancing family life and career.

Video

Embracing chosen family

With an appreciation of chosen families and defining relationships on our own terms, Tosh Hudson, director at Microsoft, shares his lifestyle of ethical nonmonogamy and champions nontraditional ways of connecting with people.

Video

Nurturing cultural commitment

Inspired by her son, Athena Chang navigates her career and motherhood with empathy and resilience. Marked by familial support and the importance of cultural preservation as she raises her own family, she shares a deep connection with her clients.

Animated Video

Innovating beyond the mind’s eye

Emmanuelle Rodrigues Nunes has an invisible disability that prevents her from visualizing things in her mind. Now she proves that she can do anything that anybody else can, working passionately to spread awareness of aphantasia. Illustrated by Dana Kearly.

Article

Bringing my collective self to problem solving

Cambodian-born American immigrant Sopheak Neak is on a journey to realize his own identity and in doing so, creating safe spaces and resources for his community—inside and outside of Microsoft.

Animated Video

No shame

Thiago struggled to keep his ADHD and anxiety a secret, until working through a mental health crisis led him to realize that his differences brought a unique perspective to his work. Illustrated by Jason Wilsher-Mills.

Article

Rethinking remote

During the pandemic, Experience Lead Sascha Ackermann and his team set out to make meetings and events more inclusive, for both remote and on-site teams. The result was Microsoft’s first hybrid event room.

Article

The power of empathy

For Customer Success Account Manager Thad Stafford, living with PTSD, anxiety, and substance abuse disorder empowers him to connect more intentionally with customers.

Animated Video

Nichole’s Balancing Act 

Nichole was used to juggling her job, her life, and her anxiety. At a time when she achieved her biggest professional goal, she found that her mental health threatened to bring it all crashing down. Jonathan Soren illustrates Nichole’s story of connection, growth, and the search for balance.

Animated Video

Freedom in uncovering

Manuel Pereira has been navigating life with epilepsy. From concealing his condition to being vocal about his needs, Manuel shares a journey of strength, acceptance, and the power of a supportive workplace, illustrated by Fred Campbell.

Article

Lessons on fatherhood and resilience from my Sikh upbringing

Senior Customer Engineer Davinder Pal Singh channels the teachings from his faith and family life into meaningful representation of Sikhism in tech.

Article

New world views

Diagnosed with a visual disability in her teens, Senior Product Manager Nidhi Jain advocates for assistive technologies in the workplace designed to meet people where they are.

Article

From covering my identity to embracing it

Raised by Vietnamese refugees and in nondiverse communities, Director of Customer Success Ngoc Dinh now helps provide a safe, welcoming space for AAPI self-identified colleagues.

Animated Video

What Leaders Look Like

Shrivaths worried that coworkers would be reluctant to follow a leader with disabilities. Instead, he discovered that his experiences made him a stronger, more empathetic manager. Illustrated by Ananya Rao-Middleton.

Video

Planting seeds, cultivating personal growth

Our possessions sometimes serve as personalized markers of our growth. Sonja Gu shares with us her avocado plant, which serves as a symbol of her personal evolution.

Video

A mother’s love

Meet Megumi Voight, whose possessions speak volumes about her journey. From her mother’s protective amulet to a cherished challenge coin marking professional growth, each item resonates with Megumi’s personal evolution and resilience.

Video

The power of an open heart and mind

Sometimes we possess intangible items that are useful ideals that we carry with us. Naval Tripathi shares with us three tools within his spiritual inventory that act as his most treasured possessions.

Video

Always room to grow

Drawing empathy from her upbringing in China and her mother’s resilience, Sonja Gu, a product marketing manager at Microsoft, transitioned from banking to tech with a goal in mind: to pioneer solutions and foster company evolution. Overcoming introversion, she now confidently contributes in a way that reflects her own growth.

Animated Video

Everything has a solution

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

Animated Video

Personal tech

For Pablo Veramendi, director of Audience Evangelism, responsible innovation is more than a professional mandate: it’s part of his job as a dad. Illustrated by Phoenix Owens.

Animated Video

Experiencing both sides

Ana Sofia Gonzalez grew up in Mexico but went to school in El Paso. Discover how moving between two cultures helped make her a better graphic designer. Discover Ana’s story, illustrated by artist Dai Ruiz

Article

Great expectations

When Colombian-born Joseph Sefair interviewed at Microsoft fresh out of graduate school, he was not expecting to get the job. Twenty-two years later, he continues to advocate for recruiting people from around the globe.

Animated Video

Citizen of the world

Sandra Valle is originally from Mexico, living in Estonia, and managing orientation for new employees from all over the world. Explore how her experience embracing new cultures prepared her to face challenges head-on in her animated story by artist Niege Borges.

Animated Video

Bring yourself to work

Rodrigo grew up undocumented and felt like he lived in the shadows. When he joined a group of Microsoft volunteers translating for refugees at the U.S. border, he rediscovered his light. Brought to life by artist Daiana Ruíz

Animated Video

This is my sazón

Ivelisse Capellan Heyer is a user experience designer that uses patience and her family to combat her own self-doubt. Watch how her journey has unfolded, illustrated by Sol Cotti.

Animated Video

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.

Article

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.

Video

Tracy Jones Innovator’s Inventory is all about stories

Every object tells a story of growth and inspiration. Join us as Tracy Jones reveals the personal inventory that defines his path and principles. What items have shaped your journey?

Video

Ashley Innovator’s Inventory and the big plans she’s made

Our personal treasures hold the stories of who we are. Ashley Witherspoon shares the tangible symbols of her values and journey. What mementos narrate your life’s chapters?

Video

Jerome Innovator’s Inventory and the items that remind him of who he is

Every artifact in our life can be a source of inspiration and a marker for success. Jerome Collins presents us with the personal items that fuel his creativity and professional growth. What mementos represent your path to success?

Video

When innovation and passion collide

Jerome Collins 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.

Video

The link between customer success and the freedom to be yourself

Inspired by her son and her joy-centered approach, Ashley Witherspoon, a Microsoft customer success account manager, champions the power of a unique voice to drive change and growth in the corporate world.

Video

How a poet achieved his ultimate goal

Driven by his mother’s dream and a commitment to innovation, representation, and the empowerment of the Black and African American community, Tracy Jones shares his inspiring journey from poet to professional writer.

Article

Lessons from childhood on embracing change

For Project Manager Amulya Gupta, growing up in an army family shaped her approach to creating more opportunities for women in tech.

Article

From the army to the cloud

From army veteran to senior cloud solution architect, Jimmy Avila proves that curiosity is key to personal development and connecting with customers.

Video

Nurturing our intrinsic value

Raised with values rooted in her Japanese heritage, Megumi Voight 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.

Video

Redefining security in a digital landscape

After falling victim to a public data breach, Vishal Amin developed a passion for cybersecurity and set out to defend digital spaces. He traces his journey from his Marine Corps enlistment to becoming managing director of security solutions at Microsoft, embodying the ethos to promote a safer digital world.

Video

Beyond a promise

Upon joining the US Marines at age 17, Petrus Johnson promised his mom he’d get a college degree, and he delivered. Now a customer success account manager, he honors his roots by guiding fellow veterans and fostering social justice discussions beyond the workplace.

Animated Video

Uncovering courageously

Senior Technical Specialist Brent Nix once felt obligated to navigate unsafe workspaces. However, a pivotal incident at a previous company gave him the courage to uncover and ultimately find a space and voice at Microsoft where he no longer felt the need to hide his true self. Illustrated by Lynne Hardy.

Article

My unconventional path to tech

Air Force reservist and Engineering Technical Program Manager Zachary Oxendine pulls from his rural, Indigenous roots to empower the next generation of leaders in STEM.

Article

Stay curious

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

Article

More than a game

Growing up in Mérida, Yucatán in Mexico, Luis Angel Mex was very connected to his Mayan heritage. These days, he honors that heritage by creating culturally inclusive gaming studios and experiences.

Article

Common ground

After more than 10 years working at Microsoft, Manitoban Deanna LaJambe reflects on the impact of exercising her “empathy muscle” in life and at work.

Animated Video

Written in the sky

As a Microsoft Engineer and member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, Tracy found a way to fuse tradition and technology using Microsoft language tools to help preserve and teach Indigenous languages. Experience his story, illustrated by Gregg Deal.

Animated Video

The icebreaker

When Paola started her new position during the pandemic, she found it challenging to connect with coworkers. So, she used existing technology and suggestions from her peers in the Indigenous community, to create something completely new.

Animated Video

Embrace your identity, embrace life

Business Program Manager Kimberly Marreros Chuco shares her inspiring journey of self-acceptance and adaptability, born from challenges she’s faced since moving from a mining town in the Andes. Through her story, she reminds us that it’s essential to embrace our unique identity and find beauty in the challenges we face, always remembering that making mistakes is a valuable part of our growth. Illustrated by Tai Silva.

Animated Video

Data-driven dreams

Funmi Omoliki is a data and AI specialist who believes in the power of storytelling and our collective power to transform society. Discover her story, illustrated by artist Dai Ruiz.

Animated Video

A commitment to service

Mary McCready, a US Marine Corps veteran and Microsoft content manager, has dedicated her life to helping others—from fellow vets, to Microsoft customers, to humanity as a whole. Discover Mary’s story of innovation and ingenuity, illustrated by artist Edward Dinzole.

Animated Video

On the front line of change

When Jasmin, a security expert in the Australian military, started transitioning from defense, her first battle was against self-doubt. Now, she’s fighting to empower veterans like herself to achieve more and win their own battles, illustrated by Debs Lim.

Article

All the lives that have shaped me

First-generation Filipino American Director of Product Marketing Mia Reyes has found a role where her nontraditional career path is not just accepted but celebrated.

Animated Video

Cracking the code

When Zuzu began her career as a software engineer, she often battled Imposter Syndrome. Then, she decided to fight the status quo. Discover her story of ingenuity and empowerment, illustrated by Cha Pornea.

Article

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.

Video

“I am free to be exactly who I am.”

Inspired by her son and her joy-centered approach, Ashley Witherspoon, a Microsoft customer success account manager, champions the power of a unique voice to drive change and growth in the corporate world.

Article

Balancing career, motherhood, and personal purpose

HR Business Partner and mom of two, Estefania (Fany) Canosa advocates for women taking on new challenges both in the workplace and on the homefront.

Article

Gaming for change

Senior Direct Sales Associate and HOLA member Lilia Fratini blends her love of gaming and technology with her commitment to community through building more access to STEM learning opportunities for kids.

Article

Showing up and taking action

Microsoft Security Senior Product Manager and entrepreneur Lisa Huang-North pulls from her multicultural upbringing to foster community for people who identify as Asian American and Pacific Islander.

Article

Empowerment as a personal value

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

Video

Waypoints of wisdom and Christina’s journey in STEM and gaming

All of our possessions are markers, proudly celebrating the waypoints we’ve reached in our lives. Christina Parker shares her cherished keepsakes that guide us through her journey in STEM and gaming. Share the mementos that act as markers in your life.

Video

Erin’s symbols of self and her journey through personal keepsakes 

Each item a person owns helps to shape their story. Erin Jagelski shares the symbols of her journey and cherished memories. Dive into the conversation and reveal the keepsakes that narrate your story.

Video

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.

Video

Melissa Curry’s treasures of heritage and achievement

Our possessions showcase the things that really matter to us. Melissa Curry 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.

Animated Video

Empowerment by Design

Once one of few women in her field, Melissa Kroskie has become a fierce advocate for accessible workspaces that enable independence and empowerment for everyone. Illustrated by Pola Augustynowicz

Video

Erin’s mission to revolutionize parental support in the workplace

Guided by a gift for listening and a commitment to motherhood, Erin Jagelski 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.

Video

A leap through financial hardship

Influenced by her son and a mentor, Melissa Curry explains how she transformed her life through Microsoft’s LEAP program, going from financial hardship to flourishing as a technical program manager. Now, she gives back as an ambassador and helps to foster tech opportunities in underserved communities.

Video

Virtual representation and diversity in the gaming world

Inspired by her early love for fantasy and gaming, Christina Parker 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.

Article

Making space

With a background more in humans than in technology, Seattle-based Community Manager Naomi Boyd helps steer cultural transformation for Microsoft’s Advertising team in her everyday interactions.

Article

Finding belonging through allyship

As a parent of adopted children and a member of multiple communities, Senior Product Marketing Manager Tyler Mays-Childers says he’s able to find deeper connections through allyship.

Article

Coming out to myself

For Technical Advisor and GLEAM UK Community Lead Adam Dinwoodie, launching the Pride Network at his previous company became a catalyst for his push to create safer spaces in the workplace.

Video

From doodles to opened doors 

Caroline Scalley invites us into their world through cherished possessions that act as chapters of their journey. A vintage toy computer reflects their tech journey, while a pin evokes memories of childhood creativity with Microsoft Paint.

Animated Video

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.

Animated Video

Nurturing Inner Peace

When Ethan started at Microsoft, he prioritized money over his wellbeing. Twelve years later, the senior customer success manager and ERG 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, illustrated by Camila Abdanur.

Animated Video

Finding Euphoria 

Christabel Sheridan found the courage to come out to her coworkers after a company conference. Now, she’s spreading the word—and her wings—as a transgender educator and advocate. Illustrated by Karla Monterossa.

Video

Utilizing your superpower

Armed with what he calls “super empathy,” Joao Madureira, 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.

Video

Freedom in self-expression

Emerging from a journey of self-discovery and embracing their nonbinary identity, Caroline Scalley, senior business administrator at Microsoft, shares their distinctive qualities with pride. 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.

Article

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.

Article

Hidden no longer 

Toyia Blount’s journey of self-acceptance has helped her embrace her complexities, raise her voice, and tear down stereotypes.

Article

A life less silent 

For Lyn Cameron, her hearing loss journey helped her find her voice. Now she wants to make sure everyone has a chance to be heard.

Article

I don’t have the option to be shy

Gonçalo Mendes has always yearned for independence. His journey with cerebral palsy led him from relying on others for care to taking care of others.

Article

A path with many lanes

Through years of juggling her studies, part-time jobs, and motherhood, Customer Success Account Manager Tash Bettridge managed to find her place in tech— and has made it her mission to help other women do the same.

Article

Keeper of stories

Product Marketing Manager Samuel Briscoe leverages his unique upbringing and multicultural heritage to challenge biases and drive change on the sustainability front.

Article

I am my marae, my marae is me – “Ko au te marae, ko te marae ko au”

For Senior Channel Sales Manager Dan Te Whenua Walker, connecting with the local Māori community allowed him to bridge the two worlds of his dual heritage, Māori and Pākehā.

Article

My true self, my way

Principal Service Engineering Manager Telmo Sampaio learned the strength of embracing differences early in life. Today, they’re empowering engineers to bring their diverse backgrounds, cultural values, and ideas into the workplace.

Article

Embracing the unplanned path 

Senior Product Manager Elva Fernandez Sanchez has confronted financial challenges, language barriers, and career shifts. She now uses her voice to shape the future of Microsoft’s products and bring about meaningful change in her community.