#empowHER50 – Gena Goh

When we unlock access through ecosystems, innovation doesn’t just scale—it transforms communities. 

Gena Goh has made it her mission to activate technology as a force for impact—by amplifying the voices, solutions, and talents of others across Microsoft’s global partner ecosystem.  

In 2020, she launched the #BuildFor2030 Initiative, a movement that enabled startups and partners to co-innovate with Microsoft in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through hackathons, marketplace spotlights, and targeted campaigns, Gena helped elevate hundreds of partner solutions that empower customers to become more energy-efficient, manage climate risk, and improve digital accessibility with AI.  

But Gena’s impact goes far beyond driving tech innovations. She understood that access isn’t equal—so she changed the equation. By advocating for Microsoft to sponsor partner-led community organizations, she helped drive digital skilling and professional development initiatives that reached thousands of women. Her leadership has created pathways that are inclusive, measurable, and lasting. 

“As we navigate the changes of the AI era, let’s keep creating pathways for access and opportunity, and enable communities to adapt, benefit from these new capabilities, and thrive.” — Gena Goh 

Gena’s approach is grounded in three strategies: create momentum behind a purpose, build a platform that enables access and innovation, and tap into partners and community to expand impact. She doesn’t wait for change—she builds the systems that make it possible.  

And today, Gena is focusing her attention on enabling teams and organizations to be at the forefront with cy

bersecurity solutions and stay protected. 

Gena’s legacy is one of activation and amplification—turning collaboration into outcomes and partnerships into power. By opening doors, she’s helping women and innovators around the world walk through them—and thrive. 

About #empowHER50 campaign

This campaign celebrates women leaders at Microsoft, past and present, who have been instrumental in democratizing access to technology, opportunity, and growth. By honoring their contributions over the last half-century, this campaign highlights stories of resilience, innovation, and inclusivity. Through digital spotlights, a commemorative coffee table book, live recognition events, and more, the campaign inspires collective action toward achieving equitable societal goals. To learn more about empowHER50, please visit https://womenincloud.com/empowHER50 

To learn about Microsoft 50th celebrations: https://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-50/  

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#empowHER50 – Regina N. Johnson

When we center people, we redefine what growth looks like. 

That belief sits at the core of Regina N. Johnson’s work at Microsoft and in the world. As Senior Manager supporting Partner Engagement, Regina builds pathways, not just programs. Her focus is clear: help small businesses and underestimated entrepreneurs scale with power, clarity, and visibility. 

“Real innovation starts by listening. When we center people, we unlock the kind of growth that transforms communities. One story and one entrepreneur at a time.” — Regina N. Johnson 

At Microsoft, Regina serves as a liaison to external organizations that empower small business owners that are Microsoft partners. She supports strategic initiatives within the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program through capital access, technical enablement, skilling, and community-led partnerships. Under her leadership, efforts working with various organizations have driven a 30% increase in partner revenue and market engagement, while deepening representation in emerging markets. 

One standout initiative: a multimillion-dollar channel investment that supports high-growth Black-owned businesses. From tailored coaching to strategic messaging, the impact is measurable with partners reporting a 40% increase in customer engagement and stronger alignment with Microsoft’s ecosystem. 

But for Regina, numbers are just the beginning. What drives her is the people behind progress, including the founders who dared to dream and the changemakers rewriting the rules of possibility. 

Her work extends beyond Microsoft. She’s the founder of Wonder, a storytelling platform that uplifts the lived experiences of changemakers; the founder of Strata, a consultancy solving complex organizational problems; and a doctoral candidate at Columbia University, researching entrepreneurial resilience and learning strategies for long-term success. 

Regina’s leadership is a powerful reminder that real systems change begins with listening, and thrives through trust, investment, and shared purpose. 

About #empowHER50 campaign

This campaign celebrates women leaders at Microsoft, past and present, who have been instrumental in democratizing access to technology, opportunity, and growth. By honoring their contributions over the last half-century, this campaign highlights stories of resilience, innovation, and inclusivity. Through digital spotlights, a commemorative coffee table book, live recognition events, and more, the campaign inspires collective action toward achieving equitable societal goals. To learn more about empowHER50, please visit https://womenincloud.com/empowHER50 

To learn about Microsoft 50th celebrations: https://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-50/  

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#empowHER50 – Dr. Felicia Guity

Creating equitable systems isn’t just about tech adoption—it’s about access, intention, and transformation. 

 
Throughout her 18-year career at Microsoft, Dr. Felicia Guity redefined what leadership looks like in a global tech ecosystem. Fueled by a deep belief in access, equity, and action, she built programs that didn’t just scale revenue—they empowered lives. 

From her early days supporting mainframe users to becoming a visionary sales leader, Dr. Guity has always understood that technology is most powerful when it’s personal. At Microsoft, she led the creation of the Global Delivery Incentive System—the company’s first scalable, cloud-based channel rewards platform. Designed with cultural sensitivity at its core, the system enabled real-time payments across BRIC countries via kiosks, debit cards, and merchandise—uplifting frontline workers while driving genuine software adoption. 

Her work didn’t stop with systems—it transformed education. In Microsoft’s Education Division, Dr. Guity championed low-cost tech for underserved communities, partnering with initiatives like Intel’s One Laptop per Child and advocating for digital literacy in classrooms across New York, Chicago, and beyond. 

“When access meets intention, transformation begins. That’s where real leadership lives.” — Dr. Felicia Guity 

Today, as a global executive at Coursera, Dr. Guity continues her mission: making world-class education accessible to all. She teaches Black Leadership courses, mentors rising changemakers, and invests in programs that blend digital skills with purpose-driven growth. 

Dr. Guity’s impact is global, personal, and lasting. She has shown the world that real leadership doesn’t just scale businesses—it unlocks human potential, one door at a time. 

About #empowHER50 campaign

This campaign celebrates women leaders at Microsoft, past and present, who have been instrumental in democratizing access to technology, opportunity, and growth. By honoring their contributions over the last half-century, this campaign highlights stories of resilience, innovation, and inclusivity. Through digital spotlights, a commemorative coffee table book, live recognition events, and more, the campaign inspires collective action toward achieving equitable societal goals. To learn more about empowHER50, please visit https://womenincloud.com/empowHER50 

To learn about Microsoft 50th celebrations: https://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-50/  

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#empowHER50 – Michelle Thomas

When technology becomes a tool for access and inclusion, it doesn’t just change systems—it changes lives. 
 
Michelle Thomas is a visionary leader who has spent her career bridging the digital divide to ensure no one is left behind. As President and CEO, and a proud graduate of Spelman College—the #1 ranked HBCU—she brings a powerful perspective on empowerment, equity, and community-building through technology. 

 
At Microsoft, Michelle played a pivotal role in advancing the AI for Good & Government Initiative, convening national, state, and local leaders to address societal challenges through innovation. Her leadership of the largest AI for Government event in the U.S. catalyzed high-impact collaborations and secured key digital transformation contracts, proving how AI can serve communities at every level. 

Michelle’s commitment to inclusion extended through her work as Director of Microsoft’s Accelerate Atlanta and Miami programs, delivering digital skills training, job access, and economic opportunity to underserved populations. Backed by over $1 million in investment and partnerships with nonprofits and corporate allies, these efforts directly impacted communities of color, low-income residents, and those disproportionately affected by the pandemic. 

“Empowering the future means using technology to create access, opportunity, and inclusion—so no one is left behind in the digital age.” — Michelle Thomas 

Her advocacy continues through MichelleFThomas LLC, where she drives diversity initiatives, supports students with LinkedIn and Microsoft Learn trainings, and elevates women in leadership as Vice President of Charlotte Women Executives. Whether mentoring rising professionals or partnering with leaders like Carla Harris, Michelle’s work is rooted in purpose, connection, and access. 

Michelle’s legacy is built on empowerment through education, opportunity, and collaboration. By championing inclusive access to technology, she is reshaping what’s possible—for individuals, communities, and future generations. Her story is a call to action: when women lead with vision and heart, the future gets brighter for everyone. 

About #empowHER50 campaign

This campaign celebrates women leaders at Microsoft, past and present, who have been instrumental in democratizing access to technology, opportunity, and growth. By honoring their contributions over the last half-century, this campaign highlights stories of resilience, innovation, and inclusivity. Through digital spotlights, a commemorative coffee table book, live recognition events, and more, the campaign inspires collective action toward achieving equitable societal goals. To learn more about empowHER50, please visit https://womenincloud.com/empowHER50 

To learn about Microsoft 50th celebrations: https://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-50/  

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#empowHER50 – Ananya Ghosh Chowdhury

 
Empowering the world through AI starts with making it accessible to everyone, everywhere. 

With a bold vision for the future of AI, Ananya Ghosh Chowdhury is redefining what it means to democratize emerging technology. As a Senior Cloud Solution Architect in Data and AI at Microsoft, she is transforming how industries operate, while making sure the benefits of AI reach far beyond boardrooms and into communities worldwide. 
 
From designing multimodal, multilingual AI solutions in fast-paced retail environments to building generative AI platforms for healthcare, Ananya’s work has enhanced customer satisfaction, driven operational efficiency, and saved organizations millions annually. Her platforms are built on responsible AI principles, prioritizing privacy, content safety, and transparency, creating models of impact that others can scale. 

She’s helped boost order accuracy in drive-throughs, speed up call center resolution times, and deliver wellness assessments that personalize healthcare experiences. Her innovation has reshaped how businesses operate—and how they serve people. 

“True democratization of AI means breaking down barriers and making technology accessible to all. By providing the right tools, education, and support, we can empower individuals and businesses to leverage AI for transformative change.” — Ananya Ghosh Chowdhury 

Beyond enterprise transformation, Ananya is a thought leader and educator, known for her LinkedIn newsletter The Future of Generative AI, speaking appearances at ODSC and AI Summit, and contributions to Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary Campaign. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top AI Voice and a Marquis Who’s Who honoree, she uses her platform to ensure that AI works for everyone, not just the few. 

Through AI upskilling initiatives, mentorship with Women in Data Science, and her advisory roles in AI startups and universities, Ananya is equipping businesses and individuals to embrace AI confidently and ethically. Her leadership ensures that as AI advances, inclusion keeps pace—so no one gets left behind. 
 
About #empowHER50 campaign

This campaign celebrates women leaders at Microsoft, past and present, who have been instrumental in democratizing access to technology, opportunity, and growth. By honoring their contributions over the last half-century, this campaign highlights stories of resilience, innovation, and inclusivity. Through digital spotlights, a commemorative coffee table book, live recognition events, and more, the campaign inspires collective action toward achieving equitable societal goals. To learn more about empowHER50, please visit https://womenincloud.com/empowHER50 

To learn about Microsoft 50th celebrations: https://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-50/  

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