#empowHER50 – Maggie Chan Jones

True leadership isn’t just about personal success—it’s about paving the way for others to rise. Maggie Chan Jones has dedicated her career to breaking barriers, championing diversity, and ensuring more people have access to the opportunities that drive business and societal progress. 

During her time at Microsoft, Maggie led the U.S. Product Marketing team to drive early adoption of SaaS-based Office 365 (now Microsoft 365), making enterprise-grade cloud technology accessible to businesses of all sizes. As the first woman to serve as Global Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at SAP, she led digital skills development and transformation efforts in marketing that strengthened the company’s global brand. But her mission didn’t stop at corporate leadership—she wanted to build a world where leadership was more accessible to women and underrepresented talent. 

In 2017, Maggie founded Tenshey, Inc., a purpose-driven business focused on elevating more women and diverse professionals into leadership. The impact was immediate—38% of program participants earned promotions within a year, proving that with the right support, talent can rise and thrive. As a corporate board director, she continues to advocate for business strategies and workforce engagement models that reflect and empower the diverse communities they serve. 

“When more people have access to opportunities, businesses and communities thrive.” — Maggie Chan Jones 

Maggie’s impact is rooted in three key strategies: creating awareness of opportunities through education and networking, encouraging big dreams by helping individuals break self-imposed barriers and connecting talent with mentors and sponsors who provide guidance and open doors to leadership. 

By championing access, mentorship, and inclusive leadership, Maggie is shaping a future where ambition meets opportunity, and where more voices are represented at the highest levels. 

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 – Anna Kopp

Innovation thrives on diversity, and Anna Kopp is leading the charge to ensure women in tech gain the recognition and opportunities they deserve. 

As a founder of multiple Women in Tech CIO Networks, she is committed to fostering leadership, building communities, and elevating female talent based on skills and expertise. 

Anna’s journey began as the Women at Microsoft Chairwoman in Germany, a role that expanded to EMEA Chairwoman and now, as of December, company-wide co-chair. This visibility has granted her credibility within CIO circles, allowing her to advocate for systemic change. 

She co-founded the Female CIO Circle, a prestigious network bringing together Germany’s top 30 female CIOs in partnership with Deloitte and Bitkom/#shetransformsIT. Through technical gatherings and speaking engagements, Anna has amplified female leadership in technology. She also serves as a founding and advisory board member of CIDO Women Germany, a sub-board of CIOnet, with chapters across multiple countries and a target of 100 members in Germany. By championing expert-led conversations and coaching circles, she is shaping the next wave of female tech leaders. 

Beyond corporate networks, Anna founded the Female Leader Lounge at Munich Business School. This initiative pairs top female students with C-level mentors, now in its third year, with an expanding alumni network for continued career development. Through these initiatives, Anna ensures that women aren’t just discussing the gender gap—they are actively closing it through expertise, leadership, and mentorship. 

“Finger food does not close the gender pay gap. We need to rally to build up competencies and create a stage for role models to share technical expertise and develop each other and others.” — Anna Kopp 

Anna’s work exemplifies Inclusivity & Representation, ensuring that women in tech are recognized for their expertise, not just their presence. She believes in action over discussion, fostering real opportunities for women to lead in technology. 

About #WICxEmpowHER50 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 – Tameka McNair

Access isn’t just about opening doors—it’s about making sure everyone has a pathway to walk through them.  

Tameka McNair is on a mission to turn opportunity into action, ensuring that talent from all backgrounds has the support, mentorship, and resources to thrive. She knows that representation in technology isn’t just about who gets a seat at the table—it’s about who has the opportunity to pull up a chair. From being the only woman in her engineering classes to leading DEI and tech-driven initiatives at Microsoft, she has made it her mission to open doors for others. 

“True impact is measured by the doors we open for others. When we create access, we don’t just change individual lives—we transform industries and entire communities.” — Tameka McNair 

At Microsoft, Tameka led the AI-enabled HR initiative, using artificial intelligence to enhance workplace inclusivity, ensuring fair and transparent decision-making. As Vice-Chair of the Microsoft Alumni Network Board, she has strengthened engagement, providing career resources and mentorship to both current employees and alumni. 

A passionate mentor and advocate, Tameka has guided adults and youth in underserved communities toward STEM careers, proving that no dream is too big to pursue. She also co-founded the Women in Energy Conference, an industry-leading event with 93% participation rates, designed to elevate women in a traditionally male-dominated field. By integrating tech-focused sessions, she has bridged the gap between energy and technology, expanding opportunities for women across industries. 

Tameka’s success is driven by three key strategies: mentoring underserved communities by helping individuals navigate and access opportunities in STEM, leveraging technology for inclusivity by using AI to create fair and transparent workplaces and creating professional development platforms through networks like Women in Energy and the Microsoft Alumni Network to foster career growth. By focusing on these pillars, she is breaking down barriers and shaping industries where everyone has the chance to succeed. 

Tameka’s work isn’t just about individual success—it’s about reshaping industries and making technology more inclusive for all. By investing in people, fostering mentorship, and driving change through innovation, she is creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to 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 – Karen E Simpson

Karen E. Simpson has dedicated her career to amplifying voices, fostering inclusive cultures, and ensuring women have the confidence and support to thrive.

Karen’s inspiration comes from her grandmother, who broke barriers at GE and reshaped policies to empower women. Taking up this legacy, Karen initiated a movement at Microsoft—forming a pact among women to amplify each other’s contributions in meetings. Within months, the culture began to shift, fostering greater recognition and visibility for women across the organization.

She expanded her efforts by co-founding a women’s network, connecting over 100 women in leadership discussions, career development, and peer mentorship. This initiative led to more women stepping into leadership roles and created a culture of empowerment and collaboration.

Her influence reached across team boundaries when she became a trainer in Microsoft’s DevDiv team’s Allyship program, educating thousands on privilege, inclusion, and how to be effective allies. Through mentorship, she has guided countless individuals—both men and women—on career growth, leadership, and fostering diverse team dynamics.

“Every woman travels the road improved by those who came before her. I’ve embraced a personal obligation to tear down barriers by bringing women together for their voices to be heard and empowering them with the confidence to reach and achieve higher.” — Karen E. Simpson

Today, Karen continues her mission as the founder of a female managers’ circle, a team community where women support each other in leadership. Through every initiative, conversation, and act of advocacy, she proves that when women stand together, they create lasting impact. By breaking barriers and ensuring women’s voices are heard, she is shaping a future where progress is sustained for generations to come.

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/empowHER50To learn about Microsoft 50th celebrations: https://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-50/

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#empowHER50 – Heather Deggans

Access to technology should not be a privilege—it should be a pathway to opportunity.  

Heather Deggans has dedicated her career to making technology more accessible, helping Microsoft partners and customers harness its power to drive impact, efficiency, and growth. 

Heather developed a full-funnel marketing approach, creating a repeatable, data-driven model that enables Microsoft partners to market, sell, and deliver the value of Microsoft Cloud solutions. She has also led workshops on Microsoft Teams, demonstrating how technology fosters collaboration, accelerates decision-making, and democratizes access to information. 

Beyond marketing innovation, Heather has strengthened the Americas partner ecosystem, scaling partner reach and optimizing operations. She launched a roundtable series to turn partner insights into action, improving enablement and efficiency while reinforcing Microsoft’s leadership in the industry. 

Heather’s passion extends to cultural transformation and career development. She spearheaded the Brené Brown Empathy in Action program and Dare to Lead course, equipping leaders with skills to foster psychological safety. She also mentors professionals inside and outside Microsoft and champions diversity and inclusion through initiatives like the Annual Better Together Women’s Leadership Summit, celebrating women in leadership and fostering allyship. 

“Technology should be available to all to help every person on the planet to achieve more.” — Heather Deggans 

Heather’s leadership is built on three key strategies: expanding opportunities within and beyond Microsoft, mobilizing funding to promote access and equity, and strengthening Microsoft’s standing as a leading employer through inclusive leadership programs. 

Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, Heather is paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible future in technology. 

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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