#empowHER50 – Melissa Mulholland

When innovation is personal, technology doesn’t just scale—it saves lives. 

For Melissa Mulholland, AI isn’t just a business strategy—it’s a lifeline. As CEO of Crayon and a former Microsoft executive, Melissa is scaling the power of AI across industries, driven by her own powerful experience with how technology can transform healthcare and human connection. 

Melissa’s journey took a dramatic turn when she was told that her unborn son had posterior urethral valves (PUV)—a rare, life-threatening condition. Determined to give him a chance, she underwent a high-risk medical procedure that saved his life. That experience became a catalyst for her mission: to make life-changing technology accessible to all. 

At Microsoft, Melissa began championing AI in healthcare, sharing her story with global health leaders to inspire action. One of those conversations sparked a collaboration between Crayon and Oslo University Hospital, where AI now supports colon cancer screening and patient monitoring—real solutions with life-saving potential. 

“My story demonstrates the transformative impact of AI in healthcare, driven by personal experiences and innovative technology.” — Melissa Mulholland 

Now leading Crayon, Melissa continues scaling inclusive, purpose-driven innovation across the globe. She’s helping expand access to AI for underserved communities, breaking down geographic and economic barriers in healthcare, and ensuring technology is easy to use, easy to understand, and accessible to everyone. Closer to home, she sees AI’s power daily—her son Conor uses speech therapy apps powered by AI to build communication skills and confidence. 

Melissa’s work proves that meaningful innovation must be both scalable and personal. By connecting human needs with technological possibilities, she’s building a future where AI doesn’t just solve problems—it delivers hope. 

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 – Kim Kelly Hart, ACC

True innovation is born when courage meets compassion—and creates lasting change for people and the cultures that support them. 

Kim Kelly Hart has always believed that transformation begins with people. Over her 25-year journey at Microsoft, she didn’t just lead change—she humanized it. From major workforce shifts to bold cultural conversations, Kim has redefined what it means to innovate with empathy. 

When the pandemic forced the closure of Microsoft’s physical Stores, it could have marked an ending. Instead, it sparked one of the company’s most impactful workforce transformation efforts. As a senior leader, Kim stepped forward to lead the charge, aiming to transition 300 Store employees into new corporate roles—tapping into their technical know-how, customer experience, and resilience. 

Under her vision and leadership, 320 employees successfully moved into roles across the company. She mapped their skills to business needs, created targeted training, offered resume and interview coaching, and rallied hiring managers across departments. More than a talent redeployment, this initiative was a reaffirmation of Microsoft’s commitment to its people—and earned recognition in the company’s year-end diversity report. 

But Kim wasn’t done. The experience inspired her to found MiDOViA, an organization dedicated to empowering midlife employees through workplace menopause awareness, education, and advocacy. In a world where midlife is often invisible, Kim is giving it a voice—and companies a roadmap to support their most experienced talent. 

“Together, we can drive change that benefits individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.” — Kim Kelly Hart 

Kim’s leadership bridges transitions—with grace, vision, and results. From helping frontline employees find new purpose to breaking the silence around midlife in the workplace, her work is transforming how organizations think about inclusion, wellness, and retention. Her legacy is proof that innovation isn’t just about what’s next—it’s about who we bring with us. 

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 – Joanne Harrell

When partnerships are rooted in purpose, they don’t just drive progress—they unlock prosperity for all. 

Joanne Harrell has spent her life building bridges between business and community, turning collaboration into a catalyst for opportunity. As a retired Microsoft executive, First Lady of Seattle, and adjunct professor at the University of Washington, Joanne brings deep experience and unwavering commitment to shared prosperity and social impact. 

During her two decades at Microsoft, Joanne led the U.S. Citizenship and Public Affairs team, pioneering transformative public-private partnerships across more than 80 jurisdictions. Under her leadership, the Digital Alliance model took flight, bringing together civic leaders, educational institutions, and Microsoft’s internal divisions to create career pathways through digital skills, certifications, and economic opportunity. Initiatives like YouthSpark reached thousands of young people in cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, and Chicago, aligning Microsoft’s mission with the needs of local communities. 

But Joanne’s passion for impact began long before Microsoft. She founded The Registry Program in Seattle, providing scholarships, mentorship, and job training to 450 high school students, earning a Presidential Citation for outstanding service. As President & CEO of United Way of King County, she partnered with the Gates Foundation to grow the endowment by over $220 million, making it the most financially secure United Way in the country and vastly expanding support for underserved families. 

“Partnerships change the world. By being the type of partner that each of us would like to work with, we can see opportunities to enable dreams to become real, we can uplift others and make the world better for us all.” — Joanne Harrell 

Joanne’s legacy is rooted in collaboration, equity, and purpose. Whether she’s mentoring students, empowering women in tech, or leading regional impact initiatives, her work proves that real change happens when leaders unite around a shared vision—and uplift others along the way. 

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 – Sabina Nawaz

When leadership is shared, doors don’t just open—they stay open for everyone who follows. 

For Sabina Nawaz, leadership is a force for change, a platform for inclusion, and a commitment to elevate others. From growing up in India navigating social bias, to becoming one of Microsoft’s most respected leadership voices, Sabina has spent her life making sure no one else has to lead alone. 

At Microsoft, Sabina rose through the ranks to lead teams behind products like Windows, Internet Explorer, and MSN. But when she found herself in a job that paved the path for a near-certain promotion to corporate vice president, she made a different choice—one rooted in purpose. She pivoted to lead Microsoft’s global executive development, working alongside Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer to democratize leadership across the company. 

Decades earlier, she co-founded Hoppers, Microsoft’s first employee resource group for technical women. What started with a handful of members grew into a 2,000+ strong nearly overnight and then thousands and thousands—and a blueprint replicated across the tech industry. She went on to co-find the Seattle chapter of Women in Technology International, building networks that have supported thousands of professional women. 

“Democratizing leadership means putting powerful tools into every hand—not just those at the top. True progress happens when anyone, anywhere, can lead.” — Sabina Nawaz 

After Microsoft, Sabina scaled her mission globally. Her Harvard Business Review, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company articles have reached over 7.5 million readers. Her TEDx talk continues to inspire audiences around the world—including one woman in Bangladesh who said it saved her life. Her book, You’re the Boss, turns 25 years of insight into an accessible toolkit for anyone ready to lead. 

Sabina’s legacy is one of deep empathy, courageous decisions, and unwavering inclusivity. Through coaching, writing, and community-building, she’s ensured that leadership isn’t a privilege—it’s a shared responsibility. Her story reminds us that real power lies not in being the only one at the table, but in pulling up chairs for others. 

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 – Lakecia Gunter

Technology should be an equalizer, not a barrier.  

From AI to cloud computing, she has dedicated her career to ensuring that businesses—especially those from underrepresented communities—have the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive. Technology should empower people, not exclude them, and I am committed to making it accessible to those who need it most,” she says. 

As a Fortune 50 Tech Executive and Corporate Board Director, Lakecia has been a catalyst for change, bridging the gap between innovation and access. Through mentorship, advocacy, and leadership development, she has helped create pathways for women, Black professionals, and emerging leaders to break into and excel in the tech industry. For her, representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about building an ecosystem where diverse voices lead and drive meaningful impact and change. 

Her impact extends beyond the corporate world. Through ROAR, her podcast, she amplifies industry insights and career strategies, bringing knowledge to those who may not have direct access to top leaders. As a board director and community leader, she champions equity-driven decision-making at the highest levels, ensuring that companies prioritize inclusion not just in words, but in action. 

Lakecia’s legacy is one of empowerment and impact. Whether she’s mentoring the next generation, shaping industry policies, or pushing for greater inclusivity in leadership, she remains driven by one core belief: Technology should work for everyone—and the future of innovation must be built by all of us. 

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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