Some careers are measured in milestones. Others, like Manisha Advani’s, are measured in moments of transformation—where technology meets humanity, and impact becomes the legacy.
Manisha’s journey at Microsoft began with a bold vision: to build trust in every piece of software the company distributed. She led the development of the Product Key and Product ID system—a breakthrough innovation that enabled product authenticity, reduced piracy, and empowered seamless customer support worldwide. What began as a technical solution became a global standard for integrity and confidence in digital ecosystems.
After this first chapter, Manisha chose to pause her corporate path to raise her two sons. But her instinct for innovation never paused. Over the next 17 years, she founded a Kathak dance school, integrating digital platforms to make classical Indian dance accessible globally. She also served on seven nonprofit boards, applying her tech acumen to lead fundraising efforts and scale social impact initiatives.
When she returned to Microsoft, it was to tackle one of the era’s most critical issues: data protection in a digital world. Manisha led efforts to help businesses retain, manage, and secure sensitive data—building solutions that supported customers navigating complex compliance and cybersecurity landscapes.
But it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Manisha’s belief in “digital kindness” truly came to life. She mobilized local sewing groups via WhatsApp, coordinated mask-making supply chains, and distributed protective gear to frontline hospitals—turning community need into organized, tech-powered action.
In 2020, she launched Dance Synergy, a 26-hour virtual dance marathon uniting over 50 performers across six continents. Streaming live on Zoom and Facebook, the event reached 150,000 global viewers, celebrating cultural unity and artist resilience. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a movement powered by purpose and innovation.
From pioneering product integrity to leading global humanitarian tech efforts, Manisha’s work reflects a belief that when innovation is human-centered, it becomes transformational. Her story is a vivid example of how one woman—guided by empathy and empowered by technology—can build a more inclusive, connected, and inspired world.
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/
