When partnerships are grounded in purpose and empathy, they don’t just drive innovation—they open doors for generations to come.
Joerose Tharakan didn’t just find her voice in the tech world—she helped create a stage where others could rise, too. From navigating Wall Street to shaping Microsoft’s global partner strategy, Joerose has always believed in the power of proximity, purpose, and partnership to unlock human potential.
Today, as Chief of Staff for Global SI & Advisory Partnerships, she’s helping reimagine Microsoft’s engagement with global service providers in the AI era—ensuring that equity, access, and education are never left behind in the pursuit of innovation.
Joerose’s journey began in the high-stakes world of capital markets, where she worked as a sales-trader at Lehman Brothers and Nomura International in London. When the 2008 financial collapse hit, she was enlisted into crisis response – to help manage the complex transfer of systems and assets between the two firms. That moment of transformation lit a fire in her: she pivoted careers, earned her MBA at Yale, and joined Microsoft in 2012 through the MACH MBA program, ready to channel the resilience she’d built into impact.
And impact did follow. From shaping Microsoft’s global partnership strategy to advocating for inclusive economic empowerment, Joerose has become a force behind some of Microsoft’s most meaningful initiatives. A highlight of her career thus far has been helping drive a $3 million investment in CodePath.org through a partnership with Cognizant and Walmart Foundation, expanding tech education access for 7,000 students.
Outside Microsoft, her leadership echoes just as strongly. As a board member of Ivy Child International and Colby College, she uplifts multicultural education, financial aid expansion, and global inclusion. And as a mentor to early-career professionals, particularly Microsoft Aspire hires, she models the power of showing up, lifting others, and creating space where people feel seen.
“True greatness lies in the audacity to give without expectations of return, to uplift others with grace, and to create ripples of kindness and empowerment that transform lives.” — Joerose Tharakan
Joerose’s legacy is one of action over optics, of building systems that center people—not just profit. Her leadership reminds us that inclusion must be intentional, opportunity must be shared, and change must be rooted in community. Through every partnership, boardroom, and mentorship conversation, she proves that kindness and strategy are not opposites—they are allies in lasting change.
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/
