Presented By

#WICxSkillsReadyChallenge

Accelerate Your AI & Cyber Career with Microsoft Verifiable Project-Based Credentials

The 2024 Work Trend Index Annual report from Microsoft and LinkedIn indicates a significant demand for AI skills in the job market, with 66% of leaders stating they would not consider hiring candidates without AI skills. With advances in AI, cyber, cloud computing, and emerging technologies changing every day, a skills-based approach helps organizations identify the right talent with the right skills at the right time to accelerate the delivery of their most critical projects. Women in Cloud (WIC) is excited to launch the #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge, leveraging Microsoft Applied Skills. This new verifiable credential validates specific real-world skill sets that address critical business problems and can be earned through interactive lab-based assessments on Microsoft Learn. You will gain confidence through relevant project-based skilling in weeks and increase trust with hiring and existing managers in an AI-centric economy. Plus, win exciting projects and build valuable friendships.

Why Participate?

Unlocking AI Skills: Essential for both career progression and organizational growth.
Seizing AI Opportunities: Invest in AI now for future-proof skills.
AI Proficiency: A Career Must-Have & Stay competitive in an AI-driven world.
Adapting to Evolving Skillsets: Keep pace with rapidly changing requirements.
Showcasing Your Skills: Make your project-based proficiency stand out.
Achieve credentials faster: Accelerate your skill development with scenario focused credentials.
Balancing Work and Skill Growth: Find harmony between professional commitments and skill enhancement.

APPLY TODAY

Benefits of Participating

Project-based Skill Development: Validates knowledge in skill sets specific to critical business challenges
Flexible Learning Paths: Self-Paced Learning: Learn at your own pace, making it easier to fit skill development into your schedules.
Immediate Application of Skills: Project-Relevant Skilling: Directly applicable to current projects, ensuring immediate value and relevance. Interactive lab experience to demonstrate proficiency by completing real-world tasks
Enhanced Credibility: Microsoft Verifiable Credentials can be shared on professional networks like LinkedIn to showcase skills acquired to potential employers or increasing trust with hiring managers.
Support for Certification Preparation if that is a goal: Confidence Building, Scenario-based learning and micro-credentials help build confidence by validating skills incrementally.

APPLY TODAY

How to Participate?

Application Phase

Apply using a simple form to get access to all the benefits and resources.

Credentialing Phase

Earn Microsoft Applied Skills Credentials using MS Learn Platform

Engagement Phase

Get engaged, recognized and celebrated plus have access to opportunities.

Who Should Apply?

According to 2024 Work Trend Index, most leaders worry they can’t fill key roles. Leaders have already made their landgrab for technical AI talent, with hiring up 323% in the past eight years. Now they’re turning their sights to non-technical talent with AI aptitude—the skills to use generative AI
tools like ChatGPT and Copilot.

We are calling all —women and allies—who are ready to elevate their professional status through innovation and teamwork. If you possess a deep interest in AI and are committed to excelling in this field, your team belongs here. The eligibility criteria:

Inclusive of All Genders. Priority for women across all the global markets.
Historically underrepresented populations: Including people of color especially women and other marginalized communities in the US.
Industry Associations and Communities interested in partnering and enhancing workforce diversity and closing the skills gap.

APPLY TODAY

Why Not Participate?

Earn Microsoft Applied Skills credentials in AI in just weeks.
Win exciting prizes every month
Exclusive invitations to get spotlights, speak at events, network with recruiters, and WIC projects
Gain valuable friendships & set world records
Benefits value at $4500

APPLY TODAY

Microsoft Applied Skills

Here are the Microsoft Applied Skills that WIC is currently promoting:

Create and manage canvas apps with Power Apps
Create and manage automated processes by using Power Automate
Create and manage model-driven apps with Power Apps and Dataverse
Implement AI models with Microsoft Power Platform AI Builder

APPLY TODAY

Media

Women In Cloud Unveils $1B AI Talent Development Initiative at TIFF 2024

Women In Cloud (WIC) and TIFF Industry have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to unite the worlds of technology and film. This first-of-its-kind alliance will focus on education and entertainment, targeting talent development within the AI economy. The initiative aims to foster innovation and inclusivity to advance gender representation in the entertainment ecosystem.

Women in Cloud and SHEQONOMI Empower 1 Billion Women Globally Through AI, Film, Podcasting & Leadership

At Women in Cloud, we are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with SHEQONOMI. It is the world’s first podcast platform that uses GEN-AI on low-cost mobile devices and smartphones to amplify the voices of women and girls. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our mission to empower women in technology and drive meaningful change on a global scale.

AnimationXpress and Women in Cloud partner to empower Women in Animation and AI talent development at AM Summit and Ann Awards

AnimationXpress and Women in Cloud are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the role of women in the animation industry and fostering AI skilling/talent development. This collaboration will support the upcoming Animation & More (AM) Summit and Ann Awards to honour outstanding achievements in animation and AI, celebrating their creativity, leadership, and impact in the industry.

Veeam India and Women In Cloud Launch #WICxSkillsReady Challenge at VeeamON Tour

Veeam India, in collaboration with Microsoft and Women In Cloud, proudly announces the #WICxSkillsReady Challenge at the VeeamON Tour. This innovative program aims to upskill professionals in AI and cybersecurity, preparing them for DevSecOps roles.

Announcement: HollyShorts, Seattle Film Summit, and Women In Cloud Join Forces for $1B Tech in Film Initiative

The OSCAR-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival, the Seattle Film Summit, and the Women In Cloud organizations have announced a partnership to unite tech and film. This alliance will focus on two goals: accelerating workforce development by providing skills in cutting-edge AI technologies and investing in films that depict accurate and diverse perspectives.

Introducing #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge to Unlock Career-Defining Opportunities in the AI Economy

#WICxSkillsReadyChallenge, leveraging Microsoft Applied Skills. This new challenge aims to prepare individuals of all genders to validate specific skills related to real-world technical scenarios through Microsoft Applied Skills, a verifiable credential that increases trust with hiring and existing managers in an AI-centric economy.

Strategic Sponsor

Community Partnerships

Parter With Us

Become a strong ally within your company to drive innovation, empower women in tech, and make a lasting impact. Together, we can create meaningful change and unlock new opportunities.

FAQs

How do I participate in the #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge?
- To participate, you need to apply for the challenge on the official #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge website. Once registered, you’ll be invited to access to private digital network where you will get access to step by step instructions to participate and engage to achieve your verifiable credential. Complete these assessments to earn verifiable credentials and showcase your expertise.
How much does it cost to participate in the #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge?
- Participation in the #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge is free of charge. There are no registration fees or hidden costs associated with joining the challenge.
Is this Challenge available globally?
- Yes, the challenge is available globally. Participants from all around the world are welcome to join and benefit from the program.
How much time does it take to complete the assessment?
- The time required to complete the assessment varies depending on individual pace and prior knowledge. On average, participants can expect to complete verifiable credential assessment within a week.
How are prizes awarded in the #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge?
- Prizes are awarded monthly throughout the duration of the challenge. Participants are entered into a prize draw based on their completion of assessments. Winners are selected on third Friday of every month via a live drawing and notified via email. Additionally, outstanding performances and top achievers may receive special recognition and rewards.

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Accelerate Your AI & Cyber Career with Microsoft Verifiable Project-Based Credentials

Why Participate?

Benefits of Participating