#empowHER50 – Sandy Kallio

Authentic leadership is measured not just by personal success, but by the impact one has on others.  

Sandy Kallio has dedicated her career to fostering equity, building opportunities, and empowering communities—both inside and outside of Microsoft. 

  • “Investing in others is the cornerstone of building strong communities. It empowers individuals to reach their full potential and democratizes opportunities, ensuring that everyone has a chance to succeed and contribute to a brighter future.” — Sandy Kallio 

Sandy’s passion for giving back and inspiring others is evident in her long-standing work with the Scholarship Foundation of Northshore, which awards over 100 scholarships annually, totaling more than $500,000. She has played a pivotal role in growing investments in scholarships, including co-funding the Dream Big scholarship, designed to help graduating seniors from Northshore High Schools achieve their higher education goals. As Past President of the Woodinville Rotary Club, Sandy led initiatives that raised and invested more than $80,000 to support women’s and children’s health, education, food security, domestic violence prevention, and homelessness—proving that investing early in individuals creates lasting, generational impact. 

At Microsoft, Sandy brings this same passion to her work as a partner advocate, supporting 165,000 partners in engaging go-to-market strategies, scaling customer reach, and translating channel insights into action. Her commitment to empowerment extends to mentoring professionals, both internally and externally, helping them build successful careers and personal growth. In recognition of her work in enabling partners, Sandy was honored with the Microsoft Platinum Pinnacle Award—a testament to her dedication and impact. 

Sandy’s success is rooted in three key strategies: Defining Impact, by setting clear goals to maximize effectiveness; Investing in Education and Skilling, ensuring people have the tools to seize opportunities; and Creating Advocates, fostering a cycle where those empowered become mentors themselves, amplifying the ripple effect of change. 

Sandy’s leadership is a reminder that when we invest in others, we strengthen entire communities. By championing access to education, fostering career growth, and driving real change, she is ensuring that opportunity is not just a privilege—but a shared responsibility. 

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 – Nickie Smith

Change begins with a single bold step.  

For Nickie Smith, that step started in a basement in Seattle, where she co-founded Be Bold for Change, a grassroots initiative that has grown into a global movement empowering women and girls to lead change. 

“As we look ahead, I remain deeply committed to expanding access to technology, leadership, and economic opportunities for all women and girls. The work is far from over—but through continued innovation, collaboration, and bold action, we can accelerate progress together.” — Nickie Smith 

While working at Microsoft, Nickie co-founded Be Bold Now, an intergenerational community event designed to amplify the voices of everyday women changemakers. Over the past decade, this platform has expanded from Seattle to London and Paris, with plans to reach Sydney and Singapore. Through 90+ speaker stories and a global network of 4,000+ changemakers, the movement has ignited conversations, influenced policies, and empowered women to take action. 

After leaving Microsoft in 2022, Nickie launched Be Bold Girls, a leadership program designed by girls, for girls. In just two years, the initiative has empowered 600+ young leaders across 95+ schools in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, equipping them with mentorship, skills development, and advocacy training. These young changemakers aren’t just preparing for the future—they’re shaping it now, with 10 teams recognized for their innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges. 

Be Bold for Change is powered entirely by volunteers—many of whom are current or former Microsoft employees. Their expertise in technology, mentorship, and fundraising has helped scale impact, from building dashboards to facilitating tech-for-good workshops. Nickie’s leadership has proven that when women believe in themselves and activate change from where they are today, we don’t have to wait 131+ years for gender parity—we can make it happen now. 

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 – Doher Drizzle Pablo

Technology should be a bridge, not a barrier.  
 
For Doher Drizzle Pablo, technology isn’t just about innovation—it’s about inclusion. 

Growing up in the Philippines, she saw firsthand how limited access to education and career opportunities kept talented individuals from reaching their full potential. Determined to change that, Drizzle built a career that would open doors for others—proving that a Filipina with passion and purpose could lead, innovate, and drive global impact. 
 

As a Microsoft Solution Architect, MVP, and Global Community Leader, Drizzle has dedicated her life to making technology education accessible to all. She founded Techbayanihan, a grassroots movement empowering Filipinos with AI, Business Applications, and Data skills. What started as a small initiative has grown into a thriving community of 4,700+ learners, with over 3,500 trained in Microsoft technologies—many of whom have landed jobs in leading tech firms. 
 

Her impact didn’t stop there. In 2022, she launched BizApps Pinoy Citizen (BPC) to break barriers for Filipinos pursuing careers in Business Applications. Through structured learning, mentorship, and certification pathways, BPC has helped 500+ learners transition from training to employment in Microsoft Partner organizations. 
 

“I am proof that a Filipina with a heart can lead, innovate, and inspire change in the global tech space,” says Drizzle. 
 

Beyond her own initiatives, she is a driving force in Microsoft’s Code Without Barriers, Learn Room, and Partner Startups programs, ensuring that women, students, and underrepresented professionals gain the skills and confidence to thrive in tech. She has also mentored aspiring professionals, student leaders, and future Microsoft MVPs, ensuring the next generation is equipped to lead. 
 

Drizzle ‘s journey is proof that when one woman rises, she lifts an entire community with her. Through education, mentorship, and advocacy, she is not just transforming careers—she’s changing lives. 
 

And as she continues her mission, one thing is certain: the future of tech in the Philippines is brighter because of her work. 

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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#empoweHER50 – Mercedes Agodio

Opportunity can change a life—but only if young people know it exists.  

Mercedes Agodio has spent the past decade ensuring that underserved youth have access to career pathways in STEM, using technology as a bridge to inspire, educate, and empower. 

Through her work with the Rotary Club, Mercedes revitalized the Success at Work program, integrating technology to expose young people to careers in tech. She focused on youth within the Harris County juvenile justice system, where many had never considered futures in STEM. By introducing them to real-world applications of technology, she helped them see their potential and opened doors to new possibilities. 

Her partnership with Kai XR brought Metaverse Training curriculum into the program, immersing students in cutting-edge design and career exploration. Inspired by their newfound skills, many sought guidance on turning their interests into lasting careers. Mercedes and her team ensured these students had the resources, mentorship, and industry connections needed to take the next step. 

“When students are given access to technology, they don’t just learn—they discover new possibilities. With the right support and resources, we’re proving that dreams are within reach for every young mind.” — Mercedes Agodio 

Mercedes’ impact comes from her three key strategies which are leveraging technology for hands-on learning by giving students real-world experiences to spark interest and build skills, bridging industry and education by connecting students with companies and professionals who can guide their journeys, and finally, providing tailored career resources and support which ensures young people have mentorship, tools, and opportunities to turn aspirations into careers. 

Mercedes’ work is more than just opening doors—it’s about ensuring that students have the tools to succeed once inside. By fostering a culture of curiosity, resilience, and opportunity, she is helping create a generation of diverse, tech-savvy leaders who will shape the future of innovation. 

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 – Stacy Tatem

Technology has the power to transform lives—but only if access and opportunity are shared.  

Stacy Tatem has made it her mission to break down barriers, foster mentorship, and champion ethical AI adoption to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital revolution. 

Her journey began in 2008 at Microsoft, stepping into the tech industry during a global financial crisis. With a background in finance and the challenges of being a single mother, she quickly learned the power of resilience, mentorship, and seizing every opportunity. Working on ERP deals and cloud strategies, she saw firsthand how partnerships drive progress and how upskilling fuels innovation. 

“My mission is to empower others through mentorship, creating access to skill-building and community.” — Stacy Tatem 

A fierce advocate for women in tech, Stacy has advised Women in Cloud, helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses, and played a key role in Cybersecurity Woman of the Year, amplifying the voices of women in cybersecurity. Now, as a Global Ambassador for the Council on Responsible AI, she is shaping the future of ethical AI and cybersecurity while empowering women through Empressa AI, an innovation venture dedicated to inclusivity. 

Her story is a testament to the power of mentorship, collaboration, and shared success. Stacy’s journey proves that when we lift others, we create a legacy of impact—one that paves the way for the next generation of leaders in tech. 

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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