#empowHER50 – Karen Topping Cone

Democratizing access to technology is more than just a mission—it’s the key to unlocking innovation, opportunity, and progress.  

Karen Topping Cone has dedicated her career to expanding global access to technology, ensuring that enterprises, entrepreneurs, and underserved communities can harness its power to drive meaningful change. 

Karen’s journey began with IBM World Trade, where she played a role in opening IBM’s first offices in Russia and China during a time of historic global transformation. She later took on a leadership role at Gartner, which included launching gartner.com in 2000 to broaden access to technology research and insights. In the wake of 9/11, she spearheaded an initiative to provide open access to Gartner’s disaster recovery research, ensuring that businesses and communities had the knowledge they needed in a time of crisis. Under her leadership, Gartner expanded to over 100 countries, democratizing access to vital technology expertise. 

At Microsoft, Karen led the Worldwide Financial Services Industry, advocating for cloud adoption at a time when regulatory concerns threatened innovation. Recognizing the hesitancy of financial institutions and regulators to embrace the cloud, she co-founded the Financial Services Cloud Advisory Council, bringing together 14 of the world’s largest financial institutions. With support from Microsoft product, legal and corporate affairs teams, Karen and her CTO, Sean Foley, provided objective education and expertise on how cloud computing could enhance security, scalability, and accessibility. Their work led to global regulatory updates that enabled financial institutions—both large and small—to adopt cloud technologies, democratizing financial innovation and accelerating Open Banking initiatives. 

Today, Karen continues to drive change as a board director and venture partner at Mastersfund, supporting women entrepreneurs in launching and scaling groundbreaking companies. One such company is Fyrii, an early-stage company accelerating Open Banking adoption through highly secure API integration, orchestration, and standardization, reducing costs and time-to-market for financial services innovation. 

“Democratizing access to technology empowers us to harness the combined potential of the world’s human population with AI computing models and data analytics that are key to unlocking our toughest problems and addressing essential questions we never knew to ask.” — Karen Topping Cone 

Karen’s success is rooted in three key strategies: leveraging evidence-based results to demonstrate how expanding access to technology benefits businesses and underserved communities, investing in early-stage innovators by funding and mentoring high-potential startups to drive widespread adoption of breakthrough technologies, and building strong alliances and partnerships that create industry-wide collaborations to scale opportunities, ensure sustainability, and promote inclusive growth. 

By expanding access to technology and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, Karen is proving that innovation thrives when more voices and perspectives are included. Her work is a testament to the power of technology to not only transform industries but also to create a more equitable and connected 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/  

/by

#empowHER50 – Juhi Saha

Access to opportunity shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a pathway.  

Juhi Saha has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers and ensuring that companies of all sizes, particularly those led by underrepresented founders, have the resources, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in the Microsoft ecosystem. 

At Microsoft, Juhi built and led the Pegasus Program, an exclusive initiative designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential software startups to participate in cloud marketplace opportunity ($85 billion by 2028) by providing direct access to Microsoft’s sales channels, strategic partnerships, and cloud benefits—resources typically reserved for the most established players. By unlocking these opportunities, Pegasus helped startups scale faster, increasing their market reach and impact. 

Now, as CEO of Partner1, a WBENC-certified minority- and woman-owned enterprise, Juhi continues her mission beyond Microsoft. She launched two accelerators—Ignition and Maximize & Multiply—helping over 300 B2B software and services companies navigate the Microsoft ecosystem, leverage cloud marketplaces, and tap into co-sell opportunities. These programs have enabled startups and scale-ups to unlock millions in non-dilutive benefits, accelerate sales velocity, and grow annual recurring revenue (ARR) by double or triple-digit percentages. 

“Access to opportunity shouldn’t be a privilege. It should be a pathway. My mission is to break down barriers and equip companies with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to scale, thrive, and succeed in the Microsoft ecosystem.” — Juhi Saha 

Juhi’s work is essential for underrepresented founders to have access to the financial and strategic resources needed to succeed. By simplifying complexity, bridging knowledge gaps, and amplifying opportunities, she is reshaping access to growth in the global tech landscape. 

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/  

/by

#empowHER50 – Jenny Lay-Flurrie

True innovation isn’t just about advancing technology—it’s about ensuring no one is left behind. 

Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Microsoft’s Chief Accessibility Officer, has spent her career proving that accessibility isn’t just an initiative; it’s a movement that empowers 1.3 billion people with disabilities worldwide. 

Jenny’s leadership has transformed accessibility at Microsoft from a side project to a company-wide mission. Under her guidance, groundbreaking features like Read Aloud, Immersive Reader, and Windows Captions now support millions, while adaptive hardware like the Xbox Adaptive Controller redefines who can play. She pioneered the Neurodiversity Hiring Program, removing barriers so that talent can shine. And through the annual Ability Summit, which grew from 20 people to over 20,000, she’s fostering a global conversation about inclusive technology. 

“Accessibility makes technology easier—for everyone.” — Jenny Lay-Flurrie 

What started in 1995 with Microsoft’s first accessibility features has now become a cornerstone of its legacy. Jenny’s work proves that accessibility isn’t about accommodation—it’s about innovation. By embedding inclusion into every product and process, she’s not just shaping technology. She’s shaping a future where everyone has the tools to thrive. 

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/  

/by

#empowHER50 – Michelle Pruitt

For Michelle Pruitt, technology should be an equalizer, not a gatekeeper. As an AI Strategist, TEDx Speaker, and Oscar-qualified ICONS executive producer, she has witnessed both the transformative power of AI and the risks of exclusion. Throughout her career—including her tenure at Microsoft—she has championed the responsible deployment of AI, ensuring it unlocks opportunity rather than deepens disparities. 

Her defining moment came when she saw businesses and individuals struggling to leverage AI due to a lack of access, tools, or knowledge. This realization drove her mission to make AI accessible, equitable, safe, secure, and empowering. Through Women in Cloud, Pruitt has mentored entrepreneurs, championed AI-driven solutions, and ensured that women have a seat at the table in digital transformation. She has helped women in cloud to achieve $500M in economic access impact through strategic coaching and guidance while participating in policy discussions. But Pruitt doesn’t just talk about change—she activates it. As a super enabler, she has redefined what it means to show up for communities. She has leveraged her expertise by donating, mentoring, sponsoring, and serving on advisory boards to drive real change. Her approach is not about waiting for opportunities to open but about creating new  doors and pathways for those traditionally left out of the AI and technology revolution. Her work is not just about optimization—it’s about amplification. AI, when applied responsibly, doesn’t replace human potential; it multiplies it. And Pruitt is committed to making sure no one is left behind. 

Three Unique Strategies That Define Michelle Pruitt 

  1. Galvanize: Pruitt has the rare ability to mobilize people, businesses, and communities toward a shared vision. Whether it’s rallying AI leaders to champion ethical AI development or inspiring women entrepreneurs to break barriers, she accelerates ideas into movements. Her work with Women in Cloud has activated a global network of changemakers committed to AI-driven economic access. 
  1. Futurist: A true visionary, Pruitt thrives at the intersection of technology and possibility. She doesn’t just follow industry trends—she anticipates them, creating innovative strategies that push the boundaries of AI accessibility. From reducing inefficiencies in enterprise AI adoption to designing pathways for women in AI leadership, her predictions pave the way for the future. 
  1. Discernment: In a world flooded with data and rapid technological change, Pruitt stands out for her ability to see through the noise and identify what truly matters. She makes complex AI concepts actionable, helping businesses, policymakers, and individuals understand how to implement AI ethically and effectively. Her strategic insight ensures that AI isn’t just used for efficiency—but for impact. 

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/  

/by

#empowHER50 – Maggie Chan Jones

True leadership isn’t just about personal success—it’s about paving the way for others to rise. Maggie Chan Jones has dedicated her career to breaking barriers, championing diversity, and ensuring more people have access to the opportunities that drive business and societal progress. 

During her time at Microsoft, Maggie led the U.S. Product Marketing team to drive early adoption of SaaS-based Office 365 (now Microsoft 365), making enterprise-grade cloud technology accessible to businesses of all sizes. As the first woman to serve as Global Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at SAP, she led digital skills development and transformation efforts in marketing that strengthened the company’s global brand. But her mission didn’t stop at corporate leadership—she wanted to build a world where leadership was more accessible to women and underrepresented talent. 

In 2017, Maggie founded Tenshey, Inc., a purpose-driven business focused on elevating more women and diverse professionals into leadership. The impact was immediate—38% of program participants earned promotions within a year, proving that with the right support, talent can rise and thrive. As a corporate board director, she continues to advocate for business strategies and workforce engagement models that reflect and empower the diverse communities they serve. 

“When more people have access to opportunities, businesses and communities thrive.” — Maggie Chan Jones 

Maggie’s impact is rooted in three key strategies: creating awareness of opportunities through education and networking, encouraging big dreams by helping individuals break self-imposed barriers and connecting talent with mentors and sponsors who provide guidance and open doors to leadership. 

By championing access, mentorship, and inclusive leadership, Maggie is shaping a future where ambition meets opportunity, and where more voices are represented at the highest levels. 

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/  

/by