#empowHER50: Nicole Dezen

When women gain access to the right skills, they don’t just change their own futures—they ignite progress that reshapes industries, strengthens economies, and uplifts entire communities.  

True empowerment begins with opportunity, and Nicole Dezen is ensuring that no woman is left behind in the digital revolution. Nicole Dezen has dedicated her career to building opportunities for women in tech, forging partnerships that create lasting impact, and ensuring access to the skills needed to thrive in an evolving digital world. 

“Every day I strive to empower people and drive growth for Microsoft and our partners.” — Nicole Dezen 

As Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President of Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft, Nicole leads the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program, supporting an ecosystem of 500,000 partners worldwide. By delivering essential benefits, skilling opportunities, and go-to-market resources, she helps partners build thriving businesses that drive innovation and economic growth in every industry. 

Nicole’s leadership is built on a bold vision: investing in people fuels global innovation, strengthens economies, and ensures a more equitable tech industry for future generations. She is not just opening doors—she is tearing down barriers, proving that when women are given the tools to succeed, they don’t just participate in technology, they define its future. By forging strong collaborations and partnerships, she continues to champion a future where access to technology and career advancement is not limited by gender or geography. 

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 – Gavriella Schuster

True inclusion isn’t just about opening doors—it’s about ensuring no one walks alone.  

Gavriella Schuster has spent her career championing women, allies and underrepresented groups, creating global networks that foster connection, mentorship, and opportunity in technology. 

As Board Director and former Microsoft CVP, Gavriella has been a force in building communities that empower women. She sponsored the formation of The WIT Network, which now boasts 11K members in 76 countries, providing mentorship, leadership training, and technical certifications to women in technology. She also played a pivotal role in launching Women in Cloud, an initiative that has grown into a 120K-strong community spanning 80 countries, reaching 4 million people globally. Through this work, she has helped female entrepreneurs gain access to cloud marketplaces and technical resources, fueling their growth and success. 

Beyond organizations, Gavriella has personally mentored and sponsored more than 100 individuals and established dozens of mentorship rings, ensuring women and underrepresented groups have the guidance and community they need to thrive. Her leadership in the Microsoft partner ecosystem for seven years helped drive economic access and growth through technology, impacting millions worldwide. 

Her work didn’t stop after Microsoft—she developed an allyship training program to drive inclusion, delivered a TEDx talk rallying for 8M women to enter tech, and continues to educate Fortune 500 leaders on fostering workplace equity. 

“If a person who is an ONLY in any group has an ally, they are not alone. #ALLIES step up in the moments that matter through the little acts they practice every day to turn moments of exclusion into moments of inclusion.” — Gavriella Schuster 

Gavriella’s impact is undeniable—she is not just advocating for change, she is architecting a future where inclusion is the standard, not the exception. Her relentless pursuit of equity and empowerment has ignited a movement that will shape generations to come. 

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 – ​​Nathalie D’Hers

Creating inclusive workplaces isn’t just about policy—it’s about action, conversation, and real solutions.  

Nathalie D’Hers has spent 25 years at Microsoft championing diversity and inclusion, using her platform to elevate the voices and experiences of women in tech. Her work is a testament to the power of open dialogue and collective empowerment. 

“We’re in this together, stay charged, take action, and be good to yourself.” — Nathalie D’Hers 

Recognizing the need for deeper conversations about the challenges women face in technology, Nathalie launched Charged: Women in Action, a video interview series designed to inspire, empower, and drive change. The series features exceptional women leaders across industries, tackling critical topics like navigating emotional labor, changing workplace narratives, and leveraging technology for good. By surfacing real-world challenges and actionable solutions, she is helping to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace. 

As a leader of the digital employee experience at Microsoft, Nathalie has seen firsthand the burnout, stress, and barriers women in tech face. She believes that true inclusivity comes from fostering environments built on empathy, psychological safety, flexibility, inclusivity, belonging, and growth. She is not only starting conversations—she is driving real change. 

Nathalie’s mission is clear: to ensure that every woman in technology knows she is not alone, that her voice matters, and that solutions exist to create workplaces where all can thrive. By leading with empathy and action, she is setting a new standard for what it means to build a truly inclusive and empowering work culture. 

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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📢 Announcing the AI Pitch Challenge at #WICxInspire2024! 🚀

Tech founders, this is your chance to shine! Apply for our exclusive pitch challenge and showcase your innovative GTM offers co-launching with hyperscalers.

Why Participate?

  • Showcase Best AI Technology: Present cutting-edge AI solutions paired with innovative GTM strategies.
  • Maximize Impact: Learn successful strategies and creative approaches to leverage hyperscaler partnerships effectively.
  • Gain Recognition: Compete for global industry recognition as an innovative enterprise-ready cloud solution.

Evaluation Criteria:

  1. Problem-Solving: Viable solutions to target market problems.
  2. Positive Impact: Potential to create meaningful societal or environmental impact.
  3. Innovation: Unique and innovative market approaches.
  4. GTM & Co-launch Execution Plan: Effective GTM campaign and co-launch execution with hyperscalers.

Who Should Apply?

  • Women-Led Companies building AI solutions.
  • Companies with at least 1 Woman in a Decision-Making Role.
  • Developing AI solutions leveraging cloud marketplaces as a new sales route.
  • Earned less than $10M in the past 12 months.

Why Apply?

  • Colaunch GTM Funding Match up to $2500 plus access to GTM Leadership Lab subscription
  • Access to go-to-market benefits valued at $2500 (promotions, publicity)
  • Global industry recognition as an innovative enterprise-ready AI ready solution
  • Recognition to maintain your company’s competitive edge
  • Exposure to cloud market leaders, B2B coaches and their channel partners

Secure your spot and join us at #WICxInspire2024. Let’s embark on a journey of transformative business growth and create a future where AI drives unparalleled success.

Apply Today!

For more details and to apply for the pitch challenge by July 11, 2024, visit WICxInspire2024.

Join us, be inspired, and lead the future of AI-powered GTM strategies!

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

We are so excited to launch the #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. Applied Skills can be earned through interactive lab-based assessments on Microsoft Learn, offering flexibility with self-paced learning paths that accommodate your individual learning journeys. Learners can fit skill development into their busy schedules and take Applied Skills at their convenience.

According to the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report from Microsoft and Linkedin indicates significant demand for AI skills, with 66% of leaders saying they would not hire candidates without these capabilities. However, research from Salesforce shows 60% of public sector IT professionals cite a shortage of AI talent as a top challenge. The #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge addresses this skills gap through on-demand skill development, self-paced learning paths, and enhanced credibility through Microsoft verifiable credentials, this program is empowering the workforce for an AI-centric future.

“In addressing the escalating demand for AI talent and the glaring skills gap, Women in Cloud is steadfast in its commitment to bridging this divide through strategic partnerships, scalable distribution, and community engagement,” asserted Chaitra Vedullapalli, President of Women In Cloud. “By empowering underrepresented populations, especially women and individuals of color, with access to cutting-edge technology and skill-building opportunities, we aim to pave the way for a diverse workforce poised to excel in an AI-centric future. Through the strategic utilization of the Microsoft Applied Skills credentials and collaborative community partnerships, we are delivering concrete and impactful workforce development solutions that will equip individuals with the necessary skills and confidence to thrive in the burgeoning $7 trillion AI Economy.”

Empowering Predictable Success with Microsoft Applied Skills

Participating in the #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge is really simple.

  1. Apply for the challenge
  2. Visit Microsoft Learn to earn your credentials
  3. Get engaged, recognized and celebrated plus have access to opportunities.
  4. Share your earned credentials on professional networks like LinkedIn

Exclusive Benefits and Industry Networking

Participants of the challenge will gain exclusive access to a suite of benefits designed to enhance their learning experience and career prospects. This includes access to advanced learning modules, direct mentorship from industry leaders, fostering valuable connections, participating in monthly challenges, with benefits totaling $4500.

A Call to Action

Participants are invited to join this exciting challenge and take the first step towards transforming their careers with Microsoft Applied Skills. For more information on how to participate, visit https://womenincloud.com/appliedskills/

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