#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/  

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#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/  

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#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/  

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#empowHER50 – Anna Kopp

Innovation thrives on diversity, and Anna Kopp is leading the charge to ensure women in tech gain the recognition and opportunities they deserve. 

As a founder of multiple Women in Tech CIO Networks, she is committed to fostering leadership, building communities, and elevating female talent based on skills and expertise. 

Anna’s journey began as the Women at Microsoft Chairwoman in Germany, a role that expanded to EMEA Chairwoman and now, as of December, company-wide co-chair. This visibility has granted her credibility within CIO circles, allowing her to advocate for systemic change. 

She co-founded the Female CIO Circle, a prestigious network bringing together Germany’s top 30 female CIOs in partnership with Deloitte and Bitkom/#shetransformsIT. Through technical gatherings and speaking engagements, Anna has amplified female leadership in technology. She also serves as a founding and advisory board member of CIDO Women Germany, a sub-board of CIOnet, with chapters across multiple countries and a target of 100 members in Germany. By championing expert-led conversations and coaching circles, she is shaping the next wave of female tech leaders. 

Beyond corporate networks, Anna founded the Female Leader Lounge at Munich Business School. This initiative pairs top female students with C-level mentors, now in its third year, with an expanding alumni network for continued career development. Through these initiatives, Anna ensures that women aren’t just discussing the gender gap—they are actively closing it through expertise, leadership, and mentorship. 

“Finger food does not close the gender pay gap. We need to rally to build up competencies and create a stage for role models to share technical expertise and develop each other and others.” — Anna Kopp 

Anna’s work exemplifies Inclusivity & Representation, ensuring that women in tech are recognized for their expertise, not just their presence. She believes in action over discussion, fostering real opportunities for women to lead in technology. 

About #WICxEmpowHER50 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 – Tameka McNair

Access isn’t just about opening doors—it’s about making sure everyone has a pathway to walk through them.  

Tameka McNair is on a mission to turn opportunity into action, ensuring that talent from all backgrounds has the support, mentorship, and resources to thrive. She knows that representation in technology isn’t just about who gets a seat at the table—it’s about who has the opportunity to pull up a chair. From being the only woman in her engineering classes to leading DEI and tech-driven initiatives at Microsoft, she has made it her mission to open doors for others. 

“True impact is measured by the doors we open for others. When we create access, we don’t just change individual lives—we transform industries and entire communities.” — Tameka McNair 

At Microsoft, Tameka led the AI-enabled HR initiative, using artificial intelligence to enhance workplace inclusivity, ensuring fair and transparent decision-making. As Vice-Chair of the Microsoft Alumni Network Board, she has strengthened engagement, providing career resources and mentorship to both current employees and alumni. 

A passionate mentor and advocate, Tameka has guided adults and youth in underserved communities toward STEM careers, proving that no dream is too big to pursue. She also co-founded the Women in Energy Conference, an industry-leading event with 93% participation rates, designed to elevate women in a traditionally male-dominated field. By integrating tech-focused sessions, she has bridged the gap between energy and technology, expanding opportunities for women across industries. 

Tameka’s success is driven by three key strategies: mentoring underserved communities by helping individuals navigate and access opportunities in STEM, leveraging technology for inclusivity by using AI to create fair and transparent workplaces and creating professional development platforms through networks like Women in Energy and the Microsoft Alumni Network to foster career growth. By focusing on these pillars, she is breaking down barriers and shaping industries where everyone has the chance to succeed. 

Tameka’s work isn’t just about individual success—it’s about reshaping industries and making technology more inclusive for all. By investing in people, fostering mentorship, and driving change through innovation, she is creating a future where everyone has the opportunity 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/  

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