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/
