When women rise with intention, entire ecosystems rise with them.
Jane Boulware wasn’t expected to go to college—let alone become a Corporate Vice President at Microsoft. But from the very beginning, she chose to defy expectations and dismantle limitations, both internal and systemic. Her story is not just one of personal success; it’s a testament to the ripple effect of intentional leadership.
Throughout her career, Jane understood that the biggest barriers aren’t always external. “Often, the loudest voice limiting and minimizing me was my own. Feeling unsure and alone is still too common—not surprising when there are so few sheroes to guide us,” she reflects. That insight became her mission: to show up, stand up, and lift others as she climbed.
At Microsoft, she led by example. As Vice President of Devices, she built a team where women managers outnumbered men—an industry rarity. Many of those women are now senior executives at leading tech companies. Her mentorship extended well beyond her org chart, guiding 27 rising leaders and serving as executive sponsor for Career & Professional Development.
But Jane’s leadership didn’t end with a job title. As Board Chair of the Bellevue Boys & Girls Clubs, she helped keep the doors open throughout COVID, ensuring thousands of youth had food, tech access, and tutoring support. She authored the book WORTHY to help women rise above fear and failure, donating 100% of the proceeds to scholarships for youth.
Now, as CSO and CMO of The Gottman Institute, Jane is guiding groundbreaking AI innovation in emotional intelligence, bringing humanity to the heart of technology. She also coaches and sponsors leaders through initiatives such as WECAN, a collective accelerating the advancement of women into the C-suite.
“Show up, stand up, and lift up—because success isn’t defined by what you achieve, but by helping others achieve more than they thought they could and would,” Jane affirms.
Her legacy is one of action, courage, and radical generosity. Because when women rise with purpose, they build bridges strong enough for others to cross.
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/
