Opportunity shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a pathway. Laurie Carey has spent her career ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have access to the skills, mentorship, and confidence needed to succeed in the ever-evolving tech industry.
As a champion for diversity in technology, Laurie expanded DigiGirlz, scaling the program from Microsoft’s Redmond campus to New York and beyond. This initiative has provided young women with early exposure to technology careers, equipping them with hands-on learning and mentorship opportunities. She also led the Women @ Microsoft program, expanding leadership conferences to empower women within the company, and providing career development and networking that has propelled many into leadership roles.
Recognizing a broader need for outreach, Laurie founded We Connect The Dots, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that underserved communities have access to technology education and career pathways. Over the past decade, the organization has provided 6,000+ scholarships across 30 states and multiple countries, significantly increasing participation in computer science programs and workforce training.
“Empowering individuals with the skills and confidence to thrive in technology isn’t just about education, it’s about creating lasting opportunities. By breaking down barriers, fostering resilience, and building strong community partnerships, we are shaping a diverse and inclusive future in tech where everyone has the chance to succeed.” — Laurie Carey
The impact of Laurie’s work is seen not only in students but also in educators, school districts, and volunteers. By integrating resilience training with technical education, We Connect The Dots has built a sustainable model that ensures long-term success for participants. Eighty-three percent of adult graduates from the program have secured entry-level jobs in tech, earning an average salary of $55,000 – $70,000 annually, providing economic stability and new opportunities for countless individuals and families.
Laurie’s mission is built on three key strategies: fostering customer obsession, prioritizing passion for simplicity, and driving impact at scale. Through mentorship, education, and industry partnerships, she continues to elevate access to technology careers and inspire future generations to innovate for humanity.
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/
