When access to knowledge is paired with the courage to climb, true transformation begins.
For Manuela Papadopol, innovation isn’t just about building products—it’s about unlocking human potential. Manuela has devoted her career to expanding access to technology, opportunity, and leadership—especially for communities often left behind.
As Executive Director of the Microsoft Alumni Network, one of her most impactful initiatives in 2024 was launching an AI skilling program in partnership with Microsoft, empowering alumni worldwide and their extended communities with free access to AI education through platforms like Microsoft Learn, Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning. Designed to meet learners where they are, the program reached 3,500+ individuals globally, with 42% reporting better job prospects or increased earning power.
Her belief is simple and powerful:
“Every challenge—whether climbing a mountain or navigating a career—requires resilience, knowledge, the right tools, and a strong community. My mission is to help others reach their summits, unlocking new heights of potential through access to knowledge and opportunity.” — Manuela Papadopol
Manuela’s impact doesn’t stop with technology. She launched a Microsoft Alumni Hackathon with Microsoft Garage, fostering mentorship and real-world innovation. And as a tech entrepreneur, in 2018 she co-founded Designated Driver, a bootstrapped software company that powered mobility solutions for Ford, Verizon, and Terabase Energy. Though the startup closed in 2022, her commitment to growth and reinvention continued.
In 2023, she founded Mantra.Today–a platform focused on mountaineering, skiing, and climbing education for women, blending outdoor leadership with executive development. She’s guided women of all ages to summit iconic peaks like Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker, using the mountains as a metaphor for resilience, risk-taking, and transformation.
Manuela’s journey reminds us that real leadership is forged through challenge—and that when women rise, they lift entire communities with them.
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/
