In a world where opportunity often favors the loudest voices, Shilpi Mitra found her power in purpose. Raised in a conservative environment where girls were rarely encouraged to dream big, Shilpi broke convention—with the unwavering support of her mother and a love for science that landed her at BITS Pilani, one of India’s premier engineering institutions. That spark would ignite a career dedicated to not only solving complex technical challenges, but to making space for those who might never have been invited to the table.
Shilpi’s early career shaped her into a formidable technologist, from her work at GlobalLogic to becoming Security Czar for ColdFusion at Adobe. A career break for motherhood tested her resilience—but also clarified her mission: re-enter tech and empower other women to do the same. At VMware, she helped lead study circles, technical branding initiatives, and the award-winning Nakshatra returnship program, presenting its success at WT2.
In 2022, Shilpi joined Microsoft, where she now leads the Hybrid SQL and SQL Migration charter in Azure Data. Her work helps global enterprises harness the full power of Azure—honoring their infrastructure choices while enabling modern scalability and innovation. She also serves as a community leader for the Azure SQL Bangalore User Group and a core leader for women community within Azure Data, uplifting employees across career stages.
Guided by the belief that “if opportunity doesn’t knock, build the door,” Shilpi has made it her mission to remove barriers, not just for herself, but for every woman who has ever doubted she belongs in tech.
Outside Microsoft, she mentors across AnitaB.org, LeanIn WiTI, Aspire For Her, and Women Tech Network, shaping career journeys through her advisory, speaking, and mentoring roles. Her work has earned national recognition, including HerRising’s Women in Product 2024 award.
But for Shilpi, true success is rooted in three values: passion, empathy, and mentorship. Whether securing sponsorships for LeanIn events or championing technical upskilling, she lives her purpose daily.
“I want to be remembered as an enabler, friend, and fighter—someone who empowers, uplifts, and walks beside you,” she shares. Her legacy is clear: creating access, building communities, and reminding us all that innovation begins with action—and often, a door of our own making.
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/
