New York: In celebration of Microsoft’s 50th anniversary, Women in Cloud—a global collective of over 120,000 women tech professionals, founders, and innovators—has unveiled the #empowHER50 campaign. This groundbreaking initiative pays tribute to the visionary women who played instrumental roles in Microsoft’s journey to becoming a trillion-dollar tech titan while paving the way for a more inclusive digital future.
Backed by Microsoft and the Microsoft Alumni Network, #empowHER50 highlights the achievements of over 50 trailblazing women who have not only shaped the tech giant’s success but also helped democratize technology, amplify economic access, and drive innovation at scale. The campaign is a multi-phase movement focused on inspiring the next generation of women leaders by equipping them with critical skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI.
Act 1: Powering the Future with AI Skills Fest
The campaign launched with an ambitious start—the AI Skills Fest on April 8, 2025, a global, 24-hour learning marathon aimed at setting a Guinness World Records™ milestone for “the most users to take an online multi-level AI lesson in 24 hours”. Thousands of participants joined from across the world, gaining certified credentials in emerging AI domains including intelligent automation, responsible AI, and data modeling.
“The #empowHER50 campaign rewrites the narrative of who shapes the future of technology” ,said Chaitra Vedullapalli, Co-Founder and President of Women in Cloud. “These women are not just participants—they are trailmakers, power-builders, policy influencers, and pioneers of economic access. As we face the next trillion-dollar AI-powered shift, access to AI innovation must be democratized. That’s why we’re mobilizing women with industry credentials, DevSecOps skills, thought leadership, and AI fluency—because equitable access to AI and Quantum isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smartest investment we can make in our collective future”.
Act 2: Investing in the Future of Inclusive Innovation
Following the momentum of the Skills Fest, the campaign launches “50 Days of Learning”—a comprehensive learning journey offering curated AI and DevSecOps programs. This includes expert-led sessions, self-paced tutorials, and hands-on labs focused on practical applications like secure software pipelines, MLOps, data governance, and cloud-native development.
To further support women in tech, 1,000 subsidized scholarships will be awarded for DevSecOps certifications—enabling women to secure leadership roles in the growing AI economy. Monthly DevSecOps workshops, held in partnership with Women in Cloud’s vast network and #empowHER50 honorees, will sustain continuous engagement and career advancement.
Act 3: Celebrating Legacy and Leadership
The campaign will culminate in the #empowHERaccess Awards and Recognition Gala on July 18, 2025, honoring the extraordinary women who have shaped Microsoft and the broader tech landscape. The gala will serve as a moment to connect past pioneers with future changemakers.
Another highlight is the release of #OPULIS, a limited-edition coffee table book chronicling 50 years of inclusive leadership at Microsoft. The book will feature powerful stories of impact, innovation, and transformation driven by women across generations.
The final chapter of the campaign will unfold on the global stage at #WICxINDIA, taking place from December 3–5, 2025, spotlighting the international drive toward building a digitally equitable world.
