Inclusion is Innovation: LGBTQIA+ Communities

Christabel Sheridan found the courage to come out to her coworkers after a company conference. Now, she’s spreading the word—and her wings—as a transgender educator and advocate. Illustrated by Karla Monterossa.

From his Help Desk headset to his Brazilian passport that marks his first visa in tech, Joao Madureira’s tech journey is framed by meaningful artifacts. Yet, it’s the unwavering support of his family that truly defines his odyssey.

Nurtured by the wealth of knowledge found in public libraries, Aleenah Ansari, a product marketing manager at Microsoft, noticed the lack of stories that reflected her experience as a queer Pakistani woman. Determined to bridge this gap, she strives to make technology more accessible through inclusive and authentic storytelling.

Caroline Scalley invites us into their world through cherished possessions that act as chapters of their journey. A vintage toy computer reflects their tech journey, while a pin evokes memories of childhood creativity with Microsoft Paint.

Senior Program Manager Morty Scanlon often felt unsafe bringing his identity to the forefront. Now, at Microsoft, he’s been given the welcoming and supportive environment that he’s needed to thrive in the workplace. Discover his story of authenticity and advocacy, illustrated by Avalon Nuovo.

Our path in life is unpredictable, and there may be pivots and deviations on that road. Iain Raleigh shows us their pivot from art and music to engineering, represented by bass strings and a RedBoard that they use to design circuits.

When Ethan started at Microsoft, he prioritized money over his wellbeing. Twelve years later, the senior customer success manager and ERG storytelling host knows that the only way to truly take care of others is to first take care of yourself. Discover his story of gratitude and growth, illustrated by Camila Abdanur.
Featured Artist: Camila Abdanur