More Stories
Bringing ourselves to the work of improving accessibility
Roberto Perez, Technical Program Manager at Microsoft, refuses to let his blindness keep him from creating solutions for those with disabilities. Equipped with a vivid imagination, a love for reading, and the magic of technology, he works to enhance independence and communication through innovative tools.
Partnering for inclusion and accessibility
Jessica Rafuse, Director of Accessibility Partnerships at Microsoft, views her disability as a strength. Drawing from personal experience, she leads global initiatives to drive inclusion and accessible technology, empowering people with disabilities and ensuring everyone can bring their full selves to work.
How a military veteran found empowerment in her ADHD and autism
Ryen Macababbad, Principal Security Program Manager at Microsoft, harnesses her ADHD and autism to her advantage in work and life. Drawing from military experience, she’s dedicated to protecting Microsoft and its customers from cybersecurity threats, while fostering trust and striving to be her best every day.
Investing in the future
We’ve given more than $10 million to 18 Historically Black Colleges and Universities since 2020 to support curriculum development, student scholarships and mentoring, faculty training, and virtual learning.
Honoring heritage and self
Staci Pendergress, Sr. Software Engineer at Microsoft, attributes her resilience and willingness to listen to her Indigenous heritage. As the first in her family to be born and raised off the Blackfeet reservation and graduate from college, she honors her parents’ sacrifices by advocating for representation in the tech world.
Giving fonts a purpose – across culture and ability
As a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Greg Hitchcock, knows the importance of preserving the emotion and expression of native languages. As Principal Software Engineering Manager for Microsoft, he aims to work with fonts and characters to further protect and archive sacred languages in the digital landscape.
Telling Indigenous stories in gaming
Crediting her Cherokee roots, Gillian Vaughn, Software Engineer at Microsoft, takes pride in seeing the value in everything around her. Now she’s made it her mission to show that Indigenous Peoples, culture, and stories are valuable in tech and gaming as well.
Finding a sense of belonging
As a young mom, Diana Gonzalez experienced imposter syndrome. Her personal journey helped her overcome it and she’s now a Senior Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft. Diana also gets to pursue a childhood interest, writing for Fashion at Microsoft.
A path for the gamers
Utilizing the resourcefulness he feels is intrinsic to his Brazilian heritage, Daniel Martins, Xbox Loyalty Marketing Lead at Microsoft, set out to help young Latin-Americans get into gaming with programs like Imagine Cup.
Growing day by day
After her family experienced bankruptcy when she was young, Gabriela Olmos-Hill, Senior Director at Microsoft, learned how to fix things the only way she knew how — through community. Now she’s driving the business forward every day.
A captain’s treasure
We hold on to items over time and watch them become symbolic for where we’ve been and what we’ve done. For Petrus Johnson, an essay, insignia, and audiobook all hold significance to his path so far.
A journey defined by wings and words
For Vishal Amin, relics like his “thinking ball,” his first wings earned in the US Marine Corps, and treasured letters from his family offer comfort and remind him of who he is and what he’s both accomplished and overcome. These objects help to portray Vishal’s journey of duty, sacrifice, and gratitude.
Art of cherishing travel
Sometimes our possessions remind us of our favorite places or home. Athena Chang shares the items that take her back to Taiwan, Prague, and New York. Join the conversation and share with us what items remind you of the places you’ve been.
Near and dear
Keepsakes that get passed through generations of a connected family can unlock hidden characteristics of our colleagues. Cynthia Bryant presents us with some of hers that showcase her mom’s creativity and how she encourages herself to fly. What cherished keepsakes have passed through the hands of your family?
Power of empathy in effective leadership
After balancing work and caring for her son as he dealt with challenges to his eyesight, Cynthia Bryant activated her courage. Now, she strives to manage her team with grace, strength and truth in moments where they are also balancing family life and career.
Nurturing cultural commitment
Inspired by her son, Athena Chang navigates her career and motherhood with empathy and resilience. Marked by familial support and the importance of cultural preservation as she raises her own family, she shares a deep connection with her clients.
