A campaign was launched by Women in Cloud, #empowHER50 backed by Microsoft, to celebrate and honor women who have played a major role in shaping the tech industry, especially at Microsoft, over the past 50 years.

What Does the Campaign Do?

• The initiative honors more than 50 women whose leadership and innovation have been crucial to Microsoft’s rise as a trillion-dollar tech powerhouse.
• It recognizes these trailblazers for democratizing technology, expanding economic opportunities, and opening doors for millions around the world.
• The campaign also aims to equip future generations with essential skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI development.

#empowHER50, which is supported also by Microsoft Alumni Network, highlights the activists, executives, and technologists who created the digital foundation of the modern economy.  These trailblazers played a pivotal role in the development of safe, enterprise-grade AI and DevSecOps infrastructure, cloud marketplace growth, and enterprise ecosystem transformation.

Act 1: AI Skills Fest: Energising the Future

With the goal of setting a Guinness World RecordsTM milestone for “the most users to take an online multi-level AI lesson in 24 hours,” the campaign began on April 8, 2025, with a high-impact, 24-hour AI Skills Fest.  Thousands of people from all around the world took part, acquiring digital credentials and developing their knowledge in fields like data modelling, intelligent automation, and responsible AI design.

 “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

The campaign will build on the enthusiasm by introducing “50 Days of Learning,” a program aimed at enhancing participants’ knowledge of DevSecOps and AI.  It consists of expert-led seminars, self-paced tutorials, and carefully selected training with an emphasis on practical applications including cloud-native development, MLOps, secure software pipelines, and data-driven decision-making.

Continuous involvement will be provided through monthly DevSecOps workshops, in partnership with the Women in Cloud partner network and empowHER50 leaders.  In order to assist women in obtaining DevSecOps certificates and advancing their careers in the AI sector, 1,000 scholarships will also be given out with subsidies.

Act 3: Honouring leadership and legacy

On July 18, 2025, the #empowHERaccess Awards and Recognition Gala will mark the campaign’s conclusion.  In addition to linking them with the upcoming generation of leaders, this unique event will honour the accomplishments made by the women who helped to shape Microsoft and the larger technology sector.

A commemorative coffee table book called #OPULIS, which chronicles 50 years of inclusive leadership in technology, is also being introduced.  It is intended to be a memorable relic for upcoming generations, showcasing the efforts of women and their enduring influence.

 From December 3–5, 2025, the movement will culminate on a worldwide platform at #WICxINDIA, demonstrating global enthusiasm for a future where everyone has access to digital equity.