Women in Cloud unveils 50-year tribute to women driving Microsoft’s trillion-dollar market shift

As part of celebrating Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary, Women in Cloud, with endorsement from Microsoft and the Microsoft Alumni Network, proudly unveils OPULIS, a stunning global coffee table book honouring 50 women whose leadership, innovation, and vision helped shape Microsoft’s evolution and who are now championing the democratisation of computing and AI access for the next generation.

Launched under the #empowHER50 campaign, OPULIS will debut globally during Microsoft Giving Month in October 2025. The making of OPULIS was never about creating a vanity list. It is a legacy tribute, a powerful signal to every Microsoft woman, today and for the next 50 years: You belong. You have an impact. Your story matters.

Unlike traditional honours based on status, the women featured in OPULIS were selected for their significance and their ability to drive meaningful transformation within Microsoft and across the broader tech industry.

Their stories are preserved not only in print but also through purpose: net proceeds of book sales will fund Microsoft AI Certification Scholarships for women, helping underserved talent access the AI-powered economy and shape the future of technology.

Built on the Philosophy of Significance

OPULIS was not created to celebrate status, but significance. Each honouree was selected based on her ability to create systemic change, drive measurable outcomes, take responsibility for opening doors, and engage deeply in building inclusive access to innovation.

This guiding philosophy is rooted in the FIRE Framework (Focus, Impact, Responsibility, Engagement) ensures the stories in OPULIS reflect transformational leadership that spans decades and disciplines.

Chaitra Vedullapalli, Executive Producer of OPULIS & President, Women in Cloud, said: “OPULIS captures the stories of Microsoft’s women who democratized access and transformed the lives of billions. These are the architects of access, the builders of innovation, and the catalysts for an inclusive AI future. Their stories inspire and ignite action.”

A Permanent Chapter in Microsoft’s History

OPULIS will be officially archived in the Microsoft Archives and Museum, serving as a timeless tribute to the women who helped shape the company’s journey and our collective future. This will preserve the stories of the women who helped shape the company’s culture, technology, and global influence.

Letty Cherry, General Manager, Image & Culture, Microsoft, said: “OPULIS is a permanent marker in Microsoft’s historical canon honouring leaders whose contributions deserve to be seen, studied, and remembered.”

Launching During Microsoft Giving Month With Purpose

Timed to coincide with the 2025 Microsoft Giving Campaign, OPULIS will mobilise global attention to fuel impact. Each book purchased directly supports AI skilling scholarships, enabling hundreds of women to access the tools and readiness needed to lead in the next wave of cloud and AI innovation.

Nathalie D’Hers, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Digital, said: “This book is about purpose-driven legacy. OPULIS ensures that the stories of these remarkable women build access for others. It is a celebration with intention and impact.”

Manuela Papadopol, Executive Director, Microsoft Alumni Network, added: “OPULIS is the fuel for alumni and future changemakers. A powerful nod to the women who built Microsoft’s foundation and a wink to those about to shake things up next.” –

Campaign Milestones

• Global Launch: As part of its legacy-building mission, OPULIS will be officially archived in the Microsoft Archives and Museum, preserving these stories for generations to come. The global book launch will take place on October 28, 2025, during Microsoft Giving Season.
• Funding the Future: Through its “Books to Scholarships” model, OPULIS is also a purpose-driven movement: every 10 books sold funds one AI Certification Scholarship for women, with a goal of igniting 1,000 AI careers by 2030, further cementing OPULIS as a legacy with purpose.
• Global OPULIS Book Launch Tour: This tour kicks off in India on December 3, 2025, celebrating honourees and advancing the mission of economic access and digital equity.
• Honouree Engagement: Award ceremonies, book signings, and thought leadership platforms

Congratulations to the 50 Honourees!

Aliesha Pulliam, Emcee, Speaker, Actress and Founder of Career Divas Collective

Anna Kopp, Microsoft Digital Lead Germany, Microsoft

Aparana Gupta, Principal Software Engineering Manager, Microsoft

Brea Starmer, Chief Executive Officer, Lions & Tigers

Chaitra Vedullapalli President, Women in Cloud

Claudia Martinez, Global Director of AI Marketing, SAP

Cloe Zeng, Chief Growth Officer, The Gottman Institute

Debbie Uttecht, Partner Marketing Lead, Microsoft

Dee Dee Walsh, Developer & AI Marketing, Growth Acceleration Partners

Doher Drizzle Pablo, Founder, Techbayanihan

Elaine Q. Chang, Technical Advisor to Chief Communications Officer, Microsoft

Erin Chapple (Bourke-Dunphy), Corporate Vice President, Commercial Solution Areas, Microsoft

Gavriella Schuster, Managing Director, Gavriella Schuster, LLC

Gena G., Senior Product Manager, Microsoft

Helen Fanucci, Founder & CEO, Pipeline Power

Jacqui Miranda, Head of Asia Corporate Segment, Microsoft

Jane Boulware, Chief Marketing Officer, The Gottman Institute

Jenny Lay-Flurrie Vice President, Chief Accessibility Officer, Microsoft

Jessica Rafuse Director of Strategic Partnerships & Policy, Microsoft

Joanne Harrell, Board member, Advisor, First Lady of City of Seattle and Adjunct Professor, UW Foster School of Business

Karen Bergin, Senior Director, Employee Engagement and Disaster Response, Microsoft

Karen Fassio, Principal, Abundant Marketing Collective

Karen Cone, Venture Partner, Board Director, Advisor, Mastersfund™, Fyrii, AffableBPM Corporation, Pagedip

Kate Maxwell, General Manager, Worldwide Public Sector, Microsoft

Kathy D., Director, Accessibility, Accommodations & Inclusive Experiences, Microsoft

Lakecia Gunter, Tech Executive and Corporate Board Director, IDEX

Letty Katchen Cherry , Partner and GM, Image & Culture, Microsoft

Lotte Cordt Ihlemann, Principal Product Manager, Microsoft

Maggie Chan Jones, Corporate Board Director BT Group , Sage , Ontinue , (USTA) United States Tennis Association

Manuela Papadopol, Executive Director, Microsoft Alumni Network

Melissa Mulholland, Chief Executive Officer, Crayon

Michele Plaia, AI Business Solutions Sales Leader, Microsoft

Michelle Pruitt, Chief Digital and AI Officer, PLIXXA

Michelle Thomas, President & CEO, MichelleFThomas LLC

Miri Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer, Empressa AI

Monika Mital Gupta , Partner GM, Engineering, Microsoft

Nathalie D’Hers, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Digital, Microsoft

Nickie Smith, ACC President, Be Bold for Change USA

Nitasha Chopra Vice President and COO, Business Applications, Microsoft

Njideka U. Harry, Founder, Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF) & Global VP & Leadership Group Member, Ashoka

Patti Thibodeau, Archivist, Microsoft

Sabina Nawaz CEO Nawaz Executive Consulting

Shannon Huffman Polson, Author, CEO, Veteran, The Grit Institute

Sharmila Rathinam, Founder and CEO, EatHappy

Sherlaender Phillips, Founder and CEO, FullCircle Leadership Group

Simi Olabisi, Director, Azure AI, Microsoft

Stacy Tatem (She/Her), Founding Member, Empressa AI

Tameka M., Director, Microsoft

Trish Millines Dziko, Co-founder and Executive Director, Technology Access Foundation

Yanna Andronopoulou, General Manager Greece Cyprus Malta, Microsoft

Now Available: The OPULIS Network Special: 5-Book Bundle

You can hold a piece of history by pre-ordering bundles of OPULIS by Oct 20th. Individual book orders will be available starting Oct 25th, 2025.

You can reach out to our VIP relationship manager at [email protected] and we will customise the perfect bulk orders for you.

Visit our website for more information: https://womenincloud.com/opulis

#WICxAI Innovator  Microsoft Certification Program

Through our unique Books to Scholarships model, every 10 copies of OPULIS purchased funds 1 full scholarship, delivering next-generation AI skills to underrepresented talent worldwide with a goal of igniting 1,000 AI careers by 2030. To unlock access for women across the world, this scholarship will now be offered completely free or 50% subsidised based on eligibility. Apply before Oct 30th, 2025 to be eligible. The first cohort of 100 members will start on Nov 15th, 2025.

To learn more: https://womenincloud.com/workforce/

Want to be involved? Join the book launch team and help amplify these untold stories of impact. Learn more and get involved today!