“Leadership isn’t what you do when the spotlight is on. It’s what happens when you choose to show up, over and over, even when no one’s watching.”
Today’s world is obsessed with quick wins and digital clout, but true transformation still begins with three timeless acts:
- Showing up with intention
- Unlocking access for others
- Transforming communities through consistent programming
These aren’t theoretical ideals. They are the living blueprints of women honored through the empowHER50 campaign, a global celebration of women driving trillion-dollar market shifts in AI, cloud, and impact leadership.
Here’s how these blueprints come to life—and how you can activate them in your own leadership journey.
Blueprint 1: Showing Up—Even Before You Feel Ready
Story in Action: Jane Boulware
Jane Boulware was never expected to attend college, let alone become a Corporate Vice President at Microsoft. Her rise was fueled by grit, courage, and pushing through imposter syndrome in a world where few sheroes looked like her.
“Show up, stand up, and lift up—because success isn’t defined by what you achieve, but by how you help others achieve more than they thought they could and would.” — Jane Boulware
As her career advanced, Jane used her growing influence to build and elevate others. As VP of Devices at Microsoft, she assembled a team where women outnumbered men in leadership, many of whom now lead at Microsoft, Salesforce, and beyond. She mentored or sponsored 27 leaders and served as executive sponsor for Career & Professional Development.
After retiring, she chaired the Bellevue Boys & Girls Clubs, keeping doors open during the COVID crisis to provide meals, tutoring, and tech access to kids who would’ve otherwise been left behind. She authored WORTHY, a book recently featured by Maria Shriver, to help women overcome fear and self-doubt—with 100% of proceeds funding scholarships. Now, as CSO and CMO at The Gottman Institute, she leads AI innovation in emotional intelligence and continues championing women into the C-suite.
Lesson:
Showing up isn’t about being flawless. It’s about being present and staying committed when others pause.
Try This:
- Share your story—even if it’s still unfolding
- Attend one high-impact event each month
- Post your insights regularly, with or without a title
- Join a leadership circle aligned with your vision
Blueprint 2: Unlocking Access—Turning Doors into Gateways
Story in Action: Simi Olabisi
Born three months premature in Lagos, Nigeria, Simi Olabisi’s very survival depended on access to life-saving technology. When no incubator was available, her father—Dean of Engineering—carried her in the palm of his hand across the city until he found one. That moment of desperation, courage, and advocacy laid the foundation for a life of purpose.
“I was born fighting for my life in a country without equitable access to the technology that could save it. Today, I help democratize technology—all of us deserve a chance to live, to lead, and to thrive.”- Simi Olabisi
Today, as Director, Azure AI at Microsoft, Simi leads strategic AI/ML engagements. She has also advanced equity in tech through initiatives like Project Omoverhi—a solar-powered, low-cost infant incubator designed for underserved hospitals. Recognized by NBC, Sierra Club, and more, it’s a tangible response to a personal memory—and proof that lived experience can power global innovation.
But her impact goes further.
As Co-Chair of Black at Microsoft (BAM) and advocate for Africans at Microsoft (AMSFT), Simi helped mobilize a global network of 7500+ employees, raise nearly $225,000 in scholarships, and implement scalable inclusion programs adopted company wide. In 2025, she rang the NASDAQ Closing Bell to honor Black technologists globally.
She also co-founded Caspar Coding, a talent platform connecting over 10,000 software engineers in multiple African countries to global opportunities. From training and mentoring to negotiating equitable salaries, Simi’s work removes barriers for others every day—turning access into architecture.
Lesson:
Access is one of the most powerful currencies in leadership. When you give someone the key to a room they couldn’t enter alone, you don’t lose anything—you multiply value.
Try This:
- Make 3 warm intros per month for women in your network
- Use storytelling to connect your expertise to a larger cause
- Co-create with underrepresented talent—not just for them, but with them
Transforming Communities—From Ripple to Movement
Story in Action: Joanne Harrell
Joanne Harrell’s blueprint for transformation is rooted in a deep commitment to civic partnership, digital inclusion, and human empowerment. During her 20+ years at Microsoft, she led the USA Citizenship and Public Affairs team, driving Microsoft’s National Plan across 80+ jurisdictions. Her team secured investments across divisions—MS Philanthropies, US Data Centers, and more—to launch Digital Alliance partnerships and implement YouthSpark initiatives that delivered Microsoft Certifications and real career pathways to thousands of young people nationwide.
From Los Angeles to Raleigh-Durham, Joanne’s model for transformation was clear:
Meet cities where they are. Align with local leadership. Deliver measurable, community-wide impact. But her work started long before Microsoft.
At a telecommunications company, she founded The Registry Program, mentoring 450+ high school students, a project that earned a Presidential Citation. Later, as President & CEO of United Way of King County, she grew the endowment by $220 million, creating the nation’s most financially secure United Way and forming a historic partnership with the Gates Foundation.
“Partnerships change the world. By being the type of partner that each of us would like to work with, we can see opportunities to enable dreams to become real, we can uplift others and make the world better for us all.” — Joanne Harrell
Lesson:
True transformation doesn’t happen alone. It’s co-authored through deep, intentional partnerships with communities, public leaders, and institutions.
Try This:
- Host a community activation series (podcast, webinar, event)
- Launch a micro-grant or scholarship with your platform
- Partner with empowHER50 to co-lead a local impact initiative
🚀 A Historic Celebration: Honoring the Women Who Powered Microsoft’s Trillion-Dollar Shift
As Microsoft marks its 50th anniversary, it’s time to recognize the women whose innovation, leadership, and vision helped shape the digital economy. The #empowHER50 campaign highlights those who expanded access, built critical infrastructure, and helped drive Microsoft’s trillion-dollar market shift—women who changed the trajectory of technology for billions.
Their contributions underscore a clear truth: inclusion is not optional—it’s a competitive advantage. The next trillion-dollar shift in tech will be defined by who builds it.
Join us on July 18, 2025, at the empowHERaccess Awards and Recognition Gala to celebrate the women who helped shape Microsoft and the global tech industry—and connect with those building what’s next.
Their stories shaped our present. Your presence will shape the future.
