According to the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report 2024, women’s representation in STEM and non-STEM fields has increased since 2016, but significant gender gaps remain—particularly in STEM leadership roles. Women’s representation in AI has more than doubled since 2016, with industries like technology, information, and media seeing notable increases—a promising trend that the report states is important to foster systemic resilience in the changing economic landscape.
Closing the global gender gap is essential to create sustainable economic growth and expand access to markets and opportunities. As we observe International Women’s Day in March, we are committed to supporting gender equity and collaborating with Microsoft partners who are driving innovation and contributing to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Microsoft actively partners with nonprofit partner-led associations—such as Women in Cloud (WIC) and the WIT Network—to advance these goals through community-driven initiatives, mentorship, and business development programs.
We encourage our partners to learn more about these organizations and participate in their upcoming events.
Women-focused organizations
Women in Cloud (WIC) is an economic development organization that fosters digital co-sell marketing opportunities and champions women entrepreneurs. WIC is on a mission to unlock $1 billion in economic access for women by 2030 through strategic partnerships with corporations, policymakers, and community leaders. Women in Cloud's 2024 ESG Impact Report highlights a significant economic impact.
Impact at a glance:
- $500 million+ economic impact generated to date, supporting a community of 120K+ members
- 5,000+ women in 80+ countries empowered with Microsoft AI and cybersecurity certifications, accelerating their DevSecOps careers
- 4 million+ individuals engaged globally through 300+ events and 32 industry partnerships, including a Guinness World Record-setting vision board video hangout
WIC is also bridging the gap in the film industry, amplifying stories of women entrepreneurs through its Oscar-nominated documentary, “Icons.” Check out the trailer and learn more about WIC.
The WIT Network supports women in organizations within the partner ecosystem through training, mentorship, and development, improving business results.
Impact at a glance:
- Over 13,000 members across 76 countries
- Active in 239 locations with 40+ global communities
- 200+ annual events with training in Tech Track, Cybersecurity, and AI
In March, Microsoft is partnering with The WIT Network and the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP) to offer an in-person conference, Illuminate, in Dallas, Texas. The Illuminate conference includes a Women’s History Month celebration: Celebrating International Women's Day: Igniting Excellence - Women Shaping the Future Together.
We hope you join us and learn from an extraordinary lineup of panels and speakers.
Can’t make it to Dallas? No worries–The WIT Network has you covered with their livestream! You can catch their powerhouse keynote speakers live on Thursday, March 13.
Spotlight on women in the partner ecosystem
Women leading across the Microsoft partner ecosystem are driving transformative change in their industries. Here are a few examples of how they’re making an impact:
Laurie Harvey: championing women in technology and leadership
Laurie Harvey, Head of Enterprise Marketing at Jabra, is a passionate advocate for women in technology, leadership, and workplace transformation. With a career spanning marketing, enterprise solutions, and strategic brand growth, she has been instrumental in driving Jabra’s vision of empowering businesses through innovative audio and collaboration technology. Laurie is an active member of The WIT Network and is deeply committed to fostering inclusive workplaces, ensuring that women have equal access to leadership opportunities and career growth.
“Success in tech isn’t just about innovation—it’s about creating an ecosystem where diverse voices drive real change. When women rise, entire industries evolve. As a proud corporate sponsor of the WIT Network, it is fabulous watching them empower and help women create change.”
- Laurie Harvey
Tina Williams-Koroma: driving innovation with AI-powered change management
As the CEO of CyDeploy, Tina Williams-Koroma is revolutionizing AI-powered change management, helping businesses minimize risks and streamline technology updates. A cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur, Tina is passionate about creating secure, efficient, and scalable tech solutions that empower organizations to embrace digital transformation with confidence. Through her partnership with Microsoft, she is leveraging technology to future-proof businesses and unlock opportunities in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Tina is a member of Women in Cloud and the Black Channel Partner Alliance.
“Technology should empower, not intimidate. My mission is to make digital transformation seamless, secure, and scalable for businesses of all sizes.”
- Tina Williams-Koroma
Cherie Griffith-Dunn: championing growth and innovation in tech
As the CEO of Cyproteck, Cherie Griffith-Dunn is at the forefront of technology-driven business transformation, ensuring that small and mid-sized businesses have the tools, funding, and mentorship they need to scale. A member of the Black Channel Partner Alliance, Cherie’s leadership has helped countless organizations navigate challenges, embrace digital transformation, and build sustainable, future-ready businesses. Her dedication to diverse entrepreneurship continues to inspire the next generation of women in technology.
“Success isn’t just about keeping up with technology—it’s about leading the way and bringing others along with you.”
- Cherie Griffith-Dunn
Kary Dodd: transforming industrial data management with edge and cloud solutions
As the CEO of Ectron, Kary Dodd is redefining industrial data management by making IoT adoption a simple purchase, with Sensors-as-a-Service® (available on the Azure Marketplace). Sensors-as-a-Service® allows Systems Integrators and other Microsoft partners to integrate on-premises KPIs into their data analytics and workflow solutions with a zero code, plug-and-play Edge Node that is compatible with over 32,000 commercially available sensors. Moreover, Ectron provides what is required from first sensor touchpoint to the Cloud for ease of adoption, as well as seamless ERP/BI integration. Kary's goal is to disrupt the IoT market via P2P engagements with solution providers to bring Industry 4.0 to manufacturers of many sizes. Kary is a member of the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners, Women in Cloud and a board member of the Black Channel Partner Alliance. With the support of these communities and Microsoft, Kary has scaled Ectron’s impact globally, ensuring industries can harness the power of cloud technology in a way that incorporates real-time, real-world events for greater efficiency and innovation.
“Ectron is not only a technology company, we are also a manufacturer. As such, I know first-hand that data analytics and workflows that do not incorporate real-time on-premises data are incomplete. Data is more than numbers—it’s the foundation of smarter, more connected industries. The roadblocks for Industry 4.0 adoption for many companies has been cost and ease of adoption, we hope to remove those roadblocks with Sensors-as-a-Service®.”
- Kary Dodd
Learn more and make a difference:
By fostering collaboration, investment, and opportunity, we can empower women to lead, innovate, and transform industries worldwide. Join us in championing this effort and help advance our collective progress.
