Every 8th of March, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD). This momentous occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the significant strides we have made toward achieving gender equality, as well as the substantial work that still lies ahead. Under the banner of #AccelerateAction, this year’s celebration honors the trailblazing women who are driving transformative change, shattering glass ceilings, and fostering a culture of inclusivity.
At the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors (MLSA) and the Women and Gender Minorities in Tech (WGMIT) Community, we firmly believe in the profound impact of recognition and representation. In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2025, we are proud to recognize a group of exceptional individuals who have made a tangible and lasting impact. These individuals have demonstrated remarkable dedication through mentoring, leading initiatives, advocating for diversity, and developing innovative solutions that empower underrepresented groups, as well as male allies who have consistently supported women within the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors (MLSA) community, Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs), and Program and Operations management team.
Why This Matters: Despite progress, women continue to be underrepresented in the tech industry, holding only 25% of tech jobs worldwide. Increasing representation is not only crucial for fostering innovation but also ensures that diverse perspectives are brought to the table in problem-solving. Recognizing the contributions of women in STEM fields plays a vital role in inspiring the next generation of leaders and creating a more inclusive digital future. For instance, a study by Forbes highlights the importance of equal opportunities for women in tech.
The Role of Male Allies: Male allies play a pivotal role in driving equity and inclusion in the tech industry. Their active support, manifest through mentorship, sponsorship, advocacy, and policy changes, is instrumental in breaking down barriers for women and fostering a more inclusive environment.
The honorees were nominated by Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors in acknowledgment of their outstanding contributions and impact. The Women and Gender Minorities in Tech (WGMIT) leadership team meticulously reviewed each nomination, evaluating nominees based on key criteria including impact, advocacy, and leadership.
Each honoree has made a remarkable difference, and we are honored to share their stories, amplify their voices, and inspire the next generation of changemakers.
Let’s meet the honorees!
Sayanti Chowdhury
YouTube |
Medium |
GitHub |
MLSA Profile
Sayanti Chowdhury is a rising force in the tech community, making significant contributions to security research, AI, and cloud computing.
Impact: As a Microsoft Security Researcher (MSRC), she has actively enhanced Microsoft’s security standards. She is also a dedicated tech blogger and content creator, sharing her expertise on AI, cloud, and development topics through medium articles and YouTube videos. As a passionate advocate for women in tech, she built a Facebook community dedicated to supporting women in STEM and has helped over 15 students, especially women, secure free Microsoft certification vouchers to advance their careers. Having earned multiple Microsoft certifications and led impactful tech projects, Sayanti is a true role model in the MLSA community.
Philippa Burgess
LinkedIn |
MLSA Profile
Philippa Burgess is a Gold MLSA Ambassador known for her dedication to mentoring and empowering women in tech.
Impact: Philippa has created multiple workshops and community projects that help students, especially women, grow in the MLSA program. Through her efforts, several community members have reached the gold MLSA milestone. She has also contributed significantly to Cybersecurity and AI, publishing insightful articles and leading collaborative projects each quarter. Her leadership was instrumental in her team’s victory in the MLSA AI Projects, where she provided guidance on AI concepts. Philippa continues to uplift women in tech by ensuring they are well-represented in all her projects and by serving as an inspiration to other women in tech.
Eury Rivera Vasquez is an accomplished Operations Manager overseeing multiple initiatives, including AI projects and Gold student support in the MLSA program. Her ability to provide clear, efficient guidance ensures smooth daily operations and strengthens the overall experience for ambassadors.
Eury plays a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity within MLSA, particularly for women in tech. She has supported hundreds of Gold Ambassadors worldwide, ensuring they receive the advocacy and mentorship needed for success. Through AI-focused projects, she actively promotes equitable opportunities for women, inspiring the next generation of women. Her leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment make her a trusted and valued member of the MLSA team.
The Women and Gender Minorities in Tech (WGMIT) Leads—Olivia Oputa, Diya Vijay, Valentina Lazaro, and Eleanora Matalanga—have driven impactful initiatives at MLSA. For International Women’s Day 2024, the team hosted two global events in English and Spanish, engaging 60+ women and featuring Microsoft MVPs and MLSA CPMs. The Source Link
