Learn how at the Microsoft 365 Community Conference
At Microsoft, building community and diversity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. The Microsoft 365 Community Conference celebrates this commitment by fostering spaces where every voice is heard and valued. With the rich diversity of cultures and communities around the world, we see an incredible opportunity to build a sense of belonging—locally and globally—through inclusive technology and meaningful connection.
Join us for dedicated sessions that explore real-world stories from business users, IT professionals, and developers navigating modern work in the era of AI. Learn best practices, engage with new perspectives, and discover how Microsoft 365 and AI can help create more inclusive workplaces and empowered communities.
Be sure to visit the Microsoft Community Lounge on the 3rd floor, and don’t miss the Women in Tech and Allies Luncheon, a conference highlight that offers a welcoming space for women in tech and their allies to connect, share experiences, and find mentorship. Be inspired by guest speakers as they share their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs in tech.
Together, let’s celebrate community, spark inclusive innovation, and empower one another to achieve more.
The Community Lounge is open daily during the hours listed below and will be bustling with activities––from meet-and-greets and table topics to news desk interviews, games, and crafts.
- Tuesday, May 6, 11:00 AM–6:30 PM
- Wednesday, May 7, 9:00 AM–6:15 PM
- Thursday, May 8, 10:00 AM–2:30 PM
Women in Tech and Allies Luncheon: Wednesday, May 7, 12:20–2:00 PM
Fireside Chat:
Miri Rodriguez, Senior Storyteller, Health and Public Sector Industry
Heather Cook, Principal PM Manager and Microsoft 365 Community Lead
Miri and Heather will discuss The Women of Microsoft: Empowering Stories from the Minds That Coded the World, written by Miri Rodriguez and Izabela Duiwe. This inspiring book, soon to be released, showcases the women who have shaped and led Microsoft, and the lessons we can learn from them.
Panel:
Stronger Together: Building Inclusive Communities for Women in Tech and Their Allies
Hosted by Karuana Gatimu, Director of Customer Advocacy, Microsoft
Community is a powerful force for change—and when women in tech and their allies come together, that force grows even stronger. This panel brings together inspiring voices from across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem to explore how we can foster supportive, inclusive, and empowering spaces in tech. Panelists will share how they've built and contributed to thriving communities, overcome challenges, and created pathways for others to succeed. Whether you're a community leader, active member, or looking to get involved, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas, connections, and the motivation to help shape a positive future for tech—together.
Panelists:
- Adam Harmetz | Vice President, Product Management | Microsoft
- Jessie Hwang | Customer Experience PM | Microsoft
- Miranda Jones | Director, Customer Experience Engineering, SharePoint and OneDrive | Microsoft
- Nishan DeSilva | Partner Group Product Manager, Security Engineering | Microsoft
- Sumi Singh | Corporate Vice President, Teams Engineering | Microsoft
Update on Women in M365 User Group
Have you been a part of Women in Teams or other groups? The Women in M365 User Group has a new brand and home. Learn more about their monthly meetup, be a guest speaker and connect with other women passionate about Microsoft 365.
Panelists:
- Laurie Pottmeyer | Principal PM and Microsoft 365 MVP Lead | Microsoft
- Martina Grom | Co-Founder and CEO | atwork | Microsoft Regional Director
- Sharon Weaver | CEO | Smarter Consulting | Microsoft Regional Director
- Rachel Sullivan | Information Technology System Architect | Mastercam
Sessions
- Empowering Community Management with AI and Microsoft 365 with Heather Cook, Bryan Hart, and Josh Leporati
- Empowering Neurodivergent Employees with Microsoft 365 Copilot with Angela Byers, David Johnson, Kayla Patterson, Stephan Kerametlian
- How to Thrive in Your Tech Career: Managing Burnout and Boredom with Adam Harmetz
- How to Train Your AI to Build Your Personal Brand with Miri Rodriguez
Lightning Talks
- Demystifying the MVP Program and Connecting Through Community with Laurie Pottmeyer and Bryan Wofford
- Building a Career with Microsoft 365 with the Help of the Community with Heather Cook
- Unlocking Career Advancement: Mentorship Strategies and Allyship with Miranda Jones
- Managing Your Brand for Career Advancement with Karuana Gatimu
- Being Lucky on Purpose with Dona Sarkar
Roundtables
- Learn About Microsoft for Non-Profits and the Microsoft for Startups Programs with Heather Cook
- Want to Learn How to Produce and Promote Free Technical Events in Your City? Learn About the Microsoft Global Community Initiative (MGCI) with Heather Cook
- Women in Microsoft 365 Community Discussion with Laurie Pottmeyer, Karuana Gatimu, Rachel Sullivan, Sharon Weaver, Joy Apple, and Heather Cook
- Empowering Collaboration: Roundtable Feedback Session for the Microsoft Tech Community with Josh Leporati, Allie Thompson, and Bryan Hart
- What's New on adoption.microsoft.com to Help You Drive Your Microsoft 365 Adoption with Tiffany Lee and Gabe Ho
Get involved
- Join the Microsoft Tech Community: The platform for Microsoft 365 forums, blogs, and events
- Community Days: Find or host a local event in your area to match your interests
- Microsoft Global Community Initiative (MGCI): Learn how to produce free technical skilling events
- Women in M365: Join the Women in M365 user group
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