On April 4, in partnership with LinkedIn, Microsoft Silicon Valley had the privilege and honor to host 35 of Norway’s top female executives from a broad range of commercial and public organizations. These key individuals were carefully selected to participate in the SHEconomy Summit, a 3-day event promoting women’s impact on bringing successful digital transformation not only to their industries as executives and thought leaders, but also to Norway and society in general. For this Summit, SHEconomy partnered with other global organizations like Google, Compello, and ODA-Nettverk, Women Sp3akers, plus initiatives like #TheFutureisFemale, #payitforward and #ShesGotThis.
The main host of the event was General Manager of Microsoft Norway, Kimberly Lein-Mathisen, who masterfully led the full-day program and promoted thought-provoking and lively discussions. Together, we explored how to succeed in these times of digital transformation. As technology grows, there are demands for new business models, approaches to eco-systems and integrating innovation – and new ways of looking at leadership. A main question of the day: how can diversity be best leveraged and appreciated?
It was a dynamic day with a great range of speakers from Bill Reichert, Managing Director, Garage Technology Ventures, and Claudia Roessler, Microsoft, who spoke in depth about innovative eco-systems, and Rachel Evangelista and Cathy Campbell who co-presented on the power of employee development, diversity and inclusion. It was a great honor to hear insights from Jennifer Shappley, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition, LinkedIn, on the way in which belonging and positive candidate experiences have shifted to become more of a priority.
A highlight of the day was a presentation by new Creative Technologist & Senior PM for the Garage, Kitty Yeung, who joined the ever-popular Kenny Spade, PM for the Garage Silicon Valley, in a HoloLens demo and makerspace presentation. Kitty’s standout moment was showcasing her ventures in wearable tech with a dress that she programmed with lights that respond to gestures. Constellations appeared as she waved her hand! In fact, Kitty was recently featured in Women of Wearables for her impact in fashion tech and the wearable tech industry. We were thrilled to showcase the newest member of our team and show our guests an exciting range of innovation. Last but not least, we ended the day diving into the realities of the cybersecurity landscape with Adrienne Hall, GM, Microsoft. Always a fascinating and relevant discussion!
While we hosted this cohort on campus, these women also explored other tech companies in the area during their three days in the Bay Area including Facebook and Google.
Thank you to these fascinating women of SHEconomy for keeping us inspired!
