A profile of the Chief Global Technology Officer for Education at Microsoft and her vision for empowering women in tech
From Resilience to Success: The Impact of Women Leaders
What does it take to be a successful leader in the technology industry? How do women overcome the challenges and stereotypes that often limit their opportunities and potential? For Serena Sacks-Mandel, the answer is simple: be resilient, not comfortable. She believes when we are resilient and persistent, while pursuing excellence and learning from failures, while making a positive difference in the world, we become successful on our own terms.
As the Chief Global Technology Officer for Education at Microsoft, Serena Sacks-Mandel has a wealth of experience and expertise in transforming the education sector with technology. She has been recognized for her leadership and achievements as a former CIO for Florida Virtual School and Fulton County Schools, where she improved student outcomes and supported women in technology. She is also an author, speaker, and mentor, who is passionate about inspiring the next generation of leaders, especially women in tech.
In this article, we will explore how Serena Sacks-Mandel rose to the top of her field, what drives her mission and vision, and what advice she has for aspiring women in technology.
Leading the Way in Education and Technology
Serena Sacks-Mandel has been working in the technology and business fields for over three decades, starting as a marketing representative, program manager and then progressing to senior executive roles. She has always been fascinated by the power of technology to solve problems, create opportunities, and enhance lives. She has also been a lifelong learner, constantly seeking new knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the curve.
Her passion for education and technology led her to join Microsoft in 2020, where she is responsible for providing end-to-end education solutions and contributing to Microsoft’s involvement in the AI revolution. She works closely with educators and learners around the world, empowering them with the tools and resources they need to achieve more. She is also finalizing her inaugural book, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders, particularly focusing on women in technology.
Empowering Every Individual to Achieve More
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every individual and organization on the planet to achieve more. This is not just a slogan, but a guiding principle that shapes everything the company does, especially in the education sector. Serena Sacks-Mandel shares this mission and vision and strives to make a meaningful impact in the field of education.
She believes that education is the key to unlocking human potential, and that technology can play a vital role in enhancing learning outcomes, fostering collaboration, and promoting inclusion. She also believes that education is a human right, and that everyone should have access to quality education, regardless of their background, location, or circumstances.
To achieve this goal, she works with a team of experts and partners to deliver solutions that align with the needs and aspirations of educators and learners. She listens to their feedback, learns from their experiences, and adapts to their changing expectations. She also advocates for diversity and inclusion, recognizing that different perspectives and backgrounds contribute to innovation and excellence.
Thriving in the Technology Industry
The technology industry is a dynamic and competitive field, where challenges and opportunities abound. For women, the challenges are often magnified by the lack of representation, recognition, and support. Serena Sacks-Mandel acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success, and that every woman has her own unique strengths, interests, and goals.
However, she also offers some insights and tips based on her own journey and experience. She emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset, where potential is nurtured rather than predetermined, and where challenges are seen as opportunities to learn and improve. She encourages women to be curious, ambitious, and resilient, and to pursue their passions and dreams, regardless of the obstacles or setbacks they may face.
She also stresses the value of having a network of allies, mentors, and sponsors, who can provide guidance, feedback, and advocacy. She urges women to seek out and cultivate relationships with people who can help them grow, both personally and professionally. She also advises women to be supportive of each other, and to celebrate their achievements and successes.
A Manifesto for Women in Technology
Serena Sacks-Mandel has a clear and compelling message for women in technology: You belong here. You have something to offer. You can make a difference. She wants women to embrace their identity and potential as leaders, innovators, and changemakers. She wants women to be confident, courageous, and compassionate.
She also wants women to be aware of the barriers and biases that still exist in the industry, and to challenge them with facts, evidence, and action. She cites research that shows the positive impact of women in executive positions and corporate boards on a company’s performance and profitability. She also points out the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of the customer base and the society.
She calls for a culture change that goes beyond slogans and policies, and that embeds diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of the organization. She advocates for a culture that values and respects differences, that fosters collaboration and innovation, and that empowers and uplifts everyone. She invites men to join the cause and to be allies, sponsors, coaches, and colleagues for women in technology.
She also urges women to take charge of their own destiny, and to pursue their education and career goals with determination and enthusiasm. She reminds women that they are not alone, and that they have a community of supporters and role models who can inspire and motivate them. She also encourages women to be the hero of their own story, and to use their power and influence to help others.
She concludes with a quote from one of her favorite authors, Adam Grant, that captures her philosophy of life and work: “The more I help out, the more successful I become. But I measure success in what it has done for the people around me. That is the real accolade “
Serena Sacks-Mandel, Global Chief Technology Officer for Education at Microsoft
Company: Microsoft
