Retirement from Microsoft is something you can’t explain. You miss a million things about being there but most of all you miss the people. I joined the Microsoft Alumni Network for the simple pleasure of staying connected with other Microsoft Alumni. I really began to absorb the caliber of work and people that were inherent in the network. Ali stood out for her passion for people, which I share. That lead me to become the Chapter Lead for the Microsoft Alumni Network for Arizona. Ali’s ideas, methods, and passion model many positives and I continue to learn from her on a continuum. Please enjoy her insights.
First of all, I appreciate your participation in my blog! It’s so good to have you as a guest! You have been working as the Executive Director at the Microsoft Alumni Network for the past 4 years. Prior to that you worked at Microsoft in a variety of roles over a 10-year period. Please share a few of the highlights of your career thus far.
You could say I grew up professionally at Microsoft. I spent much of my career at the company in the Education Customer Unit, where we successfully competed against WordPerfect, Lotus123, Netscape and Apple in education customers. After leaving the company, I also started a small consulting firm and was a provider of professional services to Microsoft. I’ve walked the halls of Microsoft in many roles; from full time employee (FTE), to consultant to supplier. I had the incredible opportunity to travel the world with Microsoft and sit front row to many technology innovations. However, without a doubt, the highlight of my career has been meeting the smartest, most passionate people ever. My Microsoft journey took me far and wide, but it’s the people of Microsoft that made it an incredibly fulfilling ride.
What led you to pursue a career at the Alumni Network?
I can’t say I actively pursued my current position, rather my career journey naturally led me to this role. After selling my consulting company, I leaned into my professional network for my next new adventure. Of course, my network evolves around the Microsoft ecosystem, thus I serendipitously landed at the Microsoft Alumni Network.
What do you enjoy the most about working with the alumni?
The best part of my job is making connections. An alumni network is a trusted community and I enjoy seeing our members do business together, hire each other, support each other’s nonprofits and reminisce together too. In addition, I also find the business of corporate alumni programs to be fascinating. Keeping former colleagues close and connected to a company can have huge impact on a company’s brand, business performance and talent acquisition strategy too. There’s not that many people that do this type of work and it’s really rewarding if you’re a people person.
As a busy career person, how do you find time to balance home and work responsibilities? How has Covid-19 changed your work life balance?
Ah, the elusive work-life balance! Admittedly, this is an ongoing pursuit for me. I do find it helpful, if I put my personal needs first thing in the morning (like exercise) I can manage to balance the rest of the day. It’s solid advice to put your own oxygen mask on first. Covid has been a roller coast ride. I can’t say working from home has helped the work-life balance, but I do like the extra 2 hours that I once spent in a car commuting to an office. Ironically now, when I need a break, I take a drive.
Inclusion and Diversity is something many people are focused on today. The network recently hosted Microsoft Alum Rodney Hines who shared his experience on how to best implement intentional diversity in the workplace. How do you ensure the Alumni Network is working with people in an inclusive way and also honoring the diverse range of individuals represented in the Alumni Network?
We, like many organizations, are a work in progress as it relates to Inclusion & Diversity. There is no magic, not a single fix; but rather it’s a level of awareness and approach we have to be diligent about every day. The Alumni Network team is learning to ask ourselves; are we representing the diverse alumni in our story telling, are we supporting diverse businesses, are we curating resources for our alumni to be leaders who value diversity and inclusion. We are a work in progress, but we are committed.
The Alumni Network recently launched the AlumConnect which is a private online platform for Alumni Network members. This allows alumni to connect directly with each other, share ideas and collaborate for business. What are some of the most utilized features of the tool? How do you see people currently utilizing the tool?
Like many social platforms, people love pictures. So, the photo albums for various groups are a hit. Then, alumni post their businesses in the directory and share or search on the job board. AlumConnect also has networking & mentorship functionality and we find alumni are seeking/offering mentorship and sharing advise & expertise – much like they did while at the company.
I am publishing an article on how we can help direct and keep women in STEM. I am very passionate about this topic and feel it’s key to all of our interests to place more focus on this topic. Women drive 70-90 percent of all consumer purchasing, via a combination of their buying power and influence. That’s substantial power! Have the Alumni Network addressed the issue to developing, directing and retaining women in STEM roles? What do you believe the Network could do to support this area of business?
The Alumni Network point alumni to the latest and greatest resources for women in STEM. We’re an active supporter of STEM education orgs such as FIRST Washington and professional orgs such as Women in Cloud.
One of the best things about working at Microsoft is the lifelong connection to others. Equally exciting is the diverse range of interests displayed by Microsoft alumni. The Alumni Network features these individuals on a regular basis. Which alumni story has been the most compelling to you and why?
Without a doubt, the best part of this job is the storytelling. We love to share alumni stories who take their passion and skills they learned at the company, out into the world to help others and give back to the world in a positive way. We call these folks AlumniHEROes and each year we support their work with grants to their nonprofits. This year we’re celebrating eight (8) Alumni HEROs. You can learn about them here. (Note, this site is limited to former Microsoft alumni.)
Microsoft taught me the value of giving back to my community. This mindset seems to resound with most employees and certainly the alumni organization. The ability to give back in multiple ways, ranging from cash donations, donation of time, and via the offering of services and goods allows for a broad outreach into communities worldwide. How does the Alumni Network foster this important element for its members?
Giving is an important ethos of the Microsoft culture and that does not get turned in with the badge. Solving big impossible problems is a part of our Microsoft DNA, so it’s important at the Alumni Network helps support that important work of our alumni community.
In addition to our AlumniHERO grant program, we also match our alumni volunteer hours and stretch the giving of our alumni dollars via annual campaign. In fact, the Microsoft Alumni Network has granted over $1,200,000 to alumni-engaged nonprofits over the last 10 years.
Where do you envision yourself in 5 years?
I envision being a part of a diverse & cooperative community that celebrates and supports one another.
If you could have three people over for dinner (living or passed), who would they be and why?
Lucille Ball, Tina Fey and Gilda Radner. To giggle and laugh.
Who has been the most influential mentor for you personally? What is the one key thing you have leveraged from that relationship?
My mother – a retired professional woman, household bread winner, a mother of 5 children, grandmother of 10 and now a senior who’s aging with beauty and grace. I have strived to emulate her at every stage of life. Her advice has challenged me, guided me and has never steered me wrong. She has taught me that your actions speak louder than words, change is constant, and this too shall pass.
If you could be a superhero what would your superpower be and why? Cape or no cape?
My superpower would be kindness. Lately, it feels we’re lacking a bit of civility and lost sight of our shared connection with our fellow human. I’d forego the cape, but would proudly wear golden cuffs that turn judgement and blame into empathy and understanding.
Please share any links people may use to reach out to you.