Content library
Regardless of background or experience, our work in progress begins here.
Allyship
An informed, consistent, and empathetic practice involving reflection, and re-learning past behaviors and approaches to constantly improve our self-awareness and adopt inclusive behaviors.
Thought leadership
Allyship: Activating inclusion in the workplace
NYU Stern School of Business Professor Dolly Chugh shares highlights from The Person You Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias, including the importance of being “good-ish” if we want to be inclusive, self-aware allies in the workplace.
Thought leadership
D&I and barriers to allyship
Understanding what prevents us from being effective allies. Diana Navas-Rosette, Director of Microsoft D&I Strategy Innovation and Partnerships, outlines common barriers to allyship.
Thought leadership
D&I and beyond shame and blame
Creating the space for dialogue supports systemic-cultural change. Diana Navas-Rosette, Director of Microsoft D&I Strategy Innovation and Partnerships, on an approach to allyship that shifts us away from shame and blame.
Thought leadership
D&I and relentless empathy
Engage with care, don’t assume, and be accountable. Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Microsoft Chief Diversity Officer, speaks to how leaders can exercise relentless empathy in a time of crisis.
Thought leadership
D&I and rhetorical deflection
The trap of rhetorical deflection in a global D&I conversation. Dr. Tanya Hernández, Archibald R. Murray Professor of Law at Fordham University, discusses how individuals and organizations avoid doing the work of D&I.
Learn
Inclusion and allyship
This course provides an introduction to the concept of allyship. It offers practical suggestions to increase self-awareness about our own allyship journey and steps to become an ally to all and an adversary to none. (Optimized for desktop use.)
Bias
Stereotypes, prejudices, or preferences that cause us to favor a person, thing, or group over another. They are implicit attitudes, behaviors, or words that we exhibit in our personal lives and in the workplace.
Thought leadership
Micromessages & bias: Changing behaviors
Professor Binna Kandola, Senior Partner and Co-Founder of Pearn Kandola, discusses microaggressions and microaffirmations that can stem from biases, and how we can begin to address them in the workplace to minimize exclusion.
Learn
Inclusion and bias
This course introduces unconscious bias, and how it affects the workplace and decisions we make. Throughout the modules, there will be opportunities to reflect and actively work on disrupting and proactively counteracting our bias. (Optimized for desktop use.)
Thought leadership
Inclusion in an evolving world
Ignite 2021: Prof. Binna Kandola, Senior Partner and Co-Founder of Pearn Kandola joins Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Microsoft Chief Diversity Officer, to discuss the ways the COVID pandemic has impacted our ability to cultivate inclusive workplaces and how leaders can help mitigate bias and microaggressions.
Covering
A behavior in which an individual, consciously or unconsciously, downplays a part of their known identity to blend into the mainstream. In workplaces, covering demands put undue pressure on those from marginalized communities.
Thought leadership
Covering: Impacts on employee effectiveness and authenticity
Build 2021: Kenji Yoshino, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law at NYU, and Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Microsoft Chief Diversity Officer, discuss the ways we cover in the workplace, how it impacts employee effectiveness, and what leaders can do about it.
Thought leadership
Covering: Minimizing parts of yourself to fit in
Kenji Yoshino, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law at NYU, examines the ways we cover in the workplace, and how covering demands can put undue pressure on those from marginalized communities.
Learn
Inclusion and covering
This course provides an introduction to covering, as developed by Kenji Yoshino. It discusses his theory of the four core types of covering demands and the practical steps each of us can take to address them. (Optimized for desktop use.)
Empathy
To successfully increase diversity and strengthen inclusion, the ability to understand the feelings of another and the capacity to place oneself in another's position is key for leaders and coworkers in any workplace.
Thought leadership
D&I and relentless empathy
Engage with care, don’t assume, and be accountable. Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Microsoft Chief Diversity Officer, speaks to how leaders can exercise relentless empathy in a time of crisis.
Thought leadership
D&I and rhetorical deflection
The trap of rhetorical deflection in a global D&I conversation. Dr. Tanya Hernández, Archibald R. Murray Professor of Law at Fordham University, discusses how individuals and organizations avoid doing the work of D&I.
Employee Stories
Anything is possible when everyone is included. Discover stories told by Microsoft employees and illustrated by members of their communities, at Microsoft and around the world.
Storytelling
A commitment to service
Mary McCready, a Marine Corps veteran and Microsoft Content Manager, has dedicated her life to helping others—from fellow vets, to Microsoft customers, to humanity as a whole. Discover Mary’s story of innovation and ingenuity, illustrated by artist Edward Dinzole.
Storytelling
Building something better
Ilyas Fakir Mohamed is a Bangalore-based Program Manager, passionate about building a better, more diverse developer community. Discover his story, illustrated by artist Mansi Joshi.
Storytelling
Data-driven dreams
Funmi Omoliki is a Data and AI specialist who believes in the power of storytelling, and our collective power to transform society. Discover her story, illustrated by artist Dai Ruiz.
Storytelling
Experiencing both sides
Ana Sofia Gonzalez grew up in Mexico but went to school in El Paso. Discover how moving between cultures helped make her a better graphic designer in her illustrated story by artist Dai Ruiz.
Storytelling
Finding euphoria
Christabel Sheridan found the courage to come out to her coworkers after a company conference. Now, she’s spreading the word—and her wings—as a transgender educator and advocate. Illustrated by Karla Monterossa.
Storytelling
Good energy
Mekonnen Kassa first learned about mechanical engineering from a cab fare. Now, as a leader, mentor, and advocate, he’s helping the next generation of Black innovators find their way. Discover his story, brought to life by illustrator Phoenix Owens.
Storytelling
Master of messiness
As a mom and a tech leader, Elaine Chang has learned to embrace the chaos and put her “Octopus mind” to work in service of innovation, at work and at home, illustrated by Niege Borges.
Storytelling
Origin story
Thiago Gomes had gotten used to wearing a mask, hiding his anxiety and ADHD for most of his life. But when he decided to open up to his coworkers, he discovered something unexpected: a supportive community and a better way of working. Discover his innovation story, illustrated by artist Jason Wilsher-Mills.
Storytelling
Written in the sky
Indigenous languages are disappearing. Tracy Monteith, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, found a way to help turn the tide by preserving and teaching new speakers with Microsoft language tools. Discover his story of technology and tradition, illustrated by Gregg Deal.
Global conversation
The conversation about diversity & inclusion varies from region to region and country to country. At Microsoft, we believe that we need to take a holistic, global approach to D&I that reflects those nuances and differences.
Featured perspectives
Inclusion Insights: AI and innovating an inclusive future
Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Chief Diversity Officer and Corporate Vice President Talent Development and Ashley Llorens, Vice President, Distinguished Scientist, Managing Director of Microsoft Research Outreach discuss how successful AI requires diverse perspectives and asking hard questions.
Featured perspectives
Inclusion Insights: Inclusive workforces for global Impact
Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Chief Diversity Officer and Corporate Vice President, Talent Development and Jean-Philippe Courtois, Executive Vice President and President, National Transformation Partnerships discuss getting future-ready and helping everyone thrive in the digital economy.
Global insights
Atlanta: Perspectives on D&I in the U.S.
Insights from Cornelius, Navtej, and Judson on intersectionality, employee resource groups as support systems, and the value of diverse perspectives.
Global insights
Beijing: Perspectives on D&I in China
Insights from Roan, Zhi, and Rajesh on the diversity within the diversity, allyship, and gender in the workplace.
Global insights
Dublin: Perspectives on D&I in Ireland
Insights from Cindy, Eimear, and Chris on representation, covering, and the importance of curiosity in creating an inclusive culture.
Global insights
Hyderabad: Perspectives on D&I in India
Insights from Meetul, Nidhi, and Jason on family, work environments, and accommodations for disabilities while working from home.
Global insights
London: Perspectives on D&I in the UK
Insights from Clare, Zephanaiah, and Amy on Black British history, actionable allyship, and the benefits of employee resource groups.
Global insights
Mountain View: Perspectives on D&I in the U.S.
Insights from Rukmini, Eren, and Phil on introspection, the long-term consequences of building products without a representative workforce, and building up allyship muscles.
Global insights
Munich: Perspectives on D&I in Germany
Insights from Marianne, Magdalena, and Kevin on inclusive language, reverse mentoring, and intentional allyship throughout the pandemic.
Global insights
Nairobi & Lagos: Perspectives on D&I in Kenya & Nigeria
Insights from Gafar, Otilia, and Kurt on authenticity, the diversity within the diversity, the benefit of storytelling, and proactive allyship around the LGBTQIA+ community.
Global insights
São Paulo: Perspectives on D&I in Brazil
Insights from Tanya, Andre, and Chris on representation, intentionality in recruitment, and allyship in the workplace.
Global insights
Singapore: Perspectives on D&I in Singapore
Insights from Andrea, Sindhura, and Jean-Philippe on best practices for supporting individuals with disabilities in the workplace, representation, working from home, and engaging with empathy.
Global insights
Sydney: Perspectives on D&I in Australia
Insights from Steven, Elizabeth, and Brad on multicultural societies, the Australian Indigenous communities, cross-cultural awareness, and strategies for creating an inclusive work environment.
Global insights
Tel Aviv: Perspectives on D&I in Israel
Insights from Michal, Tamer, and Scott on a proactive approach to D&I, the business need for D&I, and the significance of gender representation.
Global insights
Tokyo: Perspectives on D&I in Japan
Insights from Hitoshi, Keiko, and Kathleen on equal opportunity for women, early in career recruitment, coming out to coworkers, and allyship for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Featured perspectives
The human, business and geopolitical case for D&I
Ford Foundation President Darren Walker and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella explore the opportunity for organizations to take a holistic approach to diversity & inclusion. They are joined by Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, CVP & Chief Diversity Officer; Nick Parker, CVP, Global Partner Solutions; and Fred Humphries, CVP, US Government Affairs.
Thought leadership
Global opportunity for diversity & inclusion
Making this more than just a moment and embracing the opportunity for D&I in our organizations. Insights from Dr. Tanya Hernández, Professor of Law at Fordham University. Prof. Kenji Yoshino, Professor of Constitutional Law at NYU. Dr. Balmurli Natrajan, Professor of Anthropology and Social Justice, William Paterson University.
Thought leadership
Historical view of D&I
Dr. Balmurli Natrajan’s assessment of the history of modern D&I and multiculturalism, as professor of Anthropology and Social Justice, William Paterson University, and faculty at Azim Premji University.
Thought leadership
The global conversation on D&I
It’s not just a U.S. conversation. Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Microsoft Chief Diversity Officer, emphasizes the global nature of the conversation around D&I.
Growth mindset
Coined by Carol Dweck, a belief that our abilities can be developed through dedicated learning. Applied to D&I, it is about building understanding over time through intentional effort, making mistakes, and then applying learnings.
Thought leadership
Growth mindset: Creating space for learning
A growth mindset is an important foundation for D&I, as it emphasizes building understanding through intentional effort, making mistakes, and then applying learnings. Eduardo Briceño of Wiring Growth offers strategies for lifelong learning.
Thought leadership
D&I and barriers to allyship
Understanding what prevents us from being effective allies. Diana Navas-Rosette, Director of Microsoft D&I Strategy Innovation and Partnerships, outlines common barriers to allyship.
Thought leadership
D&I and beyond shame and blame
Creating the space for dialogue supports systemic-cultural change. Diana Navas-Rosette, Director of Microsoft D&I Strategy Innovation and Partnerships, on an approach to allyship that shifts us away from shame and blame.
Thought leadership
D&I and mindset
Growth mindset is a start, but what does it really take to fuel meaningful change in the space of diversity & inclusion? Gain Insights from both inside and outside of Microsoft: Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Kenji Yoshino, Dr. Tanya Hernández, Dr. Balmurli Natrajan, and Diana Navas-Rosette.
Identity
Distinguishing qualities, beliefs, and expressions that are specific to a person. It describes an individual’s comprehension of themselves as a discrete, separate entity.
Thought leadership
Age: Generational inclusion
With an increasing number of generations in the workplace at once, Dr. Ken Dychtwald, psychologist and gerontologist, explores the tensions this puts on inclusion and the need for greater awareness and nuance in addressing age biases.
Thought leadership
Disability: Increasing access and understanding
Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, Global Disability Advisor for the World Bank Group, describes the spectrum of identities within the disability community and explains why organizations and individuals need to explore this diversity.
Thought leadership
Faith: Conversations in the workplace
Rev. Mark Fowler, CEO for Tanenbaum, and Dalia Mogahed, Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, discuss how including faith as part of the diversity and inclusion conversation can strengthen overall workplace culture.
Thought leadership
Families: Inclusion of families in all forms
Best-selling writer, producer, and cultural critic, Rebecca Walker is author of One Big Happy Family: 18 Writers Talk About Open Adoption, Mixed Marriage, Polyamory, Househusbandry, Single Motherhood, and Other Realities of Truly Modern Love. She discusses the ways that the concept of family is evolving around the globe and how we can be more inclusive of families in all forms.
Thought leadership
Gender: Beyond the binary
Chase Strangio, Deputy Director for Transgender Justice with the ACLU LGBT & HIV Project, discusses the evolution of how we think about gender in the workplace and explores how organizations can be more proactive in supporting employees.
Thought leadership
Gender: Opportunity for women in the workplace
Co- Director of the Executive Program in Women’s Leadership and High-Potential Women Leaders Program at Stanford University, Dr. Deborah Gruenfeld discusses the ways that organizations can make the conversation around D&I and the workplace more inclusive of women. Dr. Gruenfeld highlights the inequities that can be found in the workplace and the opportunity to better support equality across all genders.
Thought leadership
Identity: Understanding privilege and marginalization
Dr. Stephanie J. Creary, Wharton School Assistant Professor, addresses the need to explore privilege and marginalization in the context of identity, and the importance of understanding our own identity as we work to include others.
Learn
Introduction to gender and sexual orientation
This video, developed in partnership with Out and Equal and PDT Global, explores the topics of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Likewise, it provides insight into unique challenges facing LGBTQIA+ communities.
Thought leadership
Mental Health: support in the workplace
Assistant Professor of Management at West Virginia University, Dr. Kayla Follmer discusses the ways that organizations can make the conversation around D&I and the workplace more inclusive of employees with mental health conditions. Dr. Follmer also highlights how managers and peers can show up in support of their colleagues.
Thought leadership
Neurodiversity: autism and inclusion
Director of Marcus Autism Center at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Ami Klin discusses the ways that organizations can make the conversation around D&I and the workplace more inclusive of individuals who identify as neurodiverse, and specifically are on the autism spectrum. Dr. Klin also highlights the benefits of retaining employees who are on the autism spectrum, rather than only considering accommodations to be made.
Thought leadership
Race & ethnicity: Black and African American community
Dean of Social Science, W. E. B. Du Bois Professor at Harvard University, Dr. Bobo discusses the ways that organizations can make the conversation around D&I and the workplace more inclusive of the Black and African American community. Dr. Bobo also highlights how organizations can address stigmas and acts of hate and violence in the workplace.
Thought leadership
Race & ethnicity: Ideal affect and the Asian community
Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, Dr. Tsai discusses her research on ideal affect and the cultural shaping of emotion. She explores how workplace perception and expectations impact inclusion for many, including those in the Asian community. Watch to better understand the concept of ideal affect and some of the biases that can surface for us all.
Thought leadership
Race & ethnicity: Indigenous community
Professor at the University of Waikato, Dr. Linda Tuhiwai Smith discusses the ways that organizations can make the conversation around D&I and the workplace more inclusive of the Indigenous community. Dr. Smith also highlights stigmas and workplace policies that impact the community.
Thought leadership
Race & ethnicity: Hispanic and Latinx community
Associate Professor of Sociology and Chicano/Latino Studies and the Co-Director of the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley, Dr. G. Cristina Mora discusses the ways that organizations can make the conversation around D&I and the workplace more inclusive of the Hispanic and Latinx communities. Dr. Mora highlights the vast diversity within the community and the opportunity to better support employees.
Thought leadership
Race & ethnicity: The global conversation
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Dr. Adrienne J. Keene, and Dr. Balmurli Natrajan provide perspectives on the global nature of the conversation about race in the workplace and share more about the interplay between race, ethnicity, and caste.
Thought leadership
Smithsonian Latino Center: History, culture, and impact
In advance of the 2022 opening of the Molina Family Latino Gallery, the forerunner to the National Museum of the American Latino, Director of the Smithsonian Latino Center, Eduardo Díaz discusses why a historical and social understanding of the Hispanic and Latinx community is necessary for organizations to create more inclusive workplaces.
Inclusion opportunity
In a global marketplace, organizations have the opportunity to prioritize the representation and inclusion of members of marginalized communities, for the benefit of individuals, leaders, and the organization.
Featured perspectives
Human, business, and geopolitical
CEO Satya Nadella and Darren Walker, Ford Foundation President, discuss the opportunity for organizations to be innovative, competitive, and serve purpose through deeper connection to diversity & inclusion. Microsoft executives frame how to make this real in organizations around the globe: Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, CVP & Chief Diversity Officer, on the human case; Nick Parker, CVP, Global Partner Solutions, on the business case, and Fred Humphries, CVP, US Government Affairs, on the geopolitical case.
Featured perspectives
Storytelling that drives change: Sesame Workshop
Microsoft CMO Chris Capossela hosts Sesame Workshop’s Sherrie Westin and Kay Wilson Stallings as they reflect on the power of storytelling, Sesame’s history, and Sesame’s work on difficult topics related to diversity.
Featured perspectives
Insights that drive change: Brookings Institution
Microsoft President Brad Smith is joined by General John R. Allen, President of the Brookings Institution, and Dr. Camille M. Busette, Senior Fellow at Brookings, as they share how Brookings is using their research approach and insights to inform its focus on race and inequity.
Featured perspectives
How 2020 changed the D&I conversation
CHROs Kathleen Hogan, Microsoft; Ellyne Shook, Accenture; Peter Fasolo Johnson & Johnson; and Rhonda Morris, Chevron discuss what it means to be HR executives leading on diversity & inclusion work with empathy, accountability, and sustainability.
Featured perspectives
Pendo: Interrupting bias
Pendo created a culture of awareness by successfully engaging employees in diversity, equality, and inclusion at the beginning of the hiring process.
Featured perspectives
Workday: Focused D&I teams can change culture
Workday is building value, inclusion, belonging, and equity (VIBE) through the creation of an employee-driven Accelerator Team program.
Featured perspectives
Valorem Reply: Amplifying under-represented voices for impact
By focusing on allyships and creating an environment of openness, Valorem Reply exemplifies how knowing better leads to doing better.
Featured perspectives
CDW: D&I and talent management
See how CDW applies a holistic approach to diversity and inclusion by focusing on inclusion and equitable outcomes throughout its talent process.
Featured perspectives
KPMG: Accessibility levels the playing field
Discover how KPMG built an accessible database for Blind Citizens of Australia (BCA) with Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Featured perspectives
Blue Yonder: Company culture transformation
Learn how Blue Yonder created an environment of inclusion and strengthened its culture by creating a Diversity, Inclusion, Value, and Equality (DIVE) Council.
Storytelling
We must do the work
Real progress on diversity & inclusion doesn't happen without real work.
Thought leadership
Global opportunity for diversity & inclusion
Making this more than just a moment and embracing the opportunity for D&I in our organizations. Insights from Dr. Tanya Hernández, Professor of Law at Fordham University. Prof. Kenji Yoshino, Professor of Constitutional Law at NYU. Dr. Balmurli Natrajan, Professor of Anthropology and Social Justice, William Paterson University.
Thought leadership
Microsoft’s opportunity with diversity & inclusion
What it means to commit to a D&I journey, Microsoft’s focus on allyship, and the global opportunity to strengthen our culture of inclusion. Perspectives from Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, Microsoft Chief Diversity Officer, and Diana Navas-Rosette, Director of D&I Strategy Innovation and Partnerships.
Thought leadership
Moral case and market case for D&I
What the market gives, it can take away, and the market opportunity with D&I. Kenji Yoshino, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law at NYU, on doux commerce and the importance of identifying where the commitment to D&I is coming from.
Featured perspectives
Include 2021
On March 17, 2021 we hosted Include, a free, global, digital event focused on diversity & inclusion. Include was an opportunity to accelerate our D&I journey in our company and to engage our ecosystem. We brought together some of the top academic minds and third-party experts in the D&I space, gained insights about how we can drive systemic and individual change, and shared stories from our communities around the world.
Intersectionality
Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, the interconnected nature of social and political identities such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, which may create modes of discrimination and privilege.
Thought leadership
Intersectionality: The impacts of intersecting identities
UCLA and Columbia Law School Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term intersectionality to describe overlapping social identities. Learn how different types of inequities can compound, and how it can fuel bias and discrimination.
Privilege
Unearned set of advantages, entitlements, benefits granted to a particular person or group, exercised to the exclusion or detriment of others. Privilege may be experienced without awareness and exists across communities and identities.
Thought leadership
Identity, privilege and marginalization
Dr. Stephanie J. Creary, Wharton School Assistant Professor, addresses the need to explore privilege and marginalization in the context of identity, and the importance of understanding our own identity as we work to include others.
Learn
Inclusion and privilege
This course provides a foundational understanding of privilege. We’ll learn what privilege is, why it matters, how it connects with our identity, how it is shaped by systems of power, and how we can leverage it to support others. (Optimized for desktop use.)
Follow Microsoft