Female role models in leadership roles

‘I felt a strong connection with the Vasu Jakkal story and its message of inclusiveness and resilience. It motivated me to want to be an active part of change, bringing innovation and diversity to the world of cybersecurity’.

In February last year, 15 bright young Coding Girls talked with Vasu Jakkal, Microsoft 's dynamic and charismatic corporate vice president for Security, Compliance, Identity & Privacy [see the news Vasu Jakkal, the power of empathetic leadership]. Also among them, in the Microsoft House in Milan, was Claudia Pierpaoli, 23 years old, a graduate of the Master's course in Cyber Risk, Strategy and Governance at Bocconi and Politecnico di Milano. In the weeks following the meeting, Claudia proposed herself to the company and received an internship offer in the Milan office! And now, just on the eve of Stem Week, she has started her new experience as a technology specialist. She is in charge of supporting customers and partners in the adoption of Microsoft solutions, with a focus on cloud, AI, cybersecurity and other advanced technologies.

I joined Microsoft as a Technology Specialist and, initially, the complexity and maturity of the company seemed challenging. Right from the start, however, I found an open and accessible environment, where people, regardless of role or seniority, are always available for discussion and support. Whatever training path you choose or new idea you want to develop, Microsoft offers all the resources you need to grow and succeed.
 

The second story of Stem Week is dedicated to Claudia, with an interview by Onelia Onorati.

Why did you choose this path of study? 
Since I was a child, I have always had a great curiosity for technology. Growing up in the United States, American high school gave me the freedom to explore my passions, and so, in my senior year, I chose economics and computer science as electives. I didn't have a clear plan for the future, but these early experiences gave me a genuine interest that led me to choose a three-year degree in Economics, Management & Computer Science at Bocconi, to combine technical and managerial skills. During my three-year degree I had the opportunity to work as a pre-sales figure in a software company, an experience that opened up a world to me. I saw how my knowledge could be turned into real solutions for companies that are increasingly facing a market that requires digital transformation. Over time, I realised how crucial it is to deal with the risks of the digital world and how passionate I am about this field. Hence, the decision to specialise with a master's degree in Cyber Risk Strategy and Governance at Bocconi and Politecnico di Milano, to make my contribution in an essential field that will have an increasing impact on the world.

What do you remember of your meeting with Vasu Jakkal?
It was inspiring in every way. Listening to her talk about her career, the challenges she faced and her vision for the future of cybersecurity made me reflect on how important it is to have female role models in leadership roles. I felt a strong connection to her story and her message of inclusiveness and resilience. This meeting not only exceeded my expectations, but gave me a new perspective on my career and the opportunities I can create, both for myself and for other women in the technology sector. It pushed me to believe even more in my abilities and to want to be an active part of change, bringing innovation and diversity to the cybersecurity world.

What are you working on at Microsoft?
The collaboration stemmed from my desire to combine technical skills and direct interaction with customers, something I already enjoyed during my first work experience during my three-year degree in pre-sales. During my internship I support customers in the adoption and implementation of Microsoft solutions, providing technical advice, conducting product demos and helping to optimise the use of technologies to meet their specific business needs. I chose Microsoft not only because of its prestige and the growth opportunities it offers, but also because of my meeting with Vasu Jakkal. That day, I really felt the inclusion aspect that characterises the company, and he convinced me to be part of an environment that actively values diversity and innovation.

Can you tell us a project for the future?
My dream for the future is to work abroad, in an international context that allows me to grow professionally and broaden my perspectives. I aspire to become a role model who inspires other women to embark on a Stem path, showing them that it is possible to achieve great things in a sector dominated by technology. In particular, I would like to have a significant impact in the field of cybersecurity, helping to create a safer and more secure digital world, where security is accessible to all and threats are addressed with a spirit of innovation and expertise.
 

Edited by Onelia Onorati, who is in charge of the press office for the Fondazione Mondo Digitale.