Women in Cloud Unveils OPULIS: A 50-Year Tribute to Impactful Women Leaders from Microsoft

By: WE staff | Thursday, 24 July 2025

As part of celebrating Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary, Women in Cloud, with endorsement from Microsoft and the Microsoft Alumni Network, proudly unveils OPULIS a stunning global coffee table book honoring 50 women whose leadership, innovation, and vision helped shape Microsoft’s evolution and who are now championing the democratization of computing and AI access for the next generation.

Launched under the #empowHER50 campaign, OPULIS will debut globally during Microsoft Giving Month in October 2025. The making of OPULIS was never about creating a vanity list. It is a legacy tribute, a powerful signal to every Microsoft woman, today and for the next 50 years: You belong. You have an impact. Your story matters.

Unlike traditional honors based on status, the women featured in OPULIS were selected for their significance and their ability to drive meaningful transformation within Microsoft and across the broader tech industry. Their stories are preserved not only in print but also through purpose: net proceeds of book sales will fund Microsoft AI Certification Scholarships for women, helping underserved talent access the AI-powered economy and shape the future of technology.

OPULIS has selected 50 exceptional women leaders globally, among whom five are of Indian origin — Chaitra Vedullapalli, Monika Mital Gupta, Aparana Gupta, Sharmila Rathinam, and Nitasha Chopra — with Aparana, based in India, serving as Director of Engineering and Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft.

Built on the Philosophy of Significance

OPULIS was not created to celebrate status, but significance. Each honoree was selected based on her ability to create systemic change, drive measurable outcomes, take responsibility for opening doors, and engage deeply in building inclusive access to innovation.

“We didn’t select based on status. We chose based on significance.”

This guiding philosophy is rooted in the FIRE Framework (Focus, Impact, Responsibility, Engagement) ensures the stories in OPULIS reflect transformational leadership that spans decades and disciplines.

"OPULIS captures the stories of Microsoft’s women who democratized access and transformed the lives of billions. These are the architects of access, the builders of innovation, and the catalysts for an inclusive AI future. Their stories inspire and ignite action", says Chaitra Vedullapalli, Executive Producer of OPULIS & President, Women in Cloud.

A Permanent Chapter in Microsoft’s History

OPULIS will be officially archived in the Microsoft Archives and Museum, serving as a timeless tribute to the women who helped shape the company’s journey and our collective future. This will preserve the stories of the women who helped shape the company’s culture, technology, and global influence.

“OPULIS is a permanent marker in Microsoft’s historical canon honoring leaders whose contributions deserve to be seen, studied, and remembered”, says Letty Cherry, General Manager, Image & Culture, Microsoft.

Launching During Microsoft Giving Month with Purpose

Timed to coincide with the 2025 Microsoft Giving Campaign, OPULIS will mobilize global attention to fuel impact. Each book purchased directly supports AI skilling scholarships, enabling hundreds of women to access the tools and readiness needed to lead in the next wave of cloud and AI innovation.

“This book is about purpose-driven legacy. OPULIS ensures that the stories of these remarkable women build access for others. It is a celebration with intention and impact” - Nathalie D’Hers, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Digital.

Campaign Milestones

●     Global Launch: October 2025 during Microsoft Giving Month

●     Historical Preservation: OPULIS enters Microsoft Archives and Museum

●     Funding the Future: Net proceeds of book sales go toward AI Certification Scholarships

●     Honoree Engagement: Award ceremonies, book signings, and thought leadership platforms

“OPULIS is the fuel for alumni and future changemakers. A powerful nod to the women who built Microsoft’s foundation and a wink to those about to shake things up next” - Manuela Papadopol, Executive Director, Microsoft Alumni Network.