TechHer at Microsoft: Women and AI at The Forefront of Innovation

Written by Sofia Alonso Vallej, Freelance Writer

Women, technology, and the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) were among the key topics discussed by industry experts at the annual TechHer conference, hosted by Microsoft. Known for fostering a valuable network for women in the Tech industry, this female-led conference has evolved into a community-driven initiative within Microsoft, described by its Chair, Lauren Dixon, as

“a movement to empower women to shape the future of technology”.

Sustainable Times had the pleasure of attending the event, gaining valuable insights into the evolving AI landscape. The knowledge and perspectives shared offered meaningful takeaways for our network of investors and founders navigating today’s fast-changing climate and technology sectors.

Microsoft, an industry leader shaping the future of AI, invited several female experts to discuss how it is transforming industries. From gaming to healthcare and finance, a common view emerged, AI and its implementation across industries must not be feared, but rather seen as an opportunity.

Panellists shared a recurring insight on how the key to gaining a competitive edge with AI is to unlock its potential, not resist it. After all, it is unrealistic to move away from a technology that has already reshaped the way we conduct and deliver business. 

During a panel titled Adapting to New Frontiers, Jodie Rodgers, Chief AI Officer at Transparity, was asked, 

With AI taking over repetitive tasks, how should professionals adapt? What skills will be essential for future AI-driven roles? 

To which, she responded with a powerful reflection on the evolution of human skills and roles,

“AI is now handling the what and how, so it's important for us to think about the why and what's next. We as working professionals need to move from task execution to strategic thinking – understanding how to frame problems, ask the right questions and anticipate unintended consequences”. 

Rodgers also emphasised the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and smart implementation of tools. She encouraged professionals to develop a mindset of strategic adoption,

“We need to embrace AI – learn how to delegate intelligently to it. Know how the tools work, their limitations and how to integrate them into our workflows. I believe the future belongs to professionals who are curious, emotionally intelligent, strategically minded, and comfortable working with AI, not around it”.

It's essential to consider the impact this has on founders and businesses operating in this space. Emerging businesses and those that are investment-ready hold a clear advantage in identifying the specific gaps where AI is an enabler and where it is not. As Jodie emphasised, AI must always be used strategically, with the business outcome in mind. 

She shared with the panel how large corporations often approach her, stating they wish to ‘implement AI’, but without clarity on which parts of their operations are suitable for automation. Such, she noted, is where the issue lies, a lack of in-house analysis and data utilisation. For rising businesses, this can be seen as an advantage rather than a setback, by identifying the areas of their business that, from the beginning, can benefit from this automation. 

Concern remain around the environmental implications with the rise of AI. BBC Group’s Sustainability Director Danielle Mulder, addressed these issues directly. She opened by referencing Microsoft’s impressive promise of having their Azure cloud services and AI infrastructure powered by 100% renewable energy by 2025, and how it's key for companies and industries to support their sustainable pursuits alongside technological development. For companies to effectively pursue green initiatives, it is essential that they possess literacy in sustainability data and frameworks for aligning business operations with low-carbon goals and regulatory requirements. 

Perhaps the most impactful conclusion of the TechHer conference was the leadership and participation of women in this innovation wave, powerfully demonstrated by the experts who led the event. Women are shaping the AI era not only through technical expertise but through bold, visionary thinking. Some strong examples already highlighted by Microsoft UK Stories include the journeys of three inspiring female founders in the tech space:

• Audrey Limery, founder of Kweevo, a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform offering digital solutions to help businesses manage their supply chains more efficiently and sustainably.

• Dr Thuria Wenbar, who co-founded E-Pharmacy with her husband, Dr Oskar Wendowski. Together, they are redefining healthcare accessibility by utilising asynchronous consultations to help patients more easily access minor health services and prescription medication.

• Riham Satti, founder and CEO of MeVitae, an Oxford-based startup using AI to help organisations eliminate bias in recruitment, thereby building more inclusive and diverse workforces. 

  
  

Reflecting the industry's current and growing potential, market data continues to reinforce the impact of these businesses and other players within the AI sector. On the very day TechHer took place (May 1st, 2025), CB Insights also reported that AI startups had raised a record $66.6 billion in venture capital funding in Q1 2025 alone. This figure underscores not only the scale of investment but also the tangible value AI is contributing to global markets. 

TechHer offered a powerful reminder that the future of AI will be shaped not just by technological advancement, but by inclusive leadership, strategic clarity, and sustainability-driven innovation. From Jodie Rodgers’ call to move beyond task execution toward critical thinking, to Danielle Mulder’s emphasis on aligning AI infrastructure with green goals, the conference highlighted the importance of intentional, values-led adoption.

Sofia Alonso Vallejo works in strategic consulting, with a degree in business analytics and finance. She is passionate about sustainability, financial empowerment, and the role of women in driving smarter, greener solutions at the intersection of technology and innovation.