ESPC 2026 Women in Tech program and sessions
Software Development Redmond, Washington
ESPC 2026 plans Women in Tech and Allies sessions for technology professionals, with Microsoft leaders Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook participating.
Key insights
- The Women in Tech and Allies program is part of ESPC 2026 in Amsterdam, November 30 to December 3.
- A session titled “Shaping the Future Together: Women in Tech and Allies Driving Change” is scheduled for December 2.
- Program themes include allyship, visibility, mentorship, sponsorship and community building.
- Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook are listed as Microsoft participants.
- The program notes also describe a meetup, an Inspire Stage session and lunch, and an Innovation Hub roundtable.
ESPC 2026 plans a Women in Tech and Allies program focused on inclusion, career development and community in technology. It is relevant to Microsoft 365 and AI professionals, technology leaders, early-career attendees and colleagues who want to support underrepresented people in the industry. Microsoft features Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook in its short about women in tech at the event.
What's new
The program places career experiences and allyship alongside conversations about Microsoft 365 and AI. Its central session, “Shaping the Future Together: Women in Tech and Allies Driving Change,” is scheduled for December 2. The stated focus includes personal experience, advocacy, mentorship and practical ways to help remove barriers.
A related Inspire Stage session, “Women Shaping Microsoft 365 & AI – Lifting as We Climb,” is described as covering professional visibility, finding a voice, imposter syndrome, career risks and the role of communities, allies and sponsors. The program information also lists several formats beyond a panel: a community meetup, lunch and a roundtable.
Who it is for and what you need
The ESPC 2026 program is aimed at a broad conference audience rather than a particular Microsoft product role or license group. Early-career professionals may find career and networking themes relevant; managers and technology leaders may be interested in the discussion of inclusive teams and access to opportunities. Allies and community members are also part of the intended audience.
The event is described as taking place in Amsterdam from November 30 to December 3, 2026. The available information does not state registration requirements, session capacity, ticket pricing or whether attendance has any license prerequisites. Check the event’s current program before making plans.
How it works
The program description gives attendees several ways to take part, rather than presenting one technical feature or set of product steps. It lists a Women in Tech and Allies meetup in the Community Lounge on December 1, an Inspire Stage session and lunch on December 2, and an Innovation Hub roundtable on December 3. The central panel is also listed for December 2.
Session themes include career stories, professional visibility, mentorship and sponsorship, practical allyship, and community building. These are discussion and networking opportunities; the supplied information does not describe a product demo, technical lab or hands-on exercise.
Limitations and open questions
The available material provides a program overview, not full session descriptions or confirmed speaker biographies. It does not explain how to register for individual sessions, whether places are limited, or whether the schedule may change. Attendees should verify those details in the event’s official program.
The YouTube Short transcript was not supplied, so this article relies on the background notes for the event details and does not attribute particular statements to the participants. A Microsoft website link and the Short are included below; detailed official session pages were not supplied.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
When is the ESPC 2026 Women in Tech program?
ESPC 2026 is described as taking place in Amsterdam from November 30 to December 3, 2026. The central Women in Tech and Allies session is scheduled for December 2.
Who is participating in ESPC 2026 Women in Tech sessions?
The program notes list Microsoft leaders Karuana Gatimu and Heather Cook among the participants. They also name other Microsoft professionals and community representatives, but the supplied material does not provide full session-by-session speaker details.
Do I need a Microsoft 365 license to attend?
No license requirement is stated in the supplied program information. Registration requirements and ticket details are also not provided.