Recognizing and celebrating leadership in technology has never been more crucial than it is today, as the tech sector continues to evolve rapidly in both scope and influence. Against this dynamic backdrop, Microsoft has revealed the winners of its 2025 Microsoft Power Women Awards, spotlighting exceptional female leaders making tangible impacts across the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) partner ecosystem. One standout among this year’s honorees is Breda O’Callaghan, Managing Director at KPMG Ireland, whose multifaceted contributions exemplify the profound change that determined, inclusive leadership can bring to the technology landscape.
The Microsoft Power Women Awards were established to celebrate and elevate female leaders who drive innovation, foster inclusion, and inspire the next generation within the broader Microsoft partner community. Now in its latest edition, the program has grown into a prestigious platform for recognizing the trailblazing work being carried out by women across technical, business, and advocacy spheres. This year’s awards drew 368 nominations from 20 different countries and regions, each telling stories of perseverance, vision, and the ongoing quest for equity in a historically male-dominated arena.
The scale and diversity of nominations underscore both the breadth of Microsoft’s regional partner ecosystem and the deep well of female talent and drive across EMEA. For many in the industry, the award is more than just a symbolic nod; it is a catalyst for change, sparking the conversations and connections necessary to drive systemic progress for women in technology.
Peers and colleagues cite O’Callaghan’s combination of deep technical expertise and a rare ability to build high-performing, cross-disciplinary teams as key drivers behind her success. But it is her tireless advocacy for women in technology that truly differentiates her. O’Callaghan’s journey is emblematic of the challenges faced by many women as they navigate careers in tech, and her proactive approach to dismantling barriers has made a measurable difference.
Among her notable achievements is the founding of KPMG’s Women in Technology initiative, a program that has become a cornerstone of the firm’s broader efforts toward gender equity. Under her leadership, this initiative has created a networked platform for women within the organization, offering mentorship, strategic skills development, and a continuous support structure as they move through various stages of their consulting careers.
Moreover, O’Callaghan plays a leading role in KPMG’s gender equity program—an effort designed not only to attract more women to technology roles but to ensure lasting retention and upward mobility. Grassroots engagement is central to her approach; O’Callaghan is a visible presence in STEM outreach, organizing and leading recruitment drives, and forging links with educational institutions. Through her sponsorship of the 2024 TechFoundHer Innovation Labs—a project supporting 35 female tech entrepreneurs—she has created new pipelines for innovation and opportunity.
Accepting her award, O’Callaghan spoke candidly about her enduring passion for both working in and advocating for women in technology. “This recognition fuels my continued commitment to keep pushing for progress, championing inclusion, and helping build a future where every woman feels empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive in tech,” she stated, using her platform to reinforce the importance—and urgency—of sustained action.
The stature of this program reflects Microsoft’s holistic approach to partner recognition; it is not only about celebrating existing excellence but investing in the sustainability and amplification of female leadership for years to come. Studies consistently show that organizations with a higher representation of women in leadership roles tend to outperform their peers on metrics like profitability, innovation, and employee satisfaction. By facilitating access to such high-tier development opportunities, Microsoft helps ensure that the positive ripple effects of its Power Women Awards are felt throughout its global ecosystem.
A consistent thread runs through reports by Deloitte and McKinsey: successful DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives require direct senior leadership involvement, systemic support, measurable goals, and organizational accountability. Shorter-term programs without executive buy-in rarely move the needle. In this context, the tangible engagement by leaders like Breda O’Callaghan, who not only champion initiatives but also build real structures to support those efforts, becomes all the more critical. Her work at KPMG demonstrates how direct action—supported by a firm’s highest levels—can shift cultural baselines and build opportunities that outlast any one individual.
Moreover, representation in visible, high-profile roles—like O’Callaghan’s Managing Director position—acts as a beacon for junior talent. “Seeing women in top leadership roles makes ambition more achievable for everyone,” remarks Dr. Karen Kelsky, a leading analyst on women’s career progression in STEM. “It normalizes the presence of women at the decision-making table and helps counteract deeply embedded biases about who leads and who follows in tech.”
But if the awards are to remain relevant, and their nominees’ efforts truly scalable, they must be seen as part of a larger, continuous journey. Recognition is important; sustained, collective action is indispensable. Speaking at the announcement, O’Callaghan herself noted, “This recognition fuels my continued commitment.” For the industry as a whole, such stories should do the same: fuel ongoing commitment, redouble efforts, and build a future in which innovation and leadership are drawn from every part of a diverse, empowered community.
As the sector continues its relentless evolution, the ultimate mark of success will not be a single award or initiative. It will be the day when the extraordinary achievements of women in tech are so commonplace, so deeply woven into every fabric of the industry, that recognition becomes the norm, not the exception. Until then, every story of leadership, like Breda O’Callaghan’s, is both a milestone—and a mandate for continued action.
Source: Microsoft Microsoft Announces Breda O’Callaghan, KPMG as Ireland Winner of the 2025 Microsoft Power Women Awards - Microsoft News Centre Europe
A Closer Look at the Microsoft Power Women Awards
The Microsoft Power Women Awards were established to celebrate and elevate female leaders who drive innovation, foster inclusion, and inspire the next generation within the broader Microsoft partner community. Now in its latest edition, the program has grown into a prestigious platform for recognizing the trailblazing work being carried out by women across technical, business, and advocacy spheres. This year’s awards drew 368 nominations from 20 different countries and regions, each telling stories of perseverance, vision, and the ongoing quest for equity in a historically male-dominated arena.The scale and diversity of nominations underscore both the breadth of Microsoft’s regional partner ecosystem and the deep well of female talent and drive across EMEA. For many in the industry, the award is more than just a symbolic nod; it is a catalyst for change, sparking the conversations and connections necessary to drive systemic progress for women in technology.
Breda O’Callaghan: Championing Innovation and Inclusion at KPMG Ireland
As the 2025 Ireland winner of the Microsoft Power Women Awards, Breda O’Callaghan stands out not only for her technical acumen but for her unwavering dedication to fostering gender equity within the tech sector. In her capacity as Managing Director, O’Callaghan leads KPMG’s Technology practice, steering complex transformation programs that intersect multiple industries—from financial services to health, public sector modernization, and beyond.Peers and colleagues cite O’Callaghan’s combination of deep technical expertise and a rare ability to build high-performing, cross-disciplinary teams as key drivers behind her success. But it is her tireless advocacy for women in technology that truly differentiates her. O’Callaghan’s journey is emblematic of the challenges faced by many women as they navigate careers in tech, and her proactive approach to dismantling barriers has made a measurable difference.
Among her notable achievements is the founding of KPMG’s Women in Technology initiative, a program that has become a cornerstone of the firm’s broader efforts toward gender equity. Under her leadership, this initiative has created a networked platform for women within the organization, offering mentorship, strategic skills development, and a continuous support structure as they move through various stages of their consulting careers.
Moreover, O’Callaghan plays a leading role in KPMG’s gender equity program—an effort designed not only to attract more women to technology roles but to ensure lasting retention and upward mobility. Grassroots engagement is central to her approach; O’Callaghan is a visible presence in STEM outreach, organizing and leading recruitment drives, and forging links with educational institutions. Through her sponsorship of the 2024 TechFoundHer Innovation Labs—a project supporting 35 female tech entrepreneurs—she has created new pipelines for innovation and opportunity.
Real Impact: Measurable Results and Meaningful Recognition
Recognition by Microsoft is never given lightly, and the Power Women Awards single out only those whose influence extends beyond the boardroom to deliver authentic, industry-wide impact. According to Clare Hillis, Commercial Partner Lead at Microsoft Ireland, O’Callaghan was chosen for her “track record on delivering complex transformation projects for customers across Ireland and for her unwavering passion in supporting women in technology.” Hillis emphasized the volume and depth of initiatives O’Callaghan has spearheaded, describing her as pivotal in creating a “more innovative and inclusive industry for all.”Accepting her award, O’Callaghan spoke candidly about her enduring passion for both working in and advocating for women in technology. “This recognition fuels my continued commitment to keep pushing for progress, championing inclusion, and helping build a future where every woman feels empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive in tech,” she stated, using her platform to reinforce the importance—and urgency—of sustained action.
Beyond the Award: Fueling Growth Through Leadership Development
Crucially, the Microsoft Power Women Awards do not mark the end of the journey for their recipients. As part of their recognition, each winner is invited to participate in the Microsoft Women’s Leadership Program at the internationally renowned INSEAD Business School. Led by Professor Jennifer Petriglieri, this initiative provides a unique platform for growth and collaboration. Designed to address both the opportunities and challenges facing senior female leaders in technology, the program blends advanced leadership theory with practical, hands-on interaction, setting the stage for long-term impact.The stature of this program reflects Microsoft’s holistic approach to partner recognition; it is not only about celebrating existing excellence but investing in the sustainability and amplification of female leadership for years to come. Studies consistently show that organizations with a higher representation of women in leadership roles tend to outperform their peers on metrics like profitability, innovation, and employee satisfaction. By facilitating access to such high-tier development opportunities, Microsoft helps ensure that the positive ripple effects of its Power Women Awards are felt throughout its global ecosystem.
The Broader Context: Gender Equity in Tech—Progress and Persistent Gaps
While the Microsoft Power Women Awards highlight inspiring individual stories, they also serve as a poignant reminder of the work yet to be done. According to the European Union’s “Women in Digital Scoreboard 2024,” women continue to be underrepresented in ICT roles, comprising only about 19% of EU ICT specialists, despite making up nearly half of the overall labor force. Studies from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and World Economic Forum (WEF) confirm a similar pattern globally: pipeline leakages occur at many career stages, with attrition rates disproportionately higher for women as they advance.A consistent thread runs through reports by Deloitte and McKinsey: successful DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives require direct senior leadership involvement, systemic support, measurable goals, and organizational accountability. Shorter-term programs without executive buy-in rarely move the needle. In this context, the tangible engagement by leaders like Breda O’Callaghan, who not only champion initiatives but also build real structures to support those efforts, becomes all the more critical. Her work at KPMG demonstrates how direct action—supported by a firm’s highest levels—can shift cultural baselines and build opportunities that outlast any one individual.
Industry Voices: Why Representation Matters
The Microsoft Power Women Awards align with a growing recognition throughout the tech industry that diversity and inclusion are not only ethical imperatives but innovation drivers. A recent IDC EMEA survey found that companies with more gender-diverse leadership teams are significantly more likely to outperform competitors on measures of creativity, agility, and customer satisfaction. Diverse perspectives foster broader thinking, better understanding of user needs, and more robust products—a fact affirmed by tech powerhouses from Google and Intel to SAP and Accenture.Moreover, representation in visible, high-profile roles—like O’Callaghan’s Managing Director position—acts as a beacon for junior talent. “Seeing women in top leadership roles makes ambition more achievable for everyone,” remarks Dr. Karen Kelsky, a leading analyst on women’s career progression in STEM. “It normalizes the presence of women at the decision-making table and helps counteract deeply embedded biases about who leads and who follows in tech.”
Risks and the Road Ahead: Where Challenges Remain
Despite measurable gains in recent years, the path to equity in tech remains fraught with challenges. Key risks include:- Unconscious Bias in Promotion and Hiring: Despite best efforts, subtle biases often permeate performance evaluation and advancement processes, limiting upward mobility for qualified women.
- Attrition and Lack of Support: Many organizations lose high-potential female talent mid-career due to insufficient support mechanisms, inflexible work structures, or a lack of visible, achievable career paths.
- Over-Reliance on “Champion” Leaders: While visible leaders like O’Callaghan drive change, organizations must ensure structures are in place so progress continues even as personnel shifts occur. Systemic change, rather than isolated heroism, guarantees resilience.
- Shortfall in Senior Representation: Even at tech companies with robust DEI programs, the share of women in C-suite or technical leadership roles lags behind male peers—a trend that hasn’t shifted as quickly as headline gains would suggest.
- Intersectional Inclusion: The focus often remains on gender without fully accounting for the added challenges faced by women of color, LGBTQ+ tech professionals, and those with disabilities.
Celebrating Progress, Demanding More
The Microsoft Power Women Awards are a testament to the enduring impact that committed, visionary leadership can have on the tech sector. Breda O’Callaghan’s selection as Ireland’s 2025 winner recognizes both her prodigious achievements and the ongoing relevance of the struggle for equity in technology. Through her actions—delivering transformative projects, cultivating talent, and pioneering inclusion—O’Callaghan sets a standard that others can aspire to and surpass.But if the awards are to remain relevant, and their nominees’ efforts truly scalable, they must be seen as part of a larger, continuous journey. Recognition is important; sustained, collective action is indispensable. Speaking at the announcement, O’Callaghan herself noted, “This recognition fuels my continued commitment.” For the industry as a whole, such stories should do the same: fuel ongoing commitment, redouble efforts, and build a future in which innovation and leadership are drawn from every part of a diverse, empowered community.
How Organizations Can Build on This Momentum
For Microsoft, the Power Women Awards reflect a broader corporate responsibility to foster inclusive partner ecosystems—one that starts with recognition and extends to robust, ongoing support. For partner organizations like KPMG, the next steps include:- Institutionalizing Mentorship and Sponsorship: Ensuring mentorship programs include senior sponsors (men and women) and create measurable opportunities for advancement.
- Tracking and Reporting Progress: Regular public reporting on the gender composition of leadership pipelines, promotions, and pay equity.
- Expanding Intersectional Initiatives: Addressing not just gender, but also race, ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation to build a truly inclusive culture.
- Investing in Flexible Working Models: Continuing post-pandemic innovations in work flexibility to retain parent and caregiver talent.
- Engaging Male Allies: Inclusion is not a “women’s issue” but a collective one. Programs that proactively involve male leaders and team members have a higher rate of lasting culture change.
The Bottom Line: Lasting Change Requires Everyone
The 2025 Microsoft Power Women Awards, and Breda O’Callaghan’s Ireland win in particular, remind us that progress in technology is driven not just by breakthroughs in code or hardware but by the people bold enough to lead differently. Their stories inspire, but also challenge both individuals and organizations: Is your workplace one where women can thrive, innovate, and lead? What can you do—today—to make it so?As the sector continues its relentless evolution, the ultimate mark of success will not be a single award or initiative. It will be the day when the extraordinary achievements of women in tech are so commonplace, so deeply woven into every fabric of the industry, that recognition becomes the norm, not the exception. Until then, every story of leadership, like Breda O’Callaghan’s, is both a milestone—and a mandate for continued action.
Source: Microsoft Microsoft Announces Breda O’Callaghan, KPMG as Ireland Winner of the 2025 Microsoft Power Women Awards - Microsoft News Centre Europe
