Every copy of OPULIS turns inspiration into opportunity, transforming a story into a scholarship and a reader into a changemaker.
(1888PressRelease) October 27, 2025 - Women in Cloud announces the global launch of OPULIS: Women Powering Microsoft’s Trillion-Dollar Shift, a collector’s edition book featuring leadership strategies and celebrating 50 women who helped shape Microsoft’s evolution into the AI era. The publication is officially endorsed by Microsoft and the Microsoft Alumni Network.
As part of this historic launch, $1 million in Microsoft AI Innovator Scholarships will be awarded through the Book-to-Scholarship Model, a first-of-its-kind initiative turning book ownership into a career opportunity.
With more than 700 scholarship applications from 20+ countries, the program has already revealed an extraordinary global demand for AI upskilling. Top participating countries include Brazil, the United States, Nigeria, India, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Kenya, and Egypt.
By achieving 1,000 OPULIS book pre-orders, Women in Cloud successfully unlocked 100 AI Certification Scholarships, empowering learners with world-class Microsoft credentials that open doors to $70,000-per-year digital careers, creating $7 million in new annual wages and an estimated $21 million in total economic impact.
“Electricity unlocked the industrial revolution and AI is unlocking quantum progress,” said Chaitra Vedullapalli, President of Women in Cloud and Executive Producer of OPULIS. “This movement ensures that access to AI careers isn’t just reserved for the few, but it’s available to everyone.”
Built on the Philosophy of Significance
OPULIS was not created to celebrate status, but significance. Each honoree was selected for her ability to create systemic change, drive measurable outcomes, take responsibility for opening doors, and engage deeply in inclusive innovation.
This guiding philosophy, rooted in the FIRE Framework (Focus, Impact, Responsibility, Engagement), ensures that every story in OPULIS reflects transformational leadership that has reshaped industries and communities alike.
The Making of OPULIS – A Monumental Journey
OPULIS (noun) / ō-pyə-lis /
From the Latin roots OPUS (“masterpiece”) and POLIS (“community”).
OPULIS comes from the Latin word meaning strength, prosperity, and community—a fitting symbol for a movement built to empower and uplift. Like many Microsoft projects, the name carries a meaningful code name rooted in purpose. The making of OPULIS was a monumental feat. The project came together from idea to global launch in less than five months, including: 10 days to secure consent from all leaders, 11 days to finalize every story with Microsoft’s approval, the alignment of a publisher supporting the Book-to-Scholarship model, the use of 69 AI agents to create and review over 2,000 pieces of content, and the gathering of 40+ industry endorsements in less than a week.
A Permanent Chapter in Microsoft’s History
OPULIS is officially endorsed by Microsoft and the Microsoft Alumni Network and will be archived in the Microsoft Archives and Museum, preserving the stories of women who shaped the company’s culture, technology, and global influence for future generations.
The ultimate goal of the OPULIS movement is to ignite 1,000 AI careers by 2030, fueled by book sponsorships, AI scholarship funds, and corporate grants proving that storytelling and access together can spark large-scale economic mobility.
The 50 Women of OPULIS
Aliesha Pulliam • Anna Kopp • Aparna Gupta • Brea Starmer • Chaitra Vedullapalli • Claudia Martinez • Cloe Zeng • Debbie Uttecht • Dee Dee Walsh • Doher Drizzle Pablo • Elaine Q. Chang • Erin Chapple (Bourke-Dunphy) • Gavriella Schuster • Gena Goh. • Helen Fanucci • Jacqui Miranda • Jane Boulware • Jenny Lay-Flurrie • Jessica Rafuse • Joanne Harrell • Karen Bergin • Karen Fassio • Karen Cone • Kate Maxwell • Kathy Dixon • Lakecia Gunter • Letty Katchen Cherry • Lotte Cordt Ihlemann • Maggie Chan Jones • Manuela Papadopol • Melissa Mulholland • Michele Plaia • Michelle Pruitt • Michelle Thomas • Miri Rodriguez • Monika Mital Gupta • Nathalie D’Hers • Nickie Smith • Nitasha Chopra • Njideka U. Harry • Patti Thibodeau • Sabina Nawaz • Shannon Huffman Polson • Sharmila Rathinam • Sherlaender Phillips • Simi Olabisi • Stacy Tatem • Tameka McNair • Trish Millines Dziko • Yanna Andronopoulou
Endorsements
“When we think of artifacts preserved in museums, we imagine ancient manuscripts or art. OPULIS reminds us that stories of women in technology are equally foundational to understanding our world.” — Business Insider
“OPULIS is a powerful example of what inclusive leadership looks like in action.” - Emma Hinchliffe Most Powerful Women Editor | Fortune Magazine
“It’s a celebration of leadership, a recognition of the women who helped shape Microsoft’s culture and innovation.” - Rich Kaplan, Board of Trustees, Microsoft Alumni | Network, Former CVP, Microsoft
“OPULIS isn’t just a coffee table book; it's a call to action. A testament to what’s possible when we multiply access and lead with purpose. If you care about creating an inclusive future, you’ll treasure every page. “ Dawn Trudeau, Co-Owner Seattle Storm | WNBA Basketball Team
Partner Recognition
Small, medium, and enterprise corporations collaborated to power the AI Scholarships, which are made available as a result of book pre-orders. Women in Cloud proudly acknowledges its strategic partners for enabling this initiative: Adaptiva, Ntegral, Accenture, Meylah, Microsoft, JP Morgan Chase, Eat Happy Now, The Women In Tech Network, Microsoft Accessibility Team, Highline Community College, Be Bold, Athena International, Microsoft Alumni Network, Up Your Creative Genius, Full Circle Leadership Group, Mercer-MacKay Solutions Inc, SafePC Solutions, Enslow Group, LLC, Ingram Micro, Gotteman Institute, and Kate Maxwell Speaks united by a shared mission to democratize access to AI careers, technology innovation, and economic opportunity.
Global Launch Events
Date: October 28, 2025 | Time: 4 PM – 7 PM PT
Location: Bellevue, WA
Sign up today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opulis-book-signing-launch-celebration-tickets-1612442752679?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
The celebration will include inspiring panels, a book signing, a time capsule ceremony, and the announcement of 100 Microsoft AI Scholarships.
Date: October 30, 2025 | Time: 9 AM – 10 AM PT
Location: Online
Sign up today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1612585579879?aff=oddtdtcreator
The global celebration will include inspiring panels, a time capsule ceremony, and the announcement of 100 Microsoft AI Scholarships.
Availability
OPULIS is available now in hardcover and digital formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and 4000 retailers worldwide. Every 10 books sold funds one AI Innovator Certification Scholarship. Learn more: https://womenincloud.com/opulis
Every copy of OPULIS turns inspiration into opportunity, transforming a story into a scholarship and a reader into a changemaker. 
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