Debbie Uttecht is a distinguished Product and Partner Marketing Executive, currently working at Microsoft, renowned for her outstanding expertise in shaping innovative product strategies, fostering collaboration among diverse teams and nurturing strong partner relationships. Acknowledged as a trailblazer in the industry, Debbie can unite teams and drive highly successful cross-group initiatives, setting new standards of excellence.
Debbie was honored as a Trailblazer, a seasoned female technology industry veteran who is paving the way for her organization, customers and industry in advancing cloud and next-generation technology solutions. Cloud Girls is pleased to share more about Debbie in this edited excerpt from her award application.
What one example shows how Debbie has innovated in the cloud and next-gen tech space and shunned the status quo?
Debbie is working to turn the cloud and next-gen tech space on its head. With over a decade of experience working with the tech innovator and leader, Microsoft, Debbie has found creative ways to grow the community, develop the tech space, and support universal skilling. One major innovation she is working on is heading the partnership with Women in Cloud to support historically disenfranchised and marginalized communities as they begin their education and/or careers in tech or as they advance their well-established careers.
Are there any outstanding achievements or compelling examples of Debbie’s exemplary leadership that highlight her ability to inspire team members around cloud and next-gen technologies?
Debbie’s continual support and leadership on the Universal Skilling initiative with Women in Cloud (WIC) highlights what a fantastic leader she truly is. She has helped thousands of people, a majority being women, connect with Women in Cloud to access Microsoft skilling and certification options. She has directly supported over 300+ in their journey to earning professional certifications in technical cloud skills as well as thousands of people getting skilled and educated in the field. Internally she always creates opportunities for her team to shine and grow and makes sure people are connected to the right career resources so everyone can be successful. You know your week is going to be made when you get to have a meeting with Debbie!
How has Debbie’s leadership elevated the position of women in cloud or technology? How has she “paid it forward” to create more opportunities for women growing their careers?
Debbie has dedicated time, money, and resources to “paying forward” by creating new opportunities for women in cloud and/or tech. She has helped spearhead the World Wide Learning initiatives at Microsoft, emphasizing the need to diversify and grow the tech workforce. Her partnerships often focus on welcoming historically excluded communities to tech and building bridges for women professionals. She has been inspired by her personal experience navigating the industry and works to create a more equitable and accessible industry for others.
How has Debbie mentored, championed, and/or supported other women in technology — above, below and at her level?
Debbie is always willing to share the stage. She is not only a leader but a leader who recognizes the strength of being a supporter and background actor in some situations. One of the most significant ways she champions women above, below, and at her level is through her willingness to connect people/groups. Often in the business and tech space, organizations and teams can be reserved about what they are willing to share, in Debbie’s case she is always looking to introduce and mediate partnerships between people and organizations to achieve the biggest, most sustainable impact for women in technology.
Additionally one of the achievements Debbie is most proud of is a mentorship program she initiated and led. She gets energy from mentoring others and in a previous MSFT team, she had six college hires who were brilliant and were all starting their first corporate job. Recognizing the need for support that these young professionals had, she created a support program called “The World According to Debbie.” She titled it after herself to emphasize that this was advice and guidance based on her experience and opinions and that the team should never be worried about seeking additional support beyond Debbie’s. They covered things like how to write your review, how to have a difficult conversation with peers or managers, how to speak up when you have a different view than the group, and more leadership development necessary for women looking to grow their skills in cloud and tech.
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
Debbie would be Captain Marvel. She recognizes that like all of us, Captain Marvel is not perfect, but she is always working to build innovative and kind communities. Plus, Debbie would be able to fly, heal, and ultimately help other people!
Congrats, Debbie!!