Every May, CRN releases its highly anticipated Women of the Channel list. This year, three distinguished executives from Microsoft have been honored as part of the Power 100, an elite subset of the list selected by the CRN editorial staff. These standout Microsoft executives are redefining the channel landscape and paving the way for future success.
Nicole Dezen, Microsoft's chief partner officer and corporate vice president of global partner solutions, stands out as a transformative leader. Under her guidance, the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program has seen unprecedented enhancements, marked by record-high investments that empower partners to facilitate AI transformations and deliver customer success.
Nina Harding, corporate VP of Americas global partner solutions, has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between Microsoft and its partners. By integrating partners early in sales cycles and incentivizing strategic behaviors, Nina has driven momentum that benefits businesses and their customers. Her commitment to simplifying co-selling motions and equipping sellers with the right tools has significantly increased close rates and improved customer outcomes.
Julie Sanford, VP, GTM, programs, and operations, has been crucial in refining Microsoft's partner initiatives. She has successfully released new partner benefit packages aligned with growth stages, empowering partners with essential AI tools to accelerate their business. With her strategic vision, Julie has championed designations for Microsoft’s small and medium corporate segment, enhancing the overall partner experience and driving engagement through innovative programs.
The Power 100 recognition acknowledges their significant role in a team where leadership, collaboration, and impact occur at every level. Looking ahead, Nicole, Nina, and Julie will continue contributing to the channel's future, ensuring that Microsoft remains at the forefront of collaboration and innovation.
Microsoft 2025 Women of the Channel
Beyond the Power 100 List, many other talented and trailblazing Microsoft colleagues made CRN’s 2025 Women of the Channel list. These exemplary leaders represent the best of Microsoft and a culture that lifts each other up and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.
- Claire Barjon, channel lead, France
- Jeannine Borgen, Surface commercial channel sales lead
- Sarah Bowden, Asia channel sales director
- Valeria Camacho, regional director, partner sales
- Shalini Chandrashekar, senior dir. and global lead - Azure apps and Infra (advisory partnerships)
- Pearl Chen, VP partner success, global customer success
- Lisa Chiang, general manager
- Ann Choi, general manager, Microsoft Cloud, solution areas
- Hristina Christozova, director EMEA partner go-to-market SMB
- Chandra Cramer, general manager, commercial partner sales
- Jacquelyn Crowhurst, chief architect, Americas global partner solutions
- Michelle Curtis, worldwide distribution and indirect partner channel sales leader
- Tanya Cwiakala, WW channel director GTM, device partner sales (DPS)
- Heather Deggans, VP, Americas GPS ISV partner sales
- Elaina Dulaney, director, partner communications, events
- Liliana Gonzalez, senior director, Azure apps and Infra Americas ISV lead
- Stacie Guan, general manager device partner, Greater China region
- Kendall Hawkins, director of business strategy
- Bailey Johannes, partner development manager
- Sandy Kallio, chief of staff, director partner activation
- Puja Lakhanpal, director, partner marketing
- Kerri Lampard, head GSI and advisory partners, Asia
- Erie Lai Lau, director, partner technology Strategist
- Andrea Liberman Salfatis, channel lead, Brazil
- Leona Locke Dotson, director, go-to-market benefits, and partner engagement
- Lorena Loeffelholz, AMS GPS, co-sell program lead, enterprise, and SMC
- Maria Mayer, senior director, device partner planning
- Deanna Meyer, senior director, communications and events, industry and partner sales
- Jolly Mishra, director, partner management
- Feliz Montpellier, general manager, global health care partners
- Lori Newman, director business strategy
- Maisa Penha, Global Partner Solution Architect Leader
- Zuzana Piling, director, global partner development
- Laura Polly, WW solution area leader, global channel sales
- Nanditha Ram, senior director business strategy
- Monique Rezaei, Director, Solution Area Specialists
- Marianne Roling, VP, global system integrators
- Priya Satheesh, senior director, GISV sales
- Shamiana Soderberg, director security Americas new and emerging partnerships
- Vanessa Sorenson, chief partner officer, general manager, New Zealand
- Suzanne Toohey, senior sales director, US OEM
- Colleen Tyler, general manager, global partner marketing and GTM
- Joana Vala Pires, senior director, partner GTM leader EMEA
- Raya Volinsky, global director, Copilot and modern workplace, global partner solutions
- Wendy Welch, general manager, device partner sales
- Gina Yong, senior director, channel programs
- Hilary Zaborski, general manager, SMB, distribution
Congratulations to these extraordinary leaders on their well-deserved recognition! Their passion and dedication to excellence inspire all women striving to make significant contributions in the technology sector.
To learn more, visit the CRN 2025 Women of the Channel award list.