Filling a Workforce Pipeline with Diverse Talent

Redmond, Wa - As described in Microsoft's Vision and Strategy for the Future, diversity is a key business principle at Microsoft and in working with its diversity partners, we are witnesses to the execution of this vision. 

Starting last year, Microsoft Corporation launched a series of recruiting and networking events that have since grown in numbers and recruiting partners. The most recent one happened last month and offered resume reviews, meet the recruiters/partners, skill improvement sessions and on-the-spot interviews.  This was also the first time where State Farm joined as a presenting organization. As far as careers, recruiting focused on the following functional areas: Finance, Marketing, Software Development / Computer Science, Microsoft IT,  Supply Chain, Operations, Insurance Agency Recruiting and MBA and College Recruiting.

So thanks to all that came out and participated and we all look forward to our next event on June 4th, the Women in Naaap (WIN!) Conference. If you had one day for yourself, this is the day! So register to WIN! Flash Scholarships and Child care available. All are welcome.

Links: Microsoft Corporation | About Microsoft Diversity | Strategy | Microsoft Diversity Conferences and Events | State Farm | About State Farm Diversity

Past recruiting events: November 2010 | April 2010

Participating Professional Diversity Organizations: NSHMBA Seattle (National Society of Hispanic MBAs) |  SHPE Puget Sound Chapter (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) | National Black MBA Association Seattle | ALPFA Seattle (Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting) | NAAAP Seattle (National Association of Asian American Professionals) | Ascend | El Centro de La Raza | PWOCN (Professional Women of Color Network) | EDI (Executive Development Institute) | KCHCC (King County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) | AWSHCC (Association of Washington State Hispanic Chambers of Commerce) | Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs

Once again, Microsoft Diversity Event draws hordes hungry for recruiters' secrets

National Society of Hispanic MBAs organized its Diversity Recruiting and Networking Event on Thursday, November 11, 2010, in Microsoft's new The Commons. Once again, NAAAP-Seattle served as one of NHSMBA's lead partners.

The first Diversity Recruiting and Networking Event earlier this spring drew 600 people. This time, organizers anticipated capping attendance at 300.

But 400 showed up to learn and network.

The attendees spent their evening exploring their options at the career fair, engaging in one-on-one sessions with recruiters, and listening to a special panel moderated by Christine Chen on how Microsoft recruiters find new talent using social media.

And for dessert? A fountain of chocolate fondue, in assorted fruit for dipping.

Photo by Cammie Tran: NAAAP-Seattle Web Support Chair Sherwin Tsai and NAAAP-Seattle Students Relations Chair Amy Duong man the NAAAP-Seattle informational booth with Kaplan.

Microsoft Building 34 abuzz with Diversity Recruiting & Networking

Photos by Liz Tran: (top) NAAAP-Seattle President Gil Gido with MS General Manager for Diversity and Inclusion Gwen Houston; (middle) NAAAP-Seattle Student Relations Chair Amy Duong and NAAAP volunteer Mikii Liu; (bottom) the audience.


The usually calm Microsoft Building 34 Café buzzed with activity when NAAAP-Seattle partnered with the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA)-Seattle, Microsoft, and various other organizations to hold the Microsoft Diversity Recruiting and Networking Event last Thursday (4/29).


The packed auditorium, filled with over 500 attendees, signaled success for this collaboration among organizations serving different ethnic communities. Over 100 RSVPs came from NAAAP-Seattle’s FaceBook and Website advertisement. NAAAP-Seattle Student Relations chair Amy Duong worked hard to reach out to local college students, many of whom attended the event.


Recruiters from different Microsoft business units, including Entertainment & Devices (E&D) and MS Operations, were on-hand to discuss career opportunities at Microsoft. The keynote speaker, Gwen Houston, General Manager for Diversity and Inclusion at Microsoft, spoke on how recruiting and developing talent from diverse candidates can support Microsoft’s business goals.

NAAAP-Seattle volunteers also supported the event by manning registration tables and guiding attendees.


NSHMBA-Seattle President Richard Velasquez said of NAAAP-Seattle's participation, "We appreciate your partnership at the event."


Both organizations look forward to partnering in future 2010 activities for the benefit of both NSHMBA-Seattle and NAAAP-Seattle members.

Our upcoming NAAAP-Seattle Student Relations and Professional Development Events will take place in mid-May 2010. For Asian American students curious about thriving in the workplace, please check out the Asian Student Commission at UW Networking Event (featuring NAAAP-Seattle President Gil Gido) on May 10. For NAAAP-Seattle members and non-members interested about turning a business idea into reality (presented by Paul Bernal of Boeing and Human Capital International), please check out “Launch Your Idea!” on May 12.


For questions about NAAAP-Seattle Student Relations activities, please contact Amy Duong at amy.duong@naaapseattle.org. For questions about NAAAP-Seattle Professional Development activities, please contact Hang Chen at hang.chen@naaapseattle.org.