MICROSOFT - WHERE INNOVATION AND THE FUTURE MEET I have always loved Microsoft due to its high-quality cutting-edge products that have made both my work life and personal life far easier and more manageable. But. on Tuesday, December 16, my respect for the company took on added significance as I witnessed first-hand the realization of one of Leos and Stevens most fervent dreams at long last to visit the Corporation and meet some of its movers and shakers. This special day was a long time coming whose original possibilities first emerged more than a year ago, thanks to Katie Cheneler, a Special Education major who met the boys at local Marymount University who reached out to her father upon seeing these boys passion for Microsoft and its ever-changing technology. Joe Cheneler, one of Microsofts program managers within its federal space, led in organizing a literal special event around the boys, having been impressed by reading a transcript of one of Leos speeches in which Leo expressed his desire to join Microsoft. As the result of a series of meetings, a tailored agenda was planned and carried out on the site of the Corporations Reston, Virginia campus. The day began with the boys receipt of a special name plate, made with one of Microsofts state-of-the-art 3D printers which produced their names both in print and Braille. Then proceeding to the second floor, Leo and Steven were able to see the printer in action as they handled other objects that were produced. Welcoming the boys was an electronic sign, reading, Microsoft Technology Center welcomes Cantos Boys to the Dogwood Suite. In this high-tech setting, complete with a Smart Board, video conferencing capability, and other impressive features that only served to add importance to the occasion of the visit, Joe provided an overview of the Corporations structure, history, priorities, and future vision. Following this introduction, the boys experienced their very first corporate working lunch. While enjoying salad, sandwiches, an assortment of desserts, and sodas that were brought in for the occasion, the event was joined by Kelly Ford (Practice Manager over Microsofts Accessibility Division) and Naomi Harrington (Program Manager for Microsofts Windows DeploymentDivision), both of whom patched in for more than an hour via conference call from Microsofts main headquarters in Redman, WashingtonState to discuss accessibility issues and share career advice. Next, the boys interacted with Dean Halstead, Cloud and Collaboration Architect for Microsofts federal customers, who gave detailed and extensive information about various facets of company operations and describe cool features of the Windows Phone for more than two hours. Providing a chance for Steven and Leo to gain a glimpse both into its game operations was Laura Ruby, Former Director of Policy and Standards, whom I know and who still works for the Corporation in a different capacity, conferencing in and accepting an offer by the boys to share feedback regarding enhancements to make its games more accessible to gamers who are blind. The day was capped off with the boys getting to see an XBox display. Within just hours of the conclusion of the event, in a prompt follow-up email, Joe wrote, Thank you for the opportunity to showcase Microsoft and I hope that you enjoyed your time and learned much. Today, I learned as much from you two, as you did from us. You two gentlemen are fine individuals and [may] be proud of what you have accomplished and what you will accomplish. Please stay in touch and let’s get together soon to catch up. Indeed they will. Each kid has already issued detailed follow-up correspondence of his own, including next action steps. My sincere appreciation to Microsoft and its leaders who helped solidify Leos goal of becoming a programmer and Stevens goal of working as a lawyer in the tech industry. I will remain forever grateful to Microsoft for its steadfast support of the boys. Thank you, Microsoft!
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 10:05:07 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015