The Scene

Microsoft Alumni Voices is a comprehensive oral history initiative that marks Microsoft’s 50th anniversary. The program chronicles the organization’s iconic moments, products, and impact.

The Ask

Develop an editorial framework for Microsoft Alumni Voices that surfaces compelling alumni stories with consistency and quality. Produce feature‑style profiles that feel human, credible, and aligned with the organization’s brand standards. Showcase diverse alumni journeys — from founders to nonprofit leaders to technologists — in a way that honors Microsoft’s legacy while highlighting new chapters.

The Idea

Re‑energize a global alumni community by elevating the stories of former Microsoft FTEs whose work shapes the tech industry and society. Strengthen the organization’s brand narrative through narrative storytelling that highlights innovation, impact, and the shared culture that connects alumni across generations.

The Strategy

Create a storytelling engine that deepens engagement, increases member pride, and reinforces the value of staying connected to the network. Produce multi-channel content, including copy for web, email, social, along with transcripts, compilation reels, and polished interviews to maximize reach and relevance.

The Challenge

Reimagining the interview strategy on the fly: with studio production off the table, we shifted to an in‑person interview sprint at our global summit to capture as many stories as possible in a single window.
Collaborating across shifting roles: Our CMO led the interviews, while I focused on driving participation, visibility, and engagement to ensure the effort delivered strong content.
Maintaining consistency across mixed‑format content: Blending pre‑existing studio interviews with new, event‑captured footage required careful editorial alignment to keep the series cohesive.

Why It Works

This initiative taps into a powerful shared identity. Alumni feel proud of their Microsoft roots, and the program gives them a meaningful way to stay connected through stories that reflect their values, achievements, and continued impact. It balances depth with clarity and elevates authentic, human‑centered storytelling.

The Impact

Provided a year of content for the Alumni Network’s website, newsletters, social media, and even fueled a podcast. The initiative was celebrated at a GeekWire event and received primetime during the Alumni Network’s global summit.

As the year saw large numbers of new Microsoft Alumni, this initiative supported a global expansion of the alumni community, which includes more than 290,000 people worldwide.

Credits

Marketing Campaign, Content & Video Production: Melissa Terry

Interviews: Becky Monk, Mario Juarez

Graphic Design: Tony Barnett

Video Studio: Microsoft Studios

Video: Run Studios

Microsoft Alumni Network,Alumni Voices