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In our latest magazine edition, we proudly present "Top 5 Empowering Women Leaders to Follow in 2025" u2014 a tribute to visionary women who are breaking barriers, inspiring change, and leading with purpose. These trailblazers come from diverse industries, but share one mission: to empower others through innovation, resilience, and leadership.<br><br>Discover their journeys, insights, and how theyu2019re shaping the future across business, technology, social impact, and beyond. Get ready to be inspired by the women who are redefining success in 2025 and paving the way for generations to come.<br><br>
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2025 E MPOWERING E NTREPRENEURIAL E XCELLENCE TOP 5 WO OM ME EN N Empowering W L LE EA AD DE ER RS S to Follow in 2025 Public Sector Industry Digital Strategist (WWPS IDS) Ana Casillas Fostering Change with Passion and Purpose
Top 5 Empowering Women Leaders to Follow in 2025 n an era defined by transformation, resilience, and reimagination, empowering women leaders are rewriting I the rules of leadership. They are not just shaping boardrooms they are shaping the future. These trailblazers are boldly championing inclusivity, driving innovation, and creating equitable spaces where the next generation of talent can thrive. At the forefront of this movement is Ana Casillas, our distinguished cover story. With a visionary mindset and unwavering commitment to purpose-driven leadership, Ana exemplifies what it means to lead with empathy, strength, and impact. Her journey is a powerful reminder that authentic leadership lies in the courage to challenge norms, uplift others, and stay relentlessly focused on long-term value. Empowering women leaders understand that progress doesn't happen in isolation it's built through collaboration, mentorship, and representation. They foster cultures where diverse voices are not only welcomed but celebrated. By leveraging their platforms to address systemic challenges and bridge opportunity gaps, they are making real and measurable change across industries. These leaders are also redefining success. Beyond profits and performance, they are focused on building organizations that are resilient, inclusive, and future-ready. Whether launching breakthrough innovations, advocating for social impact, or mentoring young professionals, their influence stretches far beyond their immediate circles. As research continues to show, companies with women in leadership outperform their peers in areas like creativity, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability. But the true legacy of these leaders lies in their ability to inspire others to empower rising voices, break down barriers, and turn challenges into opportunities for collective growth. In this special edition of “Top 5 Empowering Women Leaders to Follow in 2025,” we spotlight visionaries who are not only rising to the occasion but raising the bar for what leadership can and should be. Joining Ana Casillas on this journey are: Gaelle Berruel, Louise Mundinger, Nicole Martin, and Tina Thorner.
Kiran K. Sara Nathan Copyright 2025 THE CIO TIMES, All rights reserved. The Images and Content used in this magazine should not be transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any mechanical, electronic, means, recording, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission from THE CIO TIMES. Reprint rights remain solely with THE CIO TIMES
COVER STORY 10 Ana Casillas
Gaelle Berruel 20 Louise Mundinger 26 Nicole Martin 32 Tina Thörner 38
Public Sector Industry Digital Strategist (WWPS IDS) Ana Casillas Fostering Change with Passion and Purpose JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 11
his powerful quote captures the essence of true T leadership—leadership that goes beyond the ordinary and inspires The Path to Leadership Her career began in the medical others to reach new heights. devices industry, where she worked at Ana's professional journey began with renowned companies such as Eli Lilly, If you've been a part of the tech world, a desire to harness technology for the Boston Scientific, and Stryker. During you'd know that loving what you do is greater good. She pursued a Bachelor's this time, she honed her skills in sales not just a mantra; it is a necessity. degree in Biomedical Engineering, and product management—skills that Leaders who genuinely love their work driven by her vision of transforming would later serve her well in driving can inspire teams, drive public healthcare in Mexico. This early strategic initiatives. After years in the transformation, and make a meaningful focus on societal impact shaped her medical field, Ana transitioned into impact on society. Moreover, female future endeavors, and she continued to consulting, taking on roles at KPMG leaders in the tech space today are develop her expertise by earning an and Deloitte, where she worked on redefining industries, challenging the MBA specializing in Integrated large-scale projects involving mergers status quo, and using their passion to Management Systems from the and acquisitions as well as strategic create positive change. Instituto Europeo de Posgrado, as well planning for major corporations. as a Master's degree in General Ana Casillas, the Public Sector Management from Universidad In 2019, Ana joined Microsoft as a Industry Digital Strategist (WWPS Metropolitana de Educación Ciencia y Digital Advisor, where she worked IDS) at Microsoft, is one such Tecnología. Further demonstrating her closely with organizations to transform exemplary leader. She embodies the dedication to continuous learning, Ana their customer engagement, employee spirit of loving what you do. Her work also acquired certifications in internal experiences, business models, and is about more than just technology; it is auditing and health service operations. This experience laid the about using technology as a tool to management from Bureau Veritas and foundation for her current role as the empower public sector organizations, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Public Sector Industry Digital improve citizen services, and inspire México. Strategist at Microsoft, where she now the next generation of women in focuses on empowering government technology. clients worldwide. 12 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM
Ana's work touches critical areas such as public safety, public health, tax administration, and sustainability, always with the goal of helping public institutions leverage technology to improve citizen services. Moreover, she carries a personal mission to inspire young Latin women, demonstrating that they, too, can thrive in the tech industry and make a meaningful impact on the world. Built on the Foundations of Empowerment What sets Ana apart as a leader is her commitment to empathy, inclusivity, and innovation. She believes in understanding and valuing the perspectives of her team members, creating an environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated. Ana emphasizes the importance of encouraging creativity and new ideas, fostering a culture where integrity and growth are at the forefront. At Microsoft, she champions an environment where innovation thrives, and every team member feels empowered to bring their unique insights to the table. Ana's leadership approach is deeply rooted in fostering both personal and professional growth within her team. She values the contributions of every individual and strives to maintain an atmosphere where collaboration is key. Her guiding principles of empathy, inclusivity, and integrity are the cornerstones of her leadership style, enabling her to inspire and motivate her team to excel in every endeavor. The Spirit of Collaboration One of the significant challenges Ana faced in her role at Microsoft was aligning diverse stakeholders on a unified digital transformation strategy. This challenge required not only strategic insight but also a deep understanding of the different needs and perspectives involved. To overcome this, Ana initiated regular collaborative workshops and open forums, ensuring that every stakeholder JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 13
The Ripples of Excellence Ana considers one of her most significant professional achievements to be leading a national digital transformation initiative for a major government agency. This project not only modernized the agency's IT infrastructure but also significantly improved citizen services, showcasing the power of technology to make a tangible difference in public service delivery. The initiative involved implementing advanced analytics, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and promoting digital literacy among public servants. Her work has demonstrated how technology can be leveraged to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery in the public sector. By focusing on impactful projects, Ana has consistently shown her dedication to using technology as a tool for positive change, benefiting both government institutions and the citizens they serve. had a voice and a clear understanding of the shared goals. Her inclusive approach fostered buy-in from all parties and led to innovative solutions that addressed various concerns. Additionally, she leveraged Microsoft's vast resources and expertise to provide tailored solutions that met the unique needs of different government entities. Ana's ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity and a collaborative spirit has been a defining aspect of her career. By focusing on open communication and inclusivity, she has been able to bring together diverse groups to work towards common objectives, ultimately driving successful digital transformation initiatives. Within her team, Ana promotes continuous learning, encourages experimentation, and implements agile practices. She believes in creating a safe space where team members feel comfortable sharing and testing new ideas, knowing that their contributions are valued. By embracing agile methodologies, Ana ensures that her team can quickly adapt to changing circumstances, allowing for flexibility and resilience. 14 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM
setting and regularly reviewing personal and professional goals, engaging in courses, certifications, and workshops, and actively seeking feedback from peers and mentors. Ana also takes time to reflect on her experiences, learning from both successes and setbacks. Networking is another key strategy Ana employs to enhance her skills and leadership abilities. By building a network of industry professionals, she gains insights and support that help her navigate the complexities of her role. Her dedication to continuous learning and self-improvement is a testament to her commitment to being the best leader she can be. Setting Benchmarks of Success Awards and recognition serve as affirmations of Ana's hard work and A Cause for Progress Learning through Experience dedication, but what truly keeps her motivated is the impact of her work on Ana is a passionate advocate for the Personal growth and development are improving public sector services. The empowerment of women in STEM integral parts of Ana's journey as a recognition she receives is a testament disciplines. She believes in creating leader. She prioritizes her growth by to the collaborative efforts of her team opportunities and supportive environments for women, which includes mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and policies that promote work-life balance. Ana actively participates in initiatives aimed at increasing the representation of women in technology and supporting their career growth. She is particularly committed to inspiring young Latin women to pursue careers in STEM, showing them that they are capable of making a significant impact in the tech industry. For Ana, empowering women in STEM is not just about fostering diversity—it is about driving innovation, creativity, and progress by ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. 16 I JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM
providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. She hopes to inspire young Latin women to see that it is possible to work for a company like Microsoft and make significant contributions to the global community. Moving Ahead with A Strong Resolve Looking ahead, Ana envisions her future as a continuous journey of learning and growth. She plans to stay ahead by embracing new technologies, fostering a culture of innovation, and remaining committed to empowering her team and clients. For Ana, adaptability and resilience are key as she navigates the ever-evolving digital landscape. Ana is excited about the future possibilities and the continued impact that digital transformation can have on the public sector. She remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation of women leaders, particularly young Latin diverse women, to pursue their dreams in the tech industry. Her vision is one of empowerment, innovation, and a commitment to making a difference in the world. and the support of Microsoft's extensive resources. Ana is driven by the opportunity to innovate, empower others through technology, and make a difference in the lives of citizens around the world. Ana is also motivated by her mission to inspire young Latin diverse women, showing them that they can achieve greatness in the tech industry. For her, the real reward lies in the positive change she can bring about and the lives she can touch through her work. For Future Leaders When asked for her advice to the aspiring women leaders who strive to carve a place in the world, Ana says, “be confident in your abilities, seek out mentors, and never stop learning.” She encourages them to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to always advocate for themselves and others. Ana believes that diversity is a strength and that every unique perspective is valuable. At Microsoft, Ana works to empower women leaders by JUNE 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 17
