Kate Behncken

Kate Behncken

Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President and Global Head of Microsoft Philanthropies, leads a global team that seeks to foster a future where everyone has the skills, knowledge, and opportunity to participate and succeed in the digital economy. From local grassroots programs to global alliances, her team invests in digital transformation for nonprofits and IGOs, advances digital and AI skills training for the digital economy, and supports programs that assist resilient communities, such as disaster response and affordable housing.  

Kate brings over 20 years of international experience leading initiatives that help drive organizational, legal, and strategic business success. She is a strong advocate of multistakeholder collaborations and acts as a convener and catalyst to ensure digital transformation reaches deep into the communities that need it the most.  

She is a recognized leader in helping nonprofits, IGOs and communities understand how to benefit from emerging technologies to drive change and inclusive economic opportunity. As generative AI forges a new era of opportunity, there is enormous potential to tackle some of the world’s toughest societal challenges. Together with the support of governments and the private sector to drive scale and sustainable solutions, nonprofits will continue to have an incredible impact on our communities globally.  

Previously, she was Deputy General Counsel at Microsoft where she led the Office of the President team and served as Chief of Staff to company President and Chief Legal Officer, Brad Smith. Kate began her legal career in Australia and has worked across APAC and EMEA. In addition to her work with Microsoft, Kate serves on the board of United Way of King County, Titletown Tech, Generation Unlimited (UNICEF) and is a member of the CARE Corporate Council. 

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  • Organization
    Microsoft Philanthropies
  • Profession
    Corporate Vice President and Global Head
Related sessions
30 May 2024
17:15 - 17:35
Juan Lavista Ferres (Microsoft AI for Good Lab), Kate Behncken (Microsoft Philanthropies)

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