The former General Manager of Microsoft Elevate departs after overseeing global skills programs and philanthropic partnerships, with plans to continue working in education and the nonprofit sector
Naria Santa Lucia has announced her departure from Microsoft after seven years, most recently serving as General Manager of Microsoft Elevate, where she led global digital and AI skills initiatives. Photo credit: Naria Santa Lucia
Naria Santa Lucia has announced her departure from Microsoft after seven years, most recently serving as General Manager of Microsoft Elevate, where she led international initiatives focused on digital skills, AI training and workforce development.
Reflecting on her time at Microsoft in a LinkedIn post, Santa Lucia highlighted the scale of the initiatives she had worked on, including “helping over 100 million people from around 21+ countries develop digital and AI skills,” alongside developing and launching the Global Skills Initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her departure follows a period of leadership across Microsoft Philanthropies and Microsoft Elevate, including the development of the Global Skills Initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, work on the company's Racial Equity Initiative and the launch of Microsoft Elevate.
She has not announced a new employer or formal appointment, but intends to continue working with nonprofit organizations and communities through teaching and advisory activities.
Seven years developing Microsoft's global skills programs
Santa Lucia joined Microsoft in July 2019 as Senior Director of Skills for Employability, before becoming General Manager of Digital Inclusion and Community Engagement at Microsoft Philanthropies in September 2020.
In July 2024, she moved into the role of General Manager at Microsoft Elevate, formerly Microsoft Philanthropies, overseeing the company's strategy, investments, programs and partnerships aimed at increasing access to digital and AI skills.
Her responsibilities included working with governments, educational institutions, businesses and civil society organizations to support people developing the technical capabilities needed for employment and participation in the digital economy.
The work also involved supporting nonprofit partners delivering training and community programs, with Santa Lucia identifying the Global Skills Initiative and Microsoft's Racial Equity Initiative among the projects that shaped her time at the company.
Reflecting on her departure, Santa Lucia thanked colleagues and the wider Microsoft Elevate Skills team, as well as Microsoft President Brad Smith, former manager Kate Behncken and Microsoft Elevate leader Justin Spelhaug.
In her LinkedIn announcement, she wrote: “After seven incredible years, I’ve decided to leave Microsoft and move on to my next professional adventure!”
Previous work includes $200m scholarship initiative
Before Microsoft, Santa Lucia served as Executive Director of the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS), a public-private partnership supporting students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and healthcare.
During her tenure from 2014 to 2019, WSOS raised more than $200 million in public-private support for scholarships and student services, with a goal of supporting more than 20,000 students by 2025.
The initiative focused on students from low- and middle-income backgrounds, including women, students of color and those who were the first in their families to attend college.
Her earlier leadership experience includes serving as Executive Director of the James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy, an organization working in juvenile and education law, and fundraising leadership roles at the Legal Foundation of Washington.
Santa Lucia has also served as Co-Chair of the World Bank's Solutions for Youth Employment initiative and on the Board of Seattle Arts and Lectures.
A graduate of the University of Chicago's College and Law School, she has worked across education, philanthropy, workforce development and social impact throughout her career.
Although her next professional role remains unconfirmed, Santa Lucia says she plans to continue her work through teaching, advising nonprofits and supporting mission-driven organizations. She has indicated that further details will follow.
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