Our Team

Manuela, or MP, joined the team in 2023 as the steward of the Microsoft Alumni Network. Her commitment is to further strengthen the bonds that tie us together and provide access to the latest Microsoft technology. She believes we are not just a network; we are a force driving innovation, collaboration, and connections. MP managed global marketing at Microsoft from 2006-11, supporting initiatives including Windows Embedded Automotive and Ford SYNC, earning the Microsoft Gold Star Award. After Microsoft, she led business strategy & marketing at Elektrobit and founded Designated Driver. Originally from Romania, MP is an avid mountaineer with AIARE certification.

Tony joined the Microsoft Alumni Network in 2021 as the team’s graphic designer. He is excited to be a part of the Microsoft Alumni Network team because he gets to work with an amazing group of skilled and fun-loving individuals! Prior to joining the Alumni Network, Tony was a graphic designer with the gaming company, Paizo. He graduated in 2017 with his bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Southern New Hampshire University. Tony moved to the Philadelphia area in July 2023, and he continues to root for Seattle sports teams (depending on the day). In his spare time, he likes to travel, hike, exercise, explore coffee shops and go shopping.

Susan joined the Microsoft Alumni Network team in 2024. She’s been with Microsoft in one way or another for 30+ years, first “agency-side” with Ogilvy & Mather in the days of Windows 95, then as an FTE marketing emerging technologies such as BackOffice, Windows Media, and Tablet PC, and most recently as a consultant. Now, Susan is thrilled to help support, connect, and grow the thriving alumni community. Originally from the Northeast, she thanks Microsoft for bringing her to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys hiking and skiing in the mountains and rowing on the local waters.

Diana joined the Microsoft Alumni Network team in 2023 and has 30 years’ experience in the computer software industry. From 1999 to 2012 she was at Microsoft in the Developer Division and Windows Phone teams working in program management on the Visual C++, Enterprise Tools, Visual Studio Team System TFS (now Azure DevOps) and Windows Phone UI teams. Diana later joined Tableau when it was a 350-person startup, where she helped scale up development and release processes as the company grew at a rapid pace, leading up to the acquisition by Salesforce in 2019. Diana volunteers with the IGNITE Worldwide and Upnotch organizations to help support women in STEM.

Laurie Litwack (she/her) is the Chief Business Officer in charge of the AI skilling strategy for Microsoft Alumni Network members. She is a #SuccessAccelerator, a #MotherofDaughters, and a #CompassionateGeek. Prior to joining the Alumni Network, Laurie spent three decades at Microsoft as a program and product manager in security, cloud and operating systems, tech training, and DEI advocacy. Laurie is also the founder of Today Is Your Day, a 20-year-old coaching and consulting organization that empowers diverse women in tech. Outside of work, Laurie dreams of travel, global inclusion and innovation, and chocolate.

Braedon joined the Microsoft Alumni Network team in 2021. He is responsible for managing the daily system processes of the organization and helping ensure the platform is up-to-date and members of the alumni community have access to their wide range of benefits. Braedon graduated from the Washington Technology University with a bachelor's degree in information security. In his spare time, he enjoys activities like snowboarding, reading business journals and watching the Seattle Seahawks.

After nearly 30 years as a journalist, Becky joined the Microsoft Alumni Network as Editorial Director in 2017 and was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer in 2024. She spent most of her career in the Greater Seattle area covering the dynamic business community, including 18 years as Assistant Managing Director of the Puget Sound Business Journal. She’s thrilled to be helping Microsoft alumni connect, learn, and tell stories of the amazing things they’ve gone on to do “beyond the blue badge,” Becky is an Iowa native and a theater geek who is proud to serve on the board of Book-It Repertory Theatre in Seattle.

Colin joined the Microsoft Alumni Network team as a volunteer in 2015 and, realizing his strengths in triaging tech issues, soon thereafter he became an employee. Today, as the platform administrator he is responsible for many of the back-end processes that keep our website running smoothly and the workflows related to delivering benefits to the alumni community. Colin is a graduate of Whittier College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Melissa Terry joined the Microsoft Alumni Network as Communications and Marketing Manager in 2024. She brings a decade of experience to the creative process and has played key roles in leading the strategy and execution of marketing initiatives across Seattle’s tech ecosystem. Prior to that, she spent 10 years as a print journalist specializing in open records research and data storytelling. She is a lifelong learner and an avid adventurer.

Patricia is our member liaison, interfacing with our thousands of members as they navigate the benefits and opportunities of alumni membership. She gathers member feedback to help make our programs better and easier to utilize. Patricia joined the Alumni Network in April 2024 after 9 years of working as customer liaison and front office host for Microsoft employees, recruiting and events. Originally from The Netherlands, Patricia moved to the Seattle area in 2013 and is enjoying Pacific Northwest life and the natural beauty of the area. In her spare time, she is an avid reader and an enthusiastic Sounders FC supporter.

Crystal started with the Microsoft Alumni Network in 2015 after a 24-year career at Microsoft where she held roles on several teams including finance, operations, corporate services, supplier diversity, events, consumer customer support, and online advertising. At the Alumni Network, Crystal brings her experience to guide the organization’s financial and business operations, while making sure we’re maximizing our resources for member benefits. When she’s not keeping the trains running and the clocks ticking, she loves food, wine, and travel (one of her favorite destinations being the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta).