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Serena Sacks-Mandel
Serena Sacks-Mandel
00:44

Serena Sacks-Mandel

Microsoft

San Diego, CA USA

"The most important thing a teacher can do is inspire a love of learning."

Career Roadmap

Serena's work combines: Technology, Education, and Accomplishing Goals

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Day In The Life

Global Chief Technology/Transformation Officer for Education

I’m focused on transforming education with technology.

02:18

Day In The Life Of The CTO Of Education At Microsoft

My Day to Day

I spend time connecting with CIOs, ministries of education, and higher ed research organizations, guiding them in leveraging Microsoft’s education technology. As the global CTO of Education, I focus on transforming education through our products, like Teams, which supports synchronous and asynchronous learning, assignment management, grading, and communication tools. I help clients navigate their digital journey, ensuring our tools enhance student skills and workforce readiness.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Political Science

    Stony Brook University

  • Graduate Degree

    Policy Analysis and Management

    Stony Brook University

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    I was born and raised in New York.

  • 2.

    I began my career at IBM in the financial services industry in Manhattan.

  • 3.

    After a decade in Manhattan, I moved to Orlando, Florida, and joined Walt Disney World, leading and implementing projects for about five years.

  • 4.

    I spent 25 years in commercial IT before finding my purpose in educational technology—at the time, I was working at Florida Virtual School where I led curriculum development and IT.

  • 5.

    I wanted to implement a model of personalized learning that was replicable throughout the country, so I joined Fulton County Schools to do that.

  • 6.

    During the pandemic, I supported remote learning transitions for large districts like New York City and LAUSD before joining Microsoft.

  • 7.

    As the Global CTO for Education at Microsoft, I help educational institutions worldwide integrate AI and digital tools to enhance learning outcomes.

  • 8.

    I've also authored a book, "Empowered," sharing my journey of finding purpose and advocating for educational reform and personalized learning.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I built my career in IT yet I've never actually taken a higher education course in computer science. The learning curve has been huge, but I'm a sponge and a lifelong learner. A love for learning can take you very far in life.

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