Akanksha Niraliya Garg
Akanksha Niraliya Garg is a Principal Technical Program Manager at Microsoft with over 15 years of experience in software design, development, and program management. Known for her expertise in the complete product lifecycle, she excels at building strong client relationships, leading development teams, and delivering end-to-end technical solutions. Akanksha combines deep technical knowledge with exceptional interpersonal skills, making her a creative and effective leader who thrives in managing complex projects using Agile and Scrum methodologies.
Throughout her career at Microsoft, she has held multiple leadership roles, including Senior Program Manager and Software Engineer, contributing to the success of key initiatives in cloud computing, software architecture, and AI solutions. Beyond her technical contributions, she actively champions diversity and inclusion, serving as a Chapter Lead for the ASIANS ERG ATL, fostering community, professional growth, and cultural celebration within the workplace.
Akanksha’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology from JSS Academy of Technical Education in Noida, India, and numerous certifications in AI, software architecture, and security. Her career reflects a dedication to innovation, collaboration, and mentorship, guiding both technology teams and early-career professionals toward achieving impactful, world-class solutions.
• GenAI and Predictive AI Architecture Foundations
• Extend Microsoft 365 Copilot with AI Agents
• Copilot Agents: Build Your Own AI Assistant in Copilot and Teams (No Code Required)
• Getting Started with Autonomous Agents in Copilot Studio (No Code Required)
• JSS Academy Of Technical Education Noida- B.Tech.
• Shannon explained that she collaborates with the Southeast Texas Health System board
• Working directly with six to thirteen hospital CEOs at any given time. Shannon shared that this network has strengthened her insight into hospital operations
• Rural-health needs
• And leadership trends across the region.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the trust and mentorship of the many CEOs and healthcare leaders I’ve worked with, as well as my curiosity, relationship-building skills, and ability to see change as an opportunity. Over my 30-year career across healthcare systems and startup environments, I’ve focused on leadership, operational excellence, and improving patient outcomes, particularly in underserved rural communities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering healthcare leadership is to embrace networking, invest in your personal brand, and nurture strong professional relationships. Stay adaptable and confident, especially as the industry evolves with AI, changing hospital economics, and new regulations, because those who remain visible and skilled will drive meaningful change.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are identifying the right healthcare decision-makers and helping them understand the value of home-infusion oversight, while also navigating the rise of AI in sales without losing personal connections. The greatest opportunity lies in educating health systems on the long-term safety, adherence, and cost savings that proper infusion management can provide.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, authenticity, and commitment. I strive to show up fully for people, maintain trust, and lead with honesty, while in my personal life I cherish family, simplicity, and time spent gardening and with my six grandchildren, which keeps me grounded and reminds me why I work to improve community health.