Akanksha Niraliya Garg
Akanksha Niraliya Garg is a Principal Technical Program Manager at Microsoft with over 18 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 Product Manager, Technical Program Manager, Software Engineer and Software Development Engineer in Test, 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 MICROSOFT 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
• Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
• Dale Carnegie Leadership for Managers
• Microsoft Security, Compliance and Identity
• JSS Academy Of Technical Education Noida- B.Tech.
• ERG Leader award for Microsoft Atlanta site
• Asian American Voices of Education(AAVED)
• NAAAP Atlanta
• Vibha
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the trust and mentorship of my managers and various technology leaders I’ve worked with, as well as my curiosity, relationship-building skills, and ability to see change as an opportunity. Over my 18+ years experience in a technology industry, I’ve focused on leadership, operational excellence, and finding solutions with technology.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of my mentors told me something early on in my career, which still resonates is - Do not see change as an uncertainty but change as an opportunity to do something path-breaking.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women coming to a technology industry is to build your personal brand and align with changing technology as a catalyst to your own growth, rather treating it as an enemy. I also suggest women, irrespective of industry they are part of, to take it easy and not be overly self critical. Take a leap of faith and try out new things without fearing failure. We as women are more self critical and hold a very high standard for ourselves. It is ok to try something new at work and fail instead of looking for perfection in everything you do.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
My primary domain within a vast Technological Industry is Security and Identity & Access Management. So biggest challenge in this domain is the number on security attacks and threats we face each day. Staying current with current security threat landscape and ensuring our technology is secure is something which evolves by minute. This is challenging but brings in lot of problem solving opportunities.
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 like people who treat everyone with empathy and have ‘learn it all’ attitude instead of ‘know it all’ attitude. I follow the same ideology in my personal as well as professional life. Apart from this, I am a proud mom of two amazing girls and wife to a high-achiever technology leader, who never leaves a chance to encourage me even when I don’t see any potential. My family has always been my strong foundation to keep me grounded and also the wind beneath my wings to help me explore new horizons.
Locations
Microsoft
Atlanta, GA 30363