Her Story
About Khadi
Khadi Lake serves as a Data Scientist and Business Analytics Specialist at Microsoft within the MCAPS division, where she supports internal skilling initiatives by evaluating education programs for sellers and leading data science and analytics projects that measure business impact. With more than 10 years of experience across technology, consulting, and professional organizations, she has developed expertise in data science, analytical engineering, economic analysis, data governance, and business intelligence. Her work includes curating complex datasets, conducting statistical and economic analyses, developing executive dashboards, and architecting modern, cloud-based data environments. At Microsoft, she has helped modernize analytics delivery and improve efficiency, including through data architecture and governance initiatives that have reduced analytics delivery time by approximately 30–40%.
Prior to joining Microsoft, Lake served as a Lead Data Scientist at Booz Allen Hamilton, where she developed predictive geospatial models to improve mission planning for defense clients, and as a Business Technology Consultant at Deloitte, where she delivered workforce analytics and executive-level reporting to support strategic decision-making. Earlier in her career, she worked with the American Chemical Society, applying statistical analysis and dashboarding to evaluate programs and inform organizational initiatives. Her technical capabilities include Python, SQL, R, statistical modeling, econometrics, A/B testing, Tableau, Power BI, Azure, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, and data governance and security. She holds a Master of Science in Applied Economics with a concentration in Finance from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Economics from Towson University.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Lake is committed to expanding opportunities in technology, data, coding, and economics, particularly for underserved communities. She is a member of Blacks at Microsoft, the National Association for Business Economics, and the National Society of Black Engineers, and volunteers with Girls Who Code. She is recognized for her competitive drive, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence, believing that success comes from continuously challenging oneself, embracing opportunities to learn and evolve, and maintaining high standards. Lake is particularly passionate about data integrity, security, governance, and ethical data practices, while advocating for the responsible use of analytics, AI, and emerging technologies to create meaningful and measurable organizational impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Khadi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my competitive nature, strong work ethic, and determination to continually challenge myself. I am not focused on competing with others; I compete with myself to set higher standards and consistently strive to be the hardest-working person in the room. I also bring a disciplined, straightforward approach to data security and governance, where I believe in clear standards, accountability, and doing what is right without compromise.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I believe the best career advice I have received is to stay committed to hard work, remain determined, and never be afraid to evolve. My career journey has taught me that opportunities often emerge when you are willing to adapt, learn new skills, and embrace changes that may take you in an unexpected direction. I have learned to remain open to growth while staying focused on delivering results and continuously raising my own standards.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to recognize that they have earned their seat at the table and should never be afraid to speak with confidence. You are entitled to say no when something does not align with your professional standards, as long as you can provide a thoughtful reason and a viable solution or alternative. Trust your expertise, stand by your decisions, and remember that your perspective has value you are meant to be at that table.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see the biggest challenges in my field as maintaining data integrity, ensuring strong data security, and navigating the ethical considerations that come with managing and using data responsibly. At the same time, I believe there are significant opportunities in analytical engineering and security engineering, particularly as organizations increasingly rely on high-quality data, advanced analytics, and robust security practices to make informed decisions and protect critical information.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are hard work, discipline, integrity, and accountability. I do not need to be the most charismatic or smartest person in the room, but I am committed to being the hardest-working person in it. I hold myself to high standards and bring that same level of determination to data security and governance, where I believe in being firm, principled, and unwavering when it comes to protecting data and doing what is right.
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