Her Story
About Mikayla
Mikayla Cosden is an Azure Principal Solution Engineer at Microsoft, specializing in scalable networking, cybersecurity, and strategic enterprise transformation utilizing generative AI solutions in hyperscaled cloud environments. Based in the New York City metropolitan area, she works with commercial and enterprise customers across financial services, media and entertainment, and public sector organizations to design and implement secure, scalable Azure architectures. In addition to her customer-facing engineering work, she leads business and IT strategy workshops and contributes to industry discussions through speaking engagements at major events, including Black Hat in Las Vegas. Her journey in technology began at a young age, driven by a self-taught curiosity for how computers work through hands-on exploration and reverse engineering. She later pursued formal education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology. She began her professional career in management consulting at Accenture, where she developed software components, advised enterprise clients, and integrated complex systems into on-premise mainframe environments. She subsequently held senior roles at Ernst & Young and Microsoft, building deep expertise in large-scale enterprise architecture and digital transformation. Across more than two decades of experience, Mikayla has supported major organizations in financial services, media and entertainment, and government sectors at the federal, state, and local levels. One of her most impactful contributions came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she helped develop a remote media editing workflow solution that enabled Hollywood studios to continue production by allowing editors to access and process footage remotely, helping keep projects moving despite widespread shutdowns. Throughout her career, she has focused on technology strategy and enterprise consulting, an experience she often describes as providing MBA-level business insight through real-world application. Outside of her professional work, she values time with her family, including her two musical daughters, whose creative interests are an important part of her personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mikayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong sense of commitment paired with a deep curiosity. My genuine passion for technology—and its potential to drive personal growth and strengthen communities—has continually motivated me to explore and understand its broader impact on society. I find great fulfillment in translating complex technologies into accessible, practical insights, particularly to empower women to confidently leverage technology in their daily lives, careers, and personal pursuits. Ultimately, I view technology as a powerful tool for positive change, enabling greater opportunity, connection, and empowerment.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received centers on two interconnected ideas: stay curious and build confidence. Curiosity drives continuous learning and connection, while confidence enables you to apply that knowledge with clarity and meaning.
Many professionals, including myself, experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers, and overcoming it begins with recognizing a simple truth—we are all humans, learning and evolving as we go. Embracing that perspective helps quiet self-doubt and reinforces the belief that you are capable of solving complex problems, developing meaningful solutions, and providing valuable guidance to others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to ensure their voices are heard and to confidently claim their seat at the table. Your life experiences and perspectives are valuable, and your contributions matter. Entering a new industry provides a highly sought after outsiders perspective that can breathe new air and ideas into a conversation. So don’t hesitate to speak up, share your ideas, and advocate for yourself. It’s important to trust in your experience and not allow others to diminish your confidence. Contribute boldly, and recognize that you’ve earned your place—you belong there just as much as anyone else.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest dynamics in our field right now is the rise of AI—it presents both tremendous opportunity and real challenges. On one hand, AI is transforming how we work by increasing productivity, accelerating innovation, and helping solve complex problems more efficiently. At the same time, it raises important questions around ethics, environmental impact, and long-term societal effects—especially as we rapidly expand infrastructure like data centers to support it. The key challenge, and opportunity, is finding the right balance: continuing to innovate and unlock value while being thoughtful and responsible stewards—ensuring that the technology we build ultimately benefits people and protects the world we live in.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and honesty are at the heart of both my work and my personal life—they’re the foundation for trust and meaningful relationships. Beyond that, I value commitment and a genuine sense of care in everything I do. It’s not just about outcomes, but about how you show up for people along the way. I believe in being fully present, leading with authenticity, and putting in consistent effort—not just for results, but because it reflects respect for the people you work with and the goals you share. For me, it’s about creating an environment of trust, support, and connection, where people feel valued and inspired to do their best.
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