Breda O’Callaghan of KPMG Ireland Honored at Microsoft Power Women Awards 2025

Dublin, Ireland – June 24, 2025 – In a celebration of female leadership and a significant nod to advancing gender equity in the technology sector, Microsoft has named Breda O’Callaghan, Managing Director at KPMG Ireland, as the Ireland winner of the 2025 Microsoft Power Women Awards. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Dublin, recognizing 20 inspiring women leaders from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) for their outstanding contributions to innovation and inclusion.

The Microsoft Power Women Awards, now in its third year, shines a spotlight on exceptional female leaders within Microsoft's partner ecosystem. This year, the program drew 368 nominations from 20 countries and regions, a testament to the growing impact of women in the tech industry. The awards aim to celebrate and elevate women who are not only driving digital transformation but are also passionately advocating for a more diverse and inclusive work environment.

O’Callaghan was selected for her exceptional leadership in steering complex technology transformation programs across various industries, including financial services and the public sector. Clare Hillis, Commercial Partner Lead at Microsoft Ireland, lauded O'Callaghan for her "track record on delivering complex transformation projects for customers across Ireland and for her unwavering passion in supporting women in technology."

Beyond her professional achievements, O'Callaghan is a fervent champion for women in the technology field. She founded KPMG's "Women in Technology" initiative and leads the firm's gender equity program, which supports women at all stages of their consulting careers. Her commitment extends to grassroots efforts, including STEM recruitment drives and her sponsorship of the 2024 TechFoundHer Innovation Labs, which supported 35 female tech entrepreneurs.

Accepting the award, O’Callaghan expressed her pride in the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to the cause. "Working in and advocating for women in tech has always been a passion and driving force in my career, and this award is a meaningful reminder of why that work matters," she stated. "This recognition fuels my continued commitment to keep pushing for progress, championing inclusion, and helping build a future where every woman feels empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive in tech."

The Microsoft Power Women Awards serve as a crucial platform for increasing the visibility of female leaders in a sector where they remain underrepresented. Statistics show that women hold only 28% of tech-related roles and just one-third of the STEM workforce, with a mere 10% in leadership positions. By highlighting the achievements of women like Breda O'Callaghan, Microsoft aims to inspire future generations and foster a more equitable tech landscape.

As part of the award, this year's 20 winners will be invited to participate in the Microsoft Women's Leadership Programme at the prestigious INSEAD Business School in France, providing a further platform for their growth and impact. This initiative underscores Microsoft's broader strategy of empowering individuals and fostering a culture of diversity and innovation.