Microsoft New Zealand has announced Dona Sarkar – tech developer, published author, blogger, fashion designer and entrepreneur – will be the keynote speaker for Microsoft Ignite NZ 2016.
Dona Sarkar is currently the Head of the Windows Insiders Program at Microsoft, and also recently led the developer engagement programme for Microsoft HoloLens.
Nigel Parker, Director for Developer Experience for Microsoft New Zealand, says that the company is excited to secure such a high-profile woman from within Microsoft to share her vision with the Microsoft Ignite NZ 2016 audience.
“Anyone who has ever used Windows will have worked with something she has built. As the developer behind such tools as the Windows search box, File Explorer, Files and Settings display and Open/Save dialogs, Dona’s fingerprint is on some of Microsoft’s defining products, which has made her one of the most influential minds at Microsoft today,” says Parker.
“Dona is highly respected across the technology industry for both her impressive experience as a developer but also for her passion and energy for empowering others through her advocacy for global diversity in STEM education,” says Parker.
Dona says her calling in life is “to help the next generation prepare for the on-going evolution of technology set to change lives at work and at home,” and is a published author of six novels and owner of four businesses which span design, fashion blogging, speaking and writing.
“At Microsoft we want to empower every person and every organisation to achieve more, and Dona has made it her personal life mission to empower others. She’s a walking example of using technology to achieve more and Microsoft Ignite NZ delegates can look forward to an inspiring and eloquent keynote speech from one of the best in the business,” says Parker.

Microsoft Ignite NZ 2016 will open at SKYCITY with a distinguished line-up of international keynote speakers, with further guests to be announced soon.