Kate Coffey-Bacon says she believes the strength of the Microsoft Partner ecosystem lies in its community. Competitors can sit side by side and still help each other grow, she tells PartnerTalks.
That spirit of collaboration pushed her to take a leading role in initiatives that spotlight women’s contributions to the industry. While serving as senior vice-president of marketing and strategy at U.S. Transactions Corporation (USTPay), Coffey-Bacon is also on the committee for the Women in Technology Panel & Luncheon at Community Summit North America. The conference will take place Oct. 19–23, 2025, in Orlando.
“I am a very firm believer that community is absolutely the backbone of everything that we are doing,” Coffey-Bacon said. “This community is so unique in the way that we all build each other up.”
She Builds: a new format for the Women in Technology Panel
This year’s luncheon carries the theme “She Builds.” It highlights stories of innovation, mentorship and success from women across the ecosystem.
Instead of one panel, six speakers — Sam Bush, Jennifer Harris, Mary Lanham, Qachauna Gipson, Elif Item and Michelle Serna — will deliver five-to-seven-minute TED Talk-style presentations. Afterward, participants will break into roundtables to discuss ideas, share lessons and mentor one another.
“These women have really incredible stories that we can all see ourselves in,” Coffey-Bacon said. “It’s all in the spirit of mentorship.”
An inclusive movement
Coffey-Bacon told PartnerTalks that the luncheon welcomes everyone in the community, including men.
“Women need the support of men, and we’re seeing that. Some of our biggest allies are our bosses, are our co-workers,” she said. “It’s not a girls-only club.”
She also noted that the initiative does not end after Summit. Through her podcast, Coffey Talk, and collaborations with leaders such as Marie Wiese, she continues to promote the “She Builds” message year-round.
“We’re starting a movement to celebrate these women and to hear their stories,” she said. “After October 22nd, after the luncheon is over, it’s not over.”
Reaching the Summit
Community Summit North America expects to draw thousands of attendees, building on the roughly 5,500 who attended in 2023.
The Women in Technology Panel & Luncheon will take place alongside Partner-enablement workshops, technical sessions and an expo floor with hundreds of solution providers.
Seating is limited, so attendees are encouraged to reserve in advance.
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Where: Gaylord Palms Convention Center
When: October 22, 2025, from 12:15pm-1:45pm
