Microsoft Elevate and the Rise of Credentialed AI Talent Worldwide with Naria Santa Lucia

Send us Fan MailNaria Santa Lucia is the General Manager of Elevate at Microsoft, where she leads global education, workforce, and skilling programs that have already reached over 100 million learners. With 20+ years of experience across corporate, nonprofit, and international organizations, she has partnered with the UN, World Bank, and Ministries of Education worldwide to advance AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability skills.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Microsoft calls this a once-in-a-generation workforce momentHow Elevate combines global reach with local trustWhich AI and human skills will define the future of workWhy credentials are central to equity and career pathwaysHow public-private partnerships drive scale and impact✨ Episode Highlights[00:02:04] Why this is a unique moment for workforce development[00:04:24] 70% of job skills may change by 2030[00:07:55] Inside Microsoft’s Elevate global skilling initiative[00:10:14] Public-private partnerships to scale AI education[00:13:29] Teachers using AI and Copilot in the classroom[00:18:50] Designing for users, developers, and organizations[00:24:21] Credentials as signals of AI readiness[00:28:11] Teachers in Jordan earning pay bumps with AI certifications[00:33:17] The rise of human skills in the AI era[00:37:19] Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and organization 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.