Gabriela Barrera

About Gabriela Barrera

My goal is to make a difference, in the world or in one person\'s life, to be able to provide a helping hand, right an injustice, lift while I climb, or just be there for someone.Who I am: Strategic technology leader at Microsoft in Senior Cloud Solution Architect role. I help enterprise customers become frontier and implement the latest in agents and AI at scale and securely, including financial services companies with stringent regulations and privacy policies. I have a strong background in data analysis, project management, and leadership. Proven ability to apply statistics, machine learning, and stakeholder engagement to solve complex problems and shape executive-level strategy across roles at Microsoft, NASA, MIT, and government sectors. Skilled in translating complex data into actionable insights to enhance regulatory compliance, improve operational efficiency, and drive high-impact initiatives. What I\'ve done: 2 years at MIT studying product design and machine learning, 6 years in the military leading cross-functional teams and running analytical studies, now working at Microsoft on cloud and AI platforms, and on the side I’ve been contributing to AI/ML bias and fairness through community projects (like Humane Intelligence). In sum, 8+ years of experience in data analysis, technical leadership, and just getting stuff done (aka operations). What I\'m good at: learning new tech and software, innovative ideas based on always asking questions, tackling wicked ambiguous problems, and empowering others with diverse perspectives.Where I\'m from: I was born in Cuenca, Ecuador and grew up in NJ, travelled up to West Point and MIT, now in DC-area.Degrees: MS in Mechanical Engineering, MS in Technology and Policy (Institute for Data, Systems and Society), BS in Mechanical Engineering.Technical Skills:Machine Learning (Unsupervised Learning, Anomaly Detection)AI and Agentic Development (Copilot but for company specific needs) Responsible AI (Detecting Bias, Security Assessments)Data Analysis (Python, SQL, PowerBI, R)Product Design (User-based and experience testing, prototyping)Government Compliance Frameworks (Risk assessment, threat modeling)Strategic Product and Business Impact (Writing, executive communications)Strategy Skills:Technical innovation and leadershipStrategic initiativesCoaching and mentorshipProject ManagementCross-collaborationTop Secret/SCI Clearance

Experience

1. Cloud Solution Architect

   Microsoft

   May 2025 — Present

   As a senior cloud solutions architect in Cloud and AI Platforms, I work with strategic customers and on enterprise initiatives to transform industries by implementing the latest in frontier technology, including generative AI tools, multi-agent systems, custom models and monitoring, and my favorite - responsible AI governance.• Led AI adoption at major financial services customers, including launch of new agents across enterprises for use cases in knowledge retrieval, support case processing, and workflow automation.• Designed frameworks and tools for AI governance and evaluations to meet stringent regulatory environment requirements, security reviews, and data protection.• Presented demos, workshops, executive communications and published guides on all things agents and AI from Microsoft.

Education

• United States Military Academy at West Point

  Bachelor's of Science, Mechanical Engineering

  2013 — 2017

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Master of Science - MS, Technology and Policy; Mechanical Engineering

  2017 — 2019