Chun Lu

Chun Lu is the Director of Microsoft Apprenticeship Programs and Co-Founder of Microsoft Leap. She is enthusiastic about developing and empowering unconventional talents to pursue their dreams with a career in the technology industry.

Chun earned her master's degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Regina, Canada. Chun has proven to be a successful HR Business leader throughout her career, whose business-driven approach ensures deliverability, compassion, and best-in-class customer service.  

Since its launch in 2015, Microsoft Leap's (website and LinkedIn) mission has been to recruit, develop, and upskill talented people from all walks of life with the goal of global employability. Under Chun's stewardship, Microsoft Leap prioritizes non-traditional, highly diverse candidates who showcase creativity, commitment, resilience, non-linear, and problem-solving ability. Proudly 98% of Microsoft Leap graduates are employed in the technology industry worldwide.

Chun, a life-long learner, continues to serve as an advocate for education and global employability by intentionally creating and leveraging opportunities to meet talent where they are. In May of 2019, Chun embarked on an initiative on the continent of Africa (Kenya/Nigeria) to build a talent network and small engineering team that would later become the origin of Microsoft Africa Development Center (ADC). Chun's talent vision and strategy in Africa was recognized in Former Microsoft CEO's business review (The Bill Gates Review).

As an innovative leader, Chun successfully achieved her tireless efforts to democratize the talent pool for the tech landscape in Africa. Chun has been quoted with stating, "It is often noted that there is always a real risk of developing unconventional programs that hinge on non-traditional pathways or methodologies. That said, doing this work and witnessing the successes of many is worth the "risk," but it is ultimately rewarding seeing future talent take the Leap." 

Microsoft Leap has been a trailblazer in talent sourcing in the tech industry, primarily due to its authentic framework and growth mindset. Being respective of what the customer or candidate is looking for, Microsoft Leap's brand values of inclusivity and innovation are parallel to that of its co-founder. "It's partly about upskilling, but more about confidence-building and becoming a lifelong learner…We just don't value differences; Microsoft Leap seeks them out and invites them in," says Chun.  

Chun also understands the power of partnership and how it is imperative to build synergies with both national and global stakeholders. In 2021, Microsoft Leap became certified as a National Apprenticeship by the U.S. Dept. of Labor. In September of 2022, Chun represented Microsoft as an Apprenticeship Ambassador taking part in the inaugural Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative launched by the White House.

In her spare time, Chun enjoys being with her family on outdoor adventures and volunteering for give-back activities. Building opportunities through innovation, collaboration, and culture have not only been the cornerstone of Chun's work, but it has served as a foundation for Chun as a mother, daughter, and wife. Inspired by Helen Keller, Chun understands the importance of being a dreamer and how working collectively can make a global vision come to life.