Maria Caruso is a Government Affairs Specialist within Microsoft’s Corporate, External and Legal Affairs (CELA) group. Based in Brussels, she works at the intersection of several issues supporting impact for the digital transformation of Europe's economy. As a member of the Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives team, Maria contributes to the design and roll-out of impactful campaigns and third-party engagement and partnerships, including on skilling. Prior to Microsoft, she worked at the pharmaceutical company Novartis in Brussels covering issues related to IP incentives and digital healthcare; and at the British Chamber of Commerce in Brussels. Maria holds a Master’s degree in European political and governance studies from the College of Europe in Bruges and a Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations from the University of Bath. She is currently an MBA candidate at IE Business School.