In the Spotlight -
Meet Julie van Loef
At AI4ALL we’d like to inspire others by featuring women role models who are making a difference in AI. We aim to empower women who are working in AI by highlighting their success stories. This way, we hope to encourage other women and girls to explore STEM-related fields.
In our series “In the Spotlight” we shine a light on experts who are shaping the future of technology. Today, we’d like you to meet Julie van Loef, a cybersecurity leader at Microsoft who combines cutting-edge technical innovation with a deep commitment to inclusion and diversity.
Written by Martina Toledano
Breaking Barriers in Cybersecurity
Julie has been passionate about technology, diversity, and inclusion from a young age. Guided by her motto, inspired by Pippi Langkous–“I have never done it before, so I think I can do it!”– she has built a career rooted in curiosity, courage, and a desire to create impact.
As a cybersecurity leader at Microsoft, Julie contributes to the Netherlands AI ecosystem by driving inclusive innovation and ethical AI adoption. She led the launch of Microsoft’s newest AI Security product and spearheaded initiatives that help organizations leverage AI to secure their people and assets. While much of her work is sensitive in nature, her efforts have been widely recognized, earning her three Microsoft awards in just three years
Building Impact Through Innovation and Inclusion
Julie’s work focuses on the dual role of AI in cybersecurity. As she explains, “AI is not only transforming how we defend systems—it’s also being weaponized by attackers to launch faster, more sophisticated threats.” Her mission is to ensure that organizations remain resilient by building defenses that match the speed and intelligence of AI-powered attacks.
But for Julie, innovation is only half the story. Equally important is ensuring that cybersecurity is inclusive and accessible. She founded the Women in Cybersecurity program, designed to bring more women, especially refugees and people from underrepresented backgrounds, into the field through hands-on training and skilling. In addition, she co-leads the Microsoft Women Employee Resource Group Netherlands, where she helps empower all genders to thrive equally in an AI-driven future.
"AI is not only transforming how we defend systems—it’s also being weaponized by attackers to launch faster, more sophisticated threats.”
By uniting technical excellence with inclusive action, Julie is working to shape a safer, more equitable digital ecosystem, one where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and be protected.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Julie van Loef’s journey reflects the power of combining expertise with purpose. From leading AI-driven cybersecurity innovations to mentoring and opening doors for others, her work demonstrates that progress in technology must go hand-in-hand with inclusivity and ethics.
At AI4ALL, we are proud to spotlight role models like Julie. Through her story, we hope to spark ambition in young women and girls to pursue careers in STEM and to shape the future of AI and cybersecurity.
To women and girls interested in STEM: your journey starts now, and the digital future is waiting for you to shape it.
Celebrating inspiring women in the field of AI
Julie is part of the nominees of the AI4Her Awards. This is an initiative by AI4ALL that celebrates the remarkable contributions of women in Artificial Intelligence. We look for women innovators in the AI field that need to be put in the spotlight. By showcasing these inspiring role models, we promote gender diversity and foster a more inclusive and innovative AI community. Read more about the Awards here.
During the AI4ALL Summit on November 5th, some of these trailblazing nominees will showcase their work. Join us for an inspiring day of learning, networking, and discovering how AI can empower your personal and professional journey. Make sure you’ll reserve your ticket(s) here and be inspired.
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