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‘An optimist at heart’: Microsoft AI director pens heartwarming note after getting laid off

Microsoft's AI director revealed that the laid-off employees were asked to stop working immediately and set an out-of-office message.

She decided to stay for a while and show up in meetings and say goodbye to her colleagues (Image source: @gdequeiroz/X)

On Tuesday, Microsoft announced that the company laid off less than 3 per cent of its workforce. Gabriela de Queiroz, Microsoft’s AI director, shared “bittersweet news” of her layoff, with a heartwarming thread on X.

Sharing a picture of herself with a smile, Queiroz wrote. “I was impacted by Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs.” The text on the picture read, “Time for a new chapter.” In another thread, she expressed empathy for her colleagues who “cared deeply” for the company.

Queiroz said that the laid-off employees were asked to stop working immediately and set an out-of-office message. However, she decided to stay for a while and show up in meetings and say goodbye to her colleagues.

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“I’m an optimist at heart. That hasn’t changed. My smile, my gratitude, my belief that each day is a gift—that’s all still here,” she wrote, adding, “We were asked to stop work immediately and set an out-of-office. But I chose to stay a little longer—showing up for meetings, saying goodbye, wrapping up what I could. That felt right to me.”

“To those also affected—you’re not alone. We are at least 6,000. And to those who’ve reached out, thank you. Your kindness means everything right now,” Queiroz said in another X post.

See the post here:

💔 Bittersweet news to share: I was impacted by Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs. pic.twitter.com/QPwYJvjQkC

— Gabriela de Queiroz (@gdequeiroz) May 13, 2025

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Several users extended support to Queiroz, wishing her luck for her future endeavours. “Sorry to hear this, but I know something even better is ahead. You’re made for big things!” a user wrote. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t impacted but I lost many close people I’ve worked with for years. It was a rough day for sure. I wish you the best,” another user commented.

“Sorry to hear that. smiling in your tough days is what makes a person a winner in life. so more power and strength to you,” a third user reacted.

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