Sandra Amezquita
Chairwoman, Viventa
Coral Gables Florida
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Last month, we conducted 5 workshops to establish our new culture in integrating two merging companies. At the end, the leaders gave me feedback. In the “From You, I Learned” exercise, my colleagues highlighted qualities that set my apart: “Your humanity (highly emphasized), empathy, tolerance, appreciation for the positive aspects in each person, and calm communication.” Each of these qualities underscores my essential role in this collective journey.
“Humanity, Empathy, Tolerance, Appreciation for the positive aspects in each person, and calm communication.”
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
In the business world, there is a wide range of corporate social responsibility initiatives, often clouded by doubts about the transparency of intentions.
However, a well-implemented strategy in this regard positively impacts the well-being and quality of life of a company and its employees. At Viventa, we understand that most people prefer working for a company committed to its community. Recent studies show that generosity has a direct effect on brain areas related to happiness. Thus, we aimed to genuinely engage the company, providing resources and meaningful experiences for all involved.
Community giving has been a significant concern since the inception of Viventa. Despite initial challenges, we wanted to fulfill our commitment to giving back. Considering our reality and work, we believed in the importance of contributing to the community. When ready to embark on this journey, we fully committed to our promise of giving. Exploring options, we came across the Pledge 1% platform, aligning with our goal of dedicating 1% of our economic, productive, or time resources to community work. This pledge has been taken by thousands of companies worldwide.
With our social responsibility program under the 1% Pledge, we sought allied companies to donate our time. We aimed to collaborate with organizations whose missions aligned with ours, focusing on improving the lives of immigrants, particularly women. After close examination of over 25 organizations, we selected two allies: Americans for Immigrant Justice, advocating for immigrant rights, and Branches, an organization educating for financial stability.
Together with our allies, we’ve implemented impactful projects to enhance the lives of immigrants through resource and time donations. On average, each employee dedicates 2 to 6 days to the cause, demonstrating their empowerment through volunteering. This initiative has diversified our ways of helping, making our employees doubly happy.
Our promise to give combines technical expertise and human compassion. The skills of Viventa members and supported organizations have been crucial to two years of contributing to this social responsibility project. Our ongoing task is to find ways to help others live better, with projects impacting the medium term and involving our human capital. We will continue to invest in a comprehensive project to improve our environment based on what we know how to do.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Viventa continuously supports any opportunities to give back to the community. We support different causes from three important lines of action: Resources, Services and Time. Here are the works that we did.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice was not to create a foundation but to work with Pledge 1%.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Don’t wait to make your 1% contribution in whatever way you can.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
We will be building 4 houses with Techo Colombia and creating more impact in financial education.
Original article here.
Author: New Relic
New Relic’s mission is to reduce interruptions in digital experiences. After inventing application performance management, we built the intelligent observability platform for real-time insights into today’s complex software stacks and development pipelines.
Please find the New Relic 2024 Impact Report HERE.
Original article here
Author: Kristin Toussaint
Around the world, there are more than 100 million refugees who were forced to flee their homes because of violence, persecution, climate change, and more. Being displaced comes with a slew of challenges, of course, like finding work—made even more difficult by a language barrier or a mismatch in employment skills.
Japan, for example, has accepted thousands of refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan, but they may not easily assimilate into the culture or master the language quickly enough to get a job. Still, refugees need to support their families, want the dignity of work, and don’t want to be seen as burdens to their host countries, says Neeti Shukla, cofounder and social impact officer of software company Automation Anywhere. “Technology can actually be that language that bridges this,” she says, “because you don’t need to learn Japanese to work in a technology job as a refugee.”
As the refugee crisis is growing, so too is the demand for workers with digital skills. Automation Anywhere has long focused on helping upskilling workers. In 2023, it expanded those efforts specifically for refugees through its Global Gateway Program, launched in partnership with Robo Co-Op, a cooperative that empowers refugees with digital skills. This program is the winner of Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Award in the corporate social responsibility category.
“There’s all sorts of refugees in every part of the world now. So our aim is, how can we help them also become a part of this digital revolution that we are seeing, and not be left behind?” Shukla says. The Global Gateway Program teaches refugees automation skills in as little as three months, opening up remote job opportunities. Some may go through the program faster, especially if they already have tech skills. The curriculum is “bite-sized,” Shukla says, so people can choose how much time they put in daily and balance this upskilling with their other family or home obligations.
Robo Co-Op provides a supportive community for refugees as well as a curriculum, while Automation Anywhere provides scholarships, courses, certificates, and on-the-job training opportunities in which refugees can test new Automation Anywhere features and showcase their skills. In some cases, the company will also donate laptops and hardware. Automation Anywhere is a low-code or no-code software that allows people to create bots that automate business practices such as organizing or analyzing data in spreadsheets. “You don’t have to get a two-year engineering computer science degree to learn these technologies,” Shukla says.
Because Automation Anywhere works with all sorts of industries, those trained in these skills can expand on their prior workforce experience. “Let’s say I was a hospital administrator. I can be a better hospital administrator because I know automation,” she says. “Where they have worked in the past, or learnt in the past, or had a career in the past—it’s really augmented by this learning.”
Global Gateway began as a pilot program before officially launching in November 2023. There aren’t yet figures on the number of refugees who have gone through the program, but Robo Co-Op takes cohorts of 10 to 15 people at a time. A handful of Syrian refugees in Turkey and Ukrainian and Afghan refugees in Tokyo have already received digital skills training. A few of those refugees have gotten jobs training other refugees in these digital skills. Automation Anywhere and Robo Co-Op aim to create 100,000 job opportunities for refugees in the next three years.
Explore the full list of Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas, 281 projects that are making the world more accessible, equitable, and sustainable for everyone. We’ve selected the companies, organizations, and nonprofits making the biggest impact across 50 categories, including architecture, energy, finance, transportation, and more.
Original article here
Author: Pinterest
Our 2024 ESG Impact Report
Learn more about our commitment to being a force for good across our industry, communities and the planet.
Original article here
Our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) work features a renewed focus on strengthening our communities within Braze and beyond. By engaging thoughtfully with our employees, the communities to which our employees belong, and our global community, we continue to drive meaningful material impact around the world.
We are building high-leverage and scalable initiatives that amplify employee passions, invest in our communities, and accelerate science-based climate solutions.
Original article here
Author: Maria Villalba Gomez
As a proud member of the Pledge 1% movement, Braze has committed to contribute 1% of its outstanding equity (as of 2021) over ten years to uplift charitable organizations through the Braze for Social Impact Fund at Tides Foundation. This commitment reflects our deep dedication to amplifying employee passions, investing in our communities, and driving science-based climate solutions. That’s why, for the second consecutive year, our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have played a pivotal role in guiding our philanthropic endeavors. These ERGs, formed by employees with shared experiences, interests, or backgrounds, have been instrumental in directing a significant portion of our Social Impact Fund. By harnessing the collective expertise and enthusiasm of our diverse workforce, we ensure that our charitable contributions directly serve and resonate with the communities our employees care about.
In the second year of the Braze ERG Grant Program, our ten ERGs have allocated $300,000 in unrestricted grants to over 36 impactful nonprofits and charities worldwide since August 2023. These organizations, chosen by each ERG to reflect their values, address a broad spectrum of needs, from providing immediate support and essential services to advocating for systemic change. By supporting organizations that empower underrepresented and marginalized communities, our ERGs honor their shared experiences and interests, driving tangible and positive change across the global communities they passionately support.
“Pride@ Braze chose to support the Ali Forney Center, Galop, the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, and 56 Dean Street because of their unwavering commitment to advocating for and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. These organizations are at the forefront of providing essential services, legal assistance, and healthcare to those in need, both domestically and internationally. Our inclusive choice reflects Pride@Braze’s dedication to global equality and resilience, embodying our shared values. By supporting these organizations, we aim to make a tangible impact and contribute to the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and well-being worldwide. It’s an honor to be able to contribute to these remarkable organizations as they continue to make a difference and positive impact within our communities.”
—Hannah Collins, Pride@Braze President
For a comprehensive list of this year’s grant recipients, please see below:
2024 ERG Grants
Asians@Braze:
Asian Mental Health Collective works to make mental health easily available, approachable, and accessible to Asian communities worldwide.
Chinatown Health aims to improve access to quality health care for underserved Asian Americans and other vulnerable populations by supporting community-based health care services.
Japanese American National Museum promotes understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience.
Stand with Asian Americans supports Asian American communities through organizing and empowerment efforts.
Black@Braze:
Black Girl Ventures Foundation aims to provide underrepresented woman-identifying founders with access to community, capital, and capacity-building in order to meet business milestones that lead to economic advancement through entrepreneurship.
National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) supports Black individuals, families, and communities in strengthening the bonds and bridging the gaps between the movements for racial justice and LGBTQ+/SGL equity.
The Fifteen Percent Pledge is a call to action for major retailers and corporations to join in creating sustainable and supportive ecosystems for Black-owned businesses to succeed. They work with companies to comprehensively re-evaluate their organizational structures, ways of working, funding, and resourcing in order to implement meaningful change and create greater equity for Black businesses.
PRINCESS Foundation provides mentoring and empowerment programs for high school females in New Jersey. Their primary purpose is to address the unmet challenges faced by young women, guiding them toward success and empowerment.
Brown@Braze:
IKWRO provides advice and support to Middle Eastern, North African, and Afghan women and girls living in the UK who have experienced or are at risk of all forms of “honor” based abuse, including: Forced marriage, child marriage, and female genital mutilation, or domestic abuse by offering free advice, advocacy, and counseling services.
Udavum Karangal (Helping Hands) has the sole objective to serve people in need. The center provides individualized services including treatment, care, rehabilitation, and education.
Sewa International specializes in disaster relief and rehabilitation. Their development programs focus on family services; child, tribal, and refugee welfare; women empowerment; health; and education.
Elle@Braze:
Dress for Success empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Girls Who Code works to close the gender gap in technology and to change the image of what a programmer looks like and does through coding clubs, summer programs, and college and career programs.
Ipas works globally to advance reproductive justice by expanding access to abortion and contraception.
Seeds of Fortune is a scholars program and ed tech platform creating the next generation of financially empowered young women of color. They help them apply for college scholarships and teach career, financial, and management skills.
World Central Kitchen is first on the frontlines, providing meals to communities impacted by natural disasters and during prolonged humanitarian crises, such as the war in Ukraine.
Healthy Minds@Braze:
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a suicide prevention movement that provides free and confidential helpline and webchat for those who need to talk, among many other community and campaign services.
Jaya Mental Health aims to equip healthcare professionals and local people with the resources needed to cope with mental illness in South Asia.
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
To Write Love On Her Arms is dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.
Jews@Braze:
The Holocaust Educational Trust works to ensure that people from every background are educated about the Holocaust and the important lessons to be learned for today.
UJA-Federation of New York cares for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, responding to crises both close to home and far away, strengthening the local Jewish community, and building coalitions that promote inclusion.
Muslims@Braze:
Baitulmaal USA provides life-saving, life-sustaining, and life-enriching humanitarian aid to underserved populations around the world.
Global Deaf Muslim USA works to address the rights and needs of Deaf Muslims across the global ummah, increasing the access to Islamic information available in sign language.
Helping Hand for Relief and Development is a global humanitarian relief and development organization responding to human suffering in emergency and disaster situations around the world. In addition to emergency relief efforts in natural or man-made disasters, they also work on long-term relief and development programs.
Nisa Homes offers transitional homes for immigrant, refugee, non-status, and Muslim women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Nisa Homes envision a flourishing Muslim community in which help is available, shelter is attainable, and healing is possible.
Parents@Braze:
Children International seeks to ensure children around the world have access to healthcare, food, and shelter, as well as learning and child protection services when children need it most.
Hello Nurze is a platform where medically complex families can find in-home nursing care and nurses can find opportunities to work with families in need.
We All Code’s mission is to introduce a diverse group of children to the fun of coding by providing free educational resources and hands-on classes.
Every Mother Counts aims to achieve quality, respectful, and equitable maternity care for all by giving grants and working with partners and thought leaders to increase awareness and mobilize communities to take action.
Pride@Braze:
Galop works directly with thousands of LGBT+ people in the UK who have experienced abuse and violence every year. They specialize in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, honor-based abuse, forced marriage, so-called conversion therapies, and other forms of interpersonal abuse.
The Ali Forney Center is committed to saving the lives of LGBTQ+ young people by protecting them from the harms of homelessness and empowering them with the tools needed to live independently.
The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence.
56 Dean Street is an expert sexual health clinic in London that focuses on the needs of the LGBTQI+ community.
SOMOS:
GreenLatinos is an active community of Latino leaders confronting national and local environmental issues in the Latino community.
Forever Changed International is dedicated to providing holistic care for vulnerable children. Through Dorie’s Promise Orphan Care Home in Guatemala City, they offer a nurturing environment where children receive comprehensive support from trained professionals in pediatrics, education, social work, and child care.
The Colibrí Center for Human Rights works to create a safe, humane, and effective process for families of missing migrants to find answers.
Philanthropic giving is just one facet of our comprehensive social impact strategy. Through the Braze for Social Impact Fund, we are deeply committed to driving meaningful change and creating a lasting positive impact on underrepresented and underserved communities. We take immense pride in the difference these grants will make in the lives of individuals and the broader communities we strive to uplift.
To learn more about Braze and our social impact efforts, check out our 2024 ESG Report coming soon in July 2024. Check out last year’s report here.
Abigail Matchett
VP, Data Strategy, Bounteous
Philadelphia, PA
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Empowering. Success in my role requires me to empower our clients through data and digital strategy and also to empower the people that I lead within a client and management context. For example, I know that I am successful when the teams I lead feel empowered to solve for challenges and obstacles within their reach, but that they also feel empowered to escalate when they need support.
When I lead with the intent to empower others, I find that people are more likely to stay engaged and work more creatively, thus also enjoying their roles and growing their influence within the company.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Absolutely. Social impact missions and plans are essential to transform our communities, meet consumer expectations, and retain best in class talent.
We live in a world where corporate leaders must consider the communities that they serve, identifying causes where time, talent, or funding can make an impact. Consumers have high expectations of the brands that they bring into their homes. We see more and more that consumers are choosing to shop and spend their time with companies that share in a positive mission, meaning that social impact is not just important for society but for brand equity.
Moreover, employees are also seeking to positively change their communities, and are choosing roles within companies that stand behind a meaningful social impact plan for a higher sense of purpose.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
I feel that it is important to personally and professionally give back to the community. Bounteous translates to “generously given or giving; bountiful”, and we take this seriously.
Sometimes giving back means donating financially to causes we support (and, our company matches donations!) but other times it means being supporting employees to get out in the community with our time and skills (during work hours!). One such example near and dear to my heart is 412 Food rescue, a local to Pittsburgh food rescue service that solves for the disconnect of food waste and gives a surplus to those who need it. Our team engages regularly in food rescues through the app, which deliver fresh food to nonprofits who serve our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. And, we also contributed our time and expertise to enhance the app itself, donating our skills to help implement analytics and data tracking. We continue to partner with 412 Food Rescue and other companies that positively impact our communities.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I have a mentor who has always encouraged me to “be the leader of my own life”. This perspective has enabled me to strategically cultivate my path forward and work towards goals that matter to me.
Its been great advice because when you own your own choices, you shift away from a victim mindset (or feeling helpless) towards accountability and ultimately leadership. I highly encourage anyone who feels like their career has slipped out of their hands to consider crafting a thoughtful plan forward for how they can begin to lead their life, what they can control, and how they can start to shift their decision making towards leadership and accountability.
“Be the leader of my own life.”
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
First and foremost, senior executives and leaders must align and agree that work equity is important. This culture shift has to start at the top and be led through example. But, more tactically, workplaces can provide wage transparency, establish flexible work arrangements, and provide more active training to managers and leaders for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For wage transparency, women still often are paid less than their male counterparts of equal education and qualification. Providing ranges for positions empowers all applicants and employees to self advocate, starting from the same footing. Additionally, women often bear the responsibility for childcare and other commitments that make a flexible work arrangement so important. And its important that they feel safe in taking these benefits, whether its work from home or flexible work hours, and that participating in flexible work arrangements won’t negatively impact their performance or earning potential.
And lastly, when managers are trained on diversity, equity, and inclusion appropriately, they can often more effectively support of women within the workplace.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Build your network. It takes time, but just like any investment, it pays off. The majority of my former colleagues and friends have found new career opportunities through their network, with recommendations or interviews scheduled outside of a typical application process.
But building a network doesn’t have to be all about new positions or roles outside of a company. Sometimes this may look like reaching out to someone you think highly of for mentorship or a weekly coffee, or staying in touch with a former colleague who you admired. But it may also be executing great work and ensuring that people remember your name so that when interesting projects are discussed, you become a top choice for participation or leadership.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I’m most looking forward to creating new consumer experiences and collaborating with our clients who see 2024 as the year to re-invent their digital footprint. I am always energized by working through strategies for transformation, really doubling down on the why behind the work and rolling up our sleeves to ensure we are working towards the most impactful and valuable outcomes. Lets go!
Original article here
Author: Patrick Goffin
At Airteam, we strive to make a positive impact, not just through the software products we create, but also through the partnerships we foster and the values we have committed ourselves to. Our decision to support the Environmental Defenders Office and join the Pledge 1% initiative is another way we are trying to uphold our vision of bringing about positive change.
Who are the Environmental Defenders Office?
The Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) is an accredited community legal service dedicated to defending Australia’s wildlife, people, and places through the power of the law.
EDO has a solid track record of taking landmark environmental cases to court and winning.
One of their notable achievements is their work in protecting the Great Barrier Reef by ensuring that development projects comply with strict environmental regulations. They also provide vital legal support to Indigenous communities, helping to preserve their land and cultural heritage.
Who are Pledge 1%?
Pledge 1% is a global movement encouraging companies to pledge 1% of equity, profit, product, or employee time to a charity of their choice. Over 8,500 companies have joined the movement, contributing to various social and environmental causes.
Why we chose to support EDO
Supporting EDO aligns with our mission to drive positive change, as well as our core values as a business and a team:
- Do the right thing
- Build a strong team
- Focus on outcomes
- Strive for better
By supporting EDO, we feel we’re not only upholding our values but also contributing to the protection of Australia’s unique environment.
What does this mean for our clients?
We take pride in sharing this with our clients, because their decision to work with us is having a direct and meaningful impact on our environment.
Choosing to partner with companies who are making a positive impact demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, is something we all strive for.
Want to learn more?
We’d encourage everyone to learn more about EDO’s critical work and consider supporting their initiatives. You can make a donation here and join us in making a positive impact. Additionally, we encourage other businesses to join the Pledge 1% movement and commit to giving back.
Boladale Olagoke
Founder, Dalewears and Head Of Marketing, Shoptreo
Lagos Nigeria
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
I will choose creativity. From a young age, I was drawn to the art of shoemaking. With a natural flair for design and a meticulous attention to detail, I poured my heart and soul into every pair of shoes I have ever crafted.
But my creativity didn’t stop there. By day, I served as the Head of Marketing at Shoptreo, a renowned B2B fashion marketplace. I infused their campaigns with innovative ideas and bold concepts, always pushing the boundaries of what was possible.
At some point, faced with the challenge of launching a new line of shoes, I knew I had to do something extraordinary. Drawing inspiration from my passion for shoemaking and love for art, I devised a campaign that went on to captivate my audience.
From the humble beginnings of tinkering with shoe designs to leading groundbreaking marketing campaigns, my creativity has been the driving force behind my success. With endless zeal and a relentless pursuit of innovation, I knew I would continue to leave my mark on the world of shoemaking, one creative step at a time.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Yes, it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact. Prioritizing social impact is not only the right thing to do ethically but also makes good business sense by fostering long-term sustainability, attracting talent, mitigating risks, driving innovation, and enhancing reputation and brand value.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
For me, giving back to the community is not just a gesture; it’s a core value that drives everything I do. Together with my team at Shoptreo, we’ve embarked on various initiatives aimed at making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
One of our proudest endeavors has been our shoe donation program to local orphanages. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they receive a new pair of shoes fills us with immense joy and reinforces our commitment to serving those in need.
Additionally, I spearheaded a “One Shoe Per Time” campaign, inspired by the belief that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference. Through this campaign, we encourage our customers to donate a pair of shoes with every purchase, amplifying the reach of our efforts and fostering a culture of giving within our community.
Beyond shoe donations, we’ve also allocated funds to support child foundations dedicated to nurturing the talents and aspirations of underprivileged children. Whether it’s providing access to education, mentorship programs, or extracurricular activities, we believe in empowering young minds to reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.
For me, giving back to the community isn’t just about writing a check or ticking a box; it’s about actively engaging with those around us, leveraging our resources and influence to create positive change, and leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and empathy. It’s an integral part of who I am, both personally and professionally, and I’m grateful to have a team at Shoptreo who shares this commitment to making the world a better place, one step at a time.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve received on my journey is to always be resilient and intentional about my goals. Resilience has been my guiding principle, enabling me to weather storms and emerge stronger than before.
Remaining steadfast in the face of adversity, setbacks, and unexpected obstacles has taught me the importance of perseverance and determination. By staying focused on my goals and refusing to be deterred by temporary setbacks, I’ve been able to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and learning.
Moreover, being intentional about my goals has been instrumental in shaping my path forward. Rather than drifting aimlessly, I’ve learned to define clear objectives, develop actionable plans, and consistently take steps towards their realization. This deliberate approach has helped me stay aligned with my values, priorities, and aspirations, ensuring that every decision I make contributes to my overall vision for success.
“The best piece of advice I’ve received on my journey is to always be resilient and intentional about my goals.”
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
To foster a workplace environment that is truly equitable and inclusive for women, we need to take proactive steps and implement meaningful initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Some of the strategies we can adopt are:
1. Equal Pay and Benefits: Employers should ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work and have access to the same benefits and opportunities as their male counterparts. Conduct regular pay audits to identify and address any disparities this women might have.
2. Diverse Representation: We should also cultivate the habit to promote gender diversity at all levels of the organization, including leadership positions. Implement targeted recruitment and advancement programs to attract and retain talented women, and provide mentorship and sponsorship opportunities to support their career growth.
With this initiatives and more, I believe we can create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all employees, regardless of gender, can thrive and succeed.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
For women embarking on their career journeys for the first time, it’s very important to equip them with the guidance and support they need to navigate the professional landscape with confidence and resilience. Women need to embrace authenticity, seek mentorship and sponsorship, never stop learning, speak up and advocate for themselves, build a strong support network, take risks and embrace failure, and champion diversity and inclusion.
With this tips, I believe women can embark on their career journeys with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, and of course, paving the way for future success and fulfillment.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
As I look forward to this year, I am incredibly excited about the opportunities to expand my shoe brand, Dalewears, and to further deepen my expertise in the fashion industry. My vision is to elevate Dalewears to become Africa’s biggest shoe brand, representing quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and a commitment to sustainability.
Expanding Dalewears presents a multifaceted journey that involves not only scaling production and distribution but also cultivating brand identity, fostering customer engagement, and forging strategic partnerships. I am eager to embark on this journey, fueled by a passion for shoemaking and a determination to make a meaningful impact in the fashion landscape.
In addition to growing Dalewears, I am also committed to deepening my expertise in the fashion industry. This entails immersing myself in the latest trends and technologies, honing my design skills, and expanding my knowledge of business strategies and market dynamics. I am excited about the prospect of pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation within the fashion industry and contributing to its vibrant evolution.
By pursuing these goals, I am not only investing in my own personal and professional growth but also contributing to the broader narrative of African entrepreneurship and creativity. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and am committed to embracing them with enthusiasm, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
