Pledge Now

20.png


Neeti Mehta Shukla


Co-Founder, Chief Social Impact Officer, Automation Anywhere


San Jose, CA

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?


Maverick. My mind constantly ventures beyond conventional boundaries. As an entrepreneur entrenched in the tech sphere, I’ve come to relish uncovering solutions that anticipate future needs or tackle challenges the industry hasn’t even encountered yet.

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?


It’s imperative for all organizations to align both purpose-driven values and business objectives for long-term success. Giving back to our communities isn’t just morally right; it’s also a strategic imperative. This principle holds even greater importance in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) as we continue to innovate with new products and services.

Leaders must seize this opportunity to uplift society as a whole, thereby addressing the widening wealth gap and enhancing productivity. For example, when developing AI-based financial solutions, it’s essential to consider datasets and strategies that serve all segments of society, including minorities and underserved regions. By prioritizing economic uplift, reskilling initiatives, and inclusivity, we can foster increased productivity and prosperity for everyone.

Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?


Automation Anywhere’s Social Impact Office is committed to giving back to the community through our three pillars: Tech Access, Human Economic Uplift, and Community Investments. As part of our Tech Access initiative, we’re using our products and expertise to drive tech for good initiatives that solve global social challenges and help organizations do more.

In Ukraine, we partnered with the Center for Humanitarian Technology to deliver expedited humanitarian relief, supporting over 40,000+ refugees to receive aid faster. As part of our Human Economic Uplift work, we are helping transition marginalized communities to the jobs of the future.

Our partner Sapphire Systems leveraged our educational resources to provide an 8-week automation training program with Toti Diversidades, a free Brazilian platform dedicated to teaching and fostering inclusivity for refugees in the tech sector. And finally, as part of our Community Investment pillar, our employees are giving back to their communities through our Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program. In 2023, our employees supported 180 nonprofits through giving and volunteering.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?


As a woman executive, a mentor once advised me to embrace the chaos of juggling motherhood, career, and family life. Once I adopted this mindset, I stopped striving for a perfect balance. I realized that each aspect of my life requires varying amounts of energy and time, and that’s perfectly okay.

“As a woman executive, a mentor once advised me to embrace the chaos of juggling motherhood, career, and family 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?


AI is revolutionizing our world, presenting a tremendous opportunity for change. We have the chance to overcome societal biases against women by shaping the datasets used to develop new AI products and services. This allows us to accelerate progress that might have otherwise taken decades to achieve.

For instance, by ensuring that healthcare datasets are equally representative, we can mitigate biases in our healthcare products. This means innovations in healthcare will address issues faced by all genders. To drive this change, it’s crucial to empower more women through upskilling and reskilling initiatives, enabling them to participate fully in the digital economy. Inclusion is key.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?


Just keep learning and growing. Tune out the noise and naysayers.

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?


I love walking holidays and aim to indulge in more of them this year. On the professional front, I aspire to expand Automation Anywhere’s Social Impact Office, which has already played a pivotal role in upskilling over 800,000 individuals and supporting The World Economic Forum‘s reskilling initiatives through our partnerships. We remain dedicated to collaborating with nonprofits to enhance their productivity using our intelligent automation platform, mirroring the corporate world’s efforts, as this contributes to the betterment of society as a whole.

As a Pledge 1% company, our Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program – where every employee gets four paid days a year to volunteer to a nonprofit of their choice – has become a cornerstone of our employee engagement. I’m so excited to keep expanding our impact programs as well as consistently reinforcing our market position and leadership.

19.png

Deena White Tearney


Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Point


Honolulu, HI USA

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?


Thankful. As a founder, I’ll never forget the intense gratitude I felt the first times I went onsite to meet with clients. Back when I worked for Big 5 consulting firms, going onsite for client meetings seemed fairly unremarkable, but I personally learned the work it took to get to that point and was proud knowing clients saw the value and expertise of our services. I’m very thankful for our clients and team who choose to work with Pacific Point.

Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?


Pacific Point’s corporate philanthropy is focused on inspiring and cultivating the next generation of business and technology leaders. This year we are thrilled to sponsor the Maui Economic Development Board‘s Annual STEM Conference bringing junior high and high school students from across Hawaii together to participate in workshops, presentations, and mentoring sessions. Our Hawaii-based team of Salesforce consultants are a consistent force, volunteering at the STEM Conference in student mentoring sessions.

This year we are also very excited to sponsor the initiation of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Salesforce Student Group and look forward to preparing students for technology jobs and supporting our clients in Hawaii with a stronger pipeline to local Salesforce talent.

Our Singapore team plans to continue volunteer support for the United Women Singapore’s annual STEM Fest, exposing girls from age 13 to technology skills and careers. College students are the focus of our Denver team’s support for various student programs at the University of Colorado Boulder including volunteering with the Salesforce Student Group in addition to sponsoring and volunteering at the annual CU Boulder low-code hack-a-thon.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?


At the start of your career focus on learning and developing skills, ask to take on assignments and always do excellent work. This will build your own confidence and position you for more career growth.

“At the start of your career focus on learning and developing skills, ask to take on assignments and always do excellent work.”

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?


I’m especially inspired by the modernization initiatives of our public sector clients and can’t wait to help more agencies achieve their vision of improved public services and internal efficiency in 2024.

18.png

Naomi Morenzoni


SVP, Climate & Innovation Philanthropy, Salesforce


Bend, OR

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why? Please explain with a short story or example.


I am a builder. I was one of the founding members of Pledge 1% and I remember the excitement we all shared for building something new – it’s part of the reason why we called our community the “Builders” movement. That excitement never left.

To this day, my favorite part of my job and of my team is our insatiable appetite for building new programs, partnerships, coalitions–you name it!

1.jpg



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?


Social impact is non negotiable for companies in 2024. What inspires me about companies like Salesforce and Pledge 1% is the idea of building impact into your company’s DNA on Day 1.

In the beginning, you give what you can, and it might not feel like much. But over time, it can really multiply. That said, we know impact programs alone cannot solve all the challenges we face. They need to be in coordination and collaboration with all the levers a company has to pull, like purchasing, policy and products. This is how you really move the needle and make change at scale.

3.jpg



What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?


When you’re evaluating a role, pick the boss, the team, and the culture where you feel you can do your best work. So often people chase titles or brand names but don’t pay enough attention to their day to day experience. Put yourself in a position where you can thrive – that’s how you can advance while feeling fulfilled.

“When you’re evaluating a role, pick the boss, the team, and the culture where you feel you can do your best work.”



What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?


I’m extremely excited about AI. As an AI company and a Philanthropy team, it’s our responsibility to listen to the communities, the students, the grantees we support across education and climate and help them navigate this next wave of AI.

Over the past year, we conducted a deep dive listening tour to understand where our purpose driven organizations are on their AI journey. We learned that most are optimistic – almost 90% want to use AI – but they are not prepared to handle the massive shift. Without support, they are at risk of getting left behind, furthering inequities across the most vulnerable populations. That’s where our work is focused this year, namely with our AI for Impact Accelerators for education and climate action, and I’m really excited to see what innovative solutions we come up with.

2.jpg

2024 #WomenWhoLead covers.png

Elaine Forth


CEO, Hyphen8


Birmingham, England

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why? Please explain with a short story or example.
PASSIONATE – I am incredibly passionate about lots of things but one of them is the importance of ensuring that everyone in our business embodies our VALUES. Leading a values-led company makes me a role model to show how these influence our ethos, how we interact with each other and importantly, how we engage with our customers. We have 8 key values that are revisited regularly including Trust and Integrity, Supporting each other, Nurturing personal development and Don’t forget to fun. Despite the changes a company naturally goes through as it grows, values can remain the consistent thread to maintain a strong culture.

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 this is extremely important. We have a responsibility as business owners to make good decisions and to influence the communities we work within to collectively make a difference. If we are running successful, profitable businesses, we can define how we will contribute to social impact in the context of our sector and the skills we have to offer. It’s also key that we don’t overlook our responsibility to create a fulfilling and rewarding place for our employees.

Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like? Please feel free to add a specific story or experience.
At Hyphen8, we have a social purpose to give back at least 8% of our profit to help nonprofits achieve their missions. This takes the form of charitable donations, pro bono time assigned to Directors and our staff and the ongoing development of free solution accelerators that can fast-track our technology implementations. We have a community of practice, HyphenEarth, dedicated to helping us make positive changes to the environment.



They are helping us achieve net zero carbon emissions and arrange corporate environmental volunteering days. Personally, I am part of several volunteering networks and recently was proud and profoundly to be in a position to help a family-run charity in Scotland that provides holiday and hospital accommodation for families with a child suffering with cancer. 

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“If you want something, make it happen”. I have always believed that you can achieve your goals and ambitions if you believe in yourself and put enough hard work in.

“If you want something, make it happen.”

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?
My company is well-recognized in our sector for being one of very few female-owned and female-led tech consultancies with an equal number of women employees. We are proud of our gender equality initiatives including:



● Asking for (and listening to) feedback from women – we have established a Women in Tech community of practice where we can share experiences, create opportunities and share our best practice with the wider sector
● Ensuring that women are represented at all levels so that other women can be inspired by them – in our case the majority of our Directors, Managers and Senior Solutions Consultants are women
● Actively providing opportunities to break gender stereotypes for certain roles – developers tend to be male in our sector so we have set up a mentoring programe to upskill the women in our team who aspire to become developers
● Providing flexible working hours so women with young children can work around their home commitments

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Don’t let anything hold you back, believe in yourself and be prepared to sometimes leave your comfort zone. If you are ambitious, put yourself forward, take initiatives and get back up if you are knocked back. As women, it is our tendency to let imposter syndrome creep in and doubt ourselves but we can achieve great things through sheer persistence and resilience. Don’t worry if you haven’t decided where your passions lie yet – it is quite common to change direction several times before you find your groove, I did!

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I am looking forward to whatever this year brings as life is never boring in a consultancy. One particular goal I am excited about is that we are working towards becoming a B Corp certified company by the end of the year. This will help us to demonstrate our social purpose and is a useful way to revisit the ways we work and how we evaluate our impact.

It is encouraging that as we work through the assessment, we already tick so many of the boxes in some categories. We are planning a 2 day all-company get together in the Summer which will be fantastic. As we all work remotely across the UK, we don’t get a chance to get together very often to just have fun.

16.png

Michelle Strasburger


CEO, The Wellness Value


Colebrook, NH U.S.A.

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?


I believe that employees are seeking organizations that have similar values, are purpose-driven and will support their beliefs. Having a social impact strategy and a commitment to Pledge 1% is aligned with this and I believe it’s something that employees want to see. Employees want to feel good about where they work and they want to know they’re having an impact. Working for organizations that prioritize social impact will help with employee engagement and retention. It’s also just the right thing to do!

Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?


Yes! At The Wellness Value, we are committed to our community. We target our efforts towards education as that’s something that’s near and dear to my heart. We have taken the pledge and donate 1% of our profits to education and also donate much of our time. Another cause that’s important to me is hunger. I will volunteer at the New Hampshire Food Bank with my children from time to time.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?


Seek out feedback and give feedback. Thank those who are brave enough to give you feedback. Hold on to the feedback that will help you grow, throw away the rest of it!

“Seek out feedback and give feedback.”

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?


I believe that this is so important. Our workplaces, our policies, and our benefits are not designed to support women in the workplace. We need to take a harder look at women’s health issues and ensure that our benefits are built to support that.

In addition, the mandate to return to the office has a great impact on mothers. We need to rethink our strategies and our programs with women in mind. Our employees are diverse and our workforce is dynamic. It’s time to step up our policies, benefits, and strategies to be just as dynamic.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?


Build your personal board of directors. These are friends, families, co-workers, leaders, and other professionals who can help lift you up. They can help challenge you and challenge your thinking. They can open up your eyes to new ideas and new opportunities. They can be your best sounding board to help you as you travel on your journey.

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?


My goal is to make the world of work a happier and healthier place. There are a lot of exciting things happening at the Wellness Value that is helping us affect positive change in the world of work. I’m excited about this momentum and thrilled to see how it develops this year.


W (1) - Michelle Strasburger.png

15.png

Masami Sato


Founder & CEO, B1G1


Singapore

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?


Idealist (and optimist).

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?


Because what we do to (and for) our word everyday will definitely come back to us and for the future of our next generations. The speed of the direct return of our deeds is getting faster as well. We now have no excuse not to work together for a better future.

Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?


Everything we do here at B1G1 is actually an act of social contribution. We also link many of our business activities to global high-impact project activities, giving 1% of our revenue to charity organizations and social impact activities as well. But the true purpose of our work is to help many businesses in the world to take actions regardless of the type, size and stage of their businesses. If every business took small actions but did them together, we can make enormous impact collectively.

Two videos below conveys the vision, mission and methodology our work and journey.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?


My mentor, Paul Polman said to me: “always ask for an action, keep it simple but clear.”

Here is our recent conversation.  

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?


We actually found women get things done differently (different brain-wiring?) and their contributions are also crucial in creating sustainable, long-term success of companies. It’s important that we create changes in our companies in inclusive ways so every person gets respected and inspired to take part in uplifting our collective vision and actions (rather than judging and blaming one another).

When businesses truly understand the value of female leadership and its contribution to the sustainability of their business (financially as well) and the world around us, there is no excuse for them to not provide the same or greater level of support and investment into female workers’ development and advancement as leaders.

Change of mindset also can start from early age education where we teach and show children the importance of inclusive community and how we can all play a part in helping one another and making a difference for collective good. Providing access to inclusive childcare for working women is also important. In order for the workplaces to be truly inclusive (and not just saying it), families need to also understand the importance of education for girls and giving every child and every person (with other disadvantages) a choice for them to contribute to the society in their own unique ways.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?


Start small and simple, and keep going on your path with utmost authenticity and care. It’s better to do what we can do today than wait for big moments in the future.

When you are doing what you truly believe in and taking conscious actions every day, you will make progress and impact, more than you can imagine.

“Start small and simple, and keep going on your path with utmost authenticity and care.”

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?


Growing the impact and collaborating with many more like-minded change-makers.

14.png

Lachi


Recording Artist | CEO, RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities)


New York City

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?


Authentic – I believe that life begins when one accepts the deepest part of themself society told them to be most ashamed. I believe that true ingenuity comes when we capitalize on what makes us most unique, and I pour this truism into every aspect of my creativity, career and advocacy.

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?


I believe it is paramount for businesses to center inclusion, equity, diversity and accessibility. I don’t believe these are “good”, I believe these are necessary for a business’s bottom line.

When creative minds with differing lived experiences are welcomed to the decision making table, this is when we see productivity skyrocket, revenue skyrocket, and businesses step into the lime light as ultimate problem solvers. Businesses need to support the narratives that today’s culture wants to see highlighted, from sustainability, to gender and ethnic parity, to social identity issues. The market dollars have spoken and decided that inclusion and sustainability is where we want to invest.

Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?


Yes. Our company RAMPD works to give paid opportunities, visibility and most importantly community to recording artists and music professionals with disabilities, neurodivergence and other chronic and mental health disabilities. Already this year, we’ve helped members of the RAMPD community attain recording gigs, appearances and keynotes at places like the GRAMMYs, the Folk Alliance International Conference and the Measure of Music Conference among other things.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?


“No” is just short hand for “Not yet.”

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?


Women are 50% of the population, so from the mail room to the green room to the board room, we should see women workers, creators and leaders who receive equal space, time , pay and respect. But I would go further to say that true inclusion is intersectional, as no one is a single issue human.

“This means we should not only see women at all levels, but these women should be diverse in race, ethnicity, disability, neurodivergence, gender-fluidity, class, beliefs and all other diversities.”

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?


You deserve to take up space, be heard and be respected. Anyone that makes you feel otherwise is inconsequential.

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?


Apart from hitting the road using keynotes, music, humor and fashion to empower and advocate for women’s issues and disability pride at festivals, conferences, colleges and cultural centers, I’ll be working on my new book, a non-fiction called “I Identify As Blind” which explores disability identity and pop culture, writing my for my upcoming album “Mad Different” which leans into discussions on our unique struggles as diverse women trying to make a name for our selves, and recording for my role as host of the PBS American Masters series “Renegades” which celebrates disabled rebels who’ve shaped America.

Rodrigo de Quesada-09290 - Lachi Music.JPG

13.png

Patricia Yuste


Global Marketing Services Director, Making Science


Spain

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?


Entrepreneur. Because… I enjoy challenges. I am passionate about my job: “I put my heart and soul into my work”. I believe it’s natural to be constantly thinking about how to innovate, sharing knowledge with the team, and developing the people I work with. As a team player, I believe in human potential as the key ingredient to make a project successful.

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, I believe it is increasingly important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact. Here are some reasons why:

1. Addressing societal challenges: Businesses have a significant role to play in addressing global challenges like climate change, poverty, and inequality. By prioritizing social impact, companies can contribute to building a more sustainable and equitable future.

2. Attracting and retaining talent: Top talent, especially younger generations, are seeking companies that have a purpose beyond just profit. Prioritizing social impact can help attract and retain skilled employees who are passionate about making a difference.

3. Long-term sustainability: Companies that prioritize social impact are more likely to be seen as responsible and trustworthy by stakeholders. This can lead to long-term success and resilience in a competitive market.

However, it’s important to remember that simply focusing on social impact without genuine commitment can be counterproductive. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives should be authentic, transparent, and aligned with the company’s core values and business strategy. In conclusion, prioritizing social impact is becoming increasingly important for businesses in today’s world.

Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?


The Making Science Foundation, founded in 2020 set out to promote various projects through social action, health, science, culture, education, training, environment, art or historical heritage, among others, not just in Spain but also internationally.

Additionally, I participate as Advisor in the creation of a project to promote sustainable consumption through a marketplace that allows the union of different brands working in sustainability.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?


If you believe it, you can achieve it.

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?


1. Foster a culture of respect and inclusion: Encourage open communication and reporting of any discriminatory or harassing behavior. Develop clear policies and procedures for addressing such issues and ensuring swift and appropriate action.

2. Invest in women’s career development: Offer mentorship and sponsorship programs specifically for women, connecting them with experienced professionals for guidance and career advancement. Provide opportunities for professional development and training programs tailored to address the specific needs and challenges faced by women in the workplace. Support participation in conferences, workshops, and networking events relevant to women’s professional development.

3. Champion women in leadership: Actively promote and support women for leadership positions, including board seats and executive roles. Create opportunities for women to showcase their skills and expertise through public speaking engagements, conference presentations, and internal leadership development programs.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?


Develop your skills, build your network, don’t be afraid to take risks, advocate for yourself, build resilience, celebrate your accomplishments and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

“Remember, your career is a journey, not a destination. By staying focused, committed, and continuously learning, you can achieve your professional goals and build a fulfilling career.”

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?


I ask 2024 to continue enjoying my work and my life. To continue doing my bit to make the planet a better place and to be able to continue training the great leaders of the future.

12.png

Isha N. William


CHRO, Fexle Services Pvt. Ltd.


Jaipur, India

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?


Dynamic.

Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?



What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?


The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to embrace social responsibility as a guiding principle in both personal and professional endeavors. By actively participating in initiatives that uplift communities and empower marginalized groups, such as women, not only do we contribute to a more equitable society, but we also foster our own growth and development.

There’s an interconnectedness between social responsibility and career advancement and it is transformative. It allows me to make meaningful contributions while simultaneously advancing my own journey towards success.

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?


Women empowerment and upliftment has always been at the core of FEXLE’s values. To create more equitable and inclusive workplaces for women, we can take concrete steps such as implementing mentorship programs specifically tailored to support women’s career advancement. Pairing senior female leaders with junior female employees can provide invaluable guidance, networking opportunities, and encouragement.

Additionally, conducting regular trainings for all employees can help raise awareness and promote a culture of inclusivity where women feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?


For women just starting their careers, my advice would be to embrace confidence in your abilities and never underestimate the value of your unique perspective and contributions.

Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the professional landscape. Additionally, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and pursue opportunities for growth and advancement.

“Remember that setbacks are a natural part of the journey, so approach challenges with resilience and determination. Lastly, prioritize continuous learning and skill development to stay agile and competitive in your chosen field.”

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?


This year, I’m eagerly anticipating a balanced focus on both personal and professional growth. On a personal level, I’m committed to prioritizing my health and well-being alongside my professional endeavors, ensuring that I maintain a sustainable work-life balance. Moreover, I’m excited about the prospect of expanding Fexle Team’s presence globally, contributing to the company’s success while also embracing our social responsibility by fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our expanding global footprint.