Ashleigh Vogstad
Founder & CEO, Transcends
Whistler, Canada
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
At Transcends, social impact is not an afterthought, it is a strategic driver of business profitability. We view positive social impact not as a cost-center, but as a profit opportunity that provides competitive advantage in a tumultuous economic environment. As a small business, we are able to attract and retain the best people in the technology industry during a skills shortage, in large part due to our social impact strategy. We urge companies to maintain their sustainability mandates, to offer flexible work conditions including remote-work to employees, and to not be swayed by the political landscape to end diversity programs.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
The legacy that my organization, Transcends, stands for is that success and kindness don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Having an authentic and kind way of being, even in the most competitive business landscapes, is a superpower that ignites a flywheel of success.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Empowering.
Belief in oneself and in your uncapped potential is the aim of my leadership at Transcends. We have values of ‘conscious connection’ and ‘courage in competition’ that combine to produce an empowered workforce who lean in, take risks, and lead with kindness.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Never underestimate the power of voice. Speak up respectfully, share your ideas with courage and advocate for your beliefs. Your contributions can change the world and your impact can be profound. As you rise, lift others with you, empowering them to be the best versions of themselves.
As you rise, lift others with you, empowering them to be the best versions of themselves.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I am most excited about scaling the global impact of Transcends, while building an organizational culture that is a best-in-class example of remote-first lifestyles and how they can enable deeper connections in local communities and the natural world around us.
Operating in the technology industry, the rate of change is exponential, especially with the most recent advances in agentic AI. I see this as a tremendous opportunity for leaders to rethink the role of work in our lives.
On a personal note, after getting engaged on a hiking and biking trip along the Northern tip of the Coromandel peninsula in New Zealand last December, I’m excited to be planning a wedding in Whistler, British Columbia.
Christie Gera
Manager of Technical Writer, Appfire
Quakertown, PA USA
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
To maximize social impact over the next decade, companies should empower employees to play an active role in philanthropic initiatives. At Appfire, our corporate social responsibility program, Appfire Town, is designed to support causes that matter most to our employees. Traditionally, philanthropic decisions are made at the executive level, often without direct employee engagement. By shifting decision-making to include employees, companies can foster a deeper sense of investment and local community impact.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
The legacy I hope to leave for future generations is one of compassion and service, both in my personal and professional life. First, I am a mom, and I strive to set an example for my children by showing them the importance of empathy and giving back. I want them to see that making a difference starts with small, everyday actions and that they have the power to create positive change. Beyond my family, I am committed to serving others. I’m the president of my local food pantry and volunteer frequently. Ensuring that everyone has access to food and resources is the responsibility of every human.
Professionally, I am passionate about my work, where I lead and support teams to create clear, accessible, and impactful communication. Ultimately, I want to leave a legacy of empathy and purpose, one that encourages others to make a lasting difference in both their personal and professional lives.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
I lead by understanding and supporting those around me, whether as a mom, a volunteer, or a professional. By creating an environment where people feel heard and valued, I help them grow and succeed. True leadership starts with compassion and a commitment to lifting others up.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Be someone people want to work with. Skills and expertise are important, but the ability to collaborate, listen, and support others will take you further than being the best at everything. Leadership isn’t about standing out, it’s about lifting others up and succeeding together.
Leadership isn’t about standing out, it’s about lifting others up and succeeding together.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m most excited to see how AI continues to evolve. The rapid advancements in AI are transforming everything, from how we create and consume information to how we collaborate across industries. I’m eager to see how AI enhances efficiency and changes processes that have been in place for decades.
Marissa Lambrecht
Operations Team Lead, Appluent Business Solutions
Phoenixville, PA
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
The Pledge 1% mission embodies exactly what companies can do to have a positive social impact. Giving back is so important—whether through time spent volunteering, donating products/services, or a portion of profits. Companies have the opportunity to create meaningful change by actively engaging with their communities, supporting nonprofits, and fostering a culture of generosity within their organizations. By prioritizing social impact, businesses can not only drive success but also leave a lasting, positive legacy.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I want to be remembered not just for my professional success, but for leaving a positive impact – especially on women. I hope to inspire women to recognize that they belong in every room they walk into and that they deserve to be there. Women should always have the courage to confidently pursue their passions, no matter the challenges or adversity they face. We, as women, are making a difference, and it is up to us to keep moving the needle forward!
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
As a former athlete with years of competitive volleyball experience, I learned the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and self-accountability—skills that I now apply in the workplace. Just as success on the court requires trust and coordination, I lead by fostering a collaborative environment where every team member can feel heard and contribute to our shared goals.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Surround yourself with people who challenge, inspire and support you. There is so much you can learn from both leaders and peers who push you to grow. In turn, pay it forward by mentoring others when you can. Leadership is a continuous cycle of learning and giving back. Most importantly, never be afraid to speak up and share your ideas – your perspective is valuable!
Surround yourself with people who challenge, inspire and support you.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
Looking ahead, I’m most excited for my continued growth—both professionally and personally. Each year presents new opportunities to learn, evolve, and expand my skill set. In my career, I look forward to deepening my expertise in emerging technologies and helping my clients grow and scale their businesses.
Tzoe Keat CHIAM
CEO/PLAYCILITATOR©, Collabtitude
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
As a woman of color, DEI has always been an important part of my life. I strongly believe companies should (re-)implement equitable hiring practices and leadership development for underrepresented groups. One approach to consider is implementing “reverse hiring,” where job roles are co-created with communities to better align with their unique skills and needs.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
The legacy I hope to leave for future generations is grounded in the values of collaboration, inclusion, and meaningful impact, values that are at the heart of both Collabtitude and PLAYCILITATION©. I want to help create spaces where people from all backgrounds can come together, share their strengths, and build solutions that truly make a difference. I believe that by fostering a culture of creativity and simplicity, we can solve complex problems in ways that are not just effective but also equitable and accessible to all.
I want to inspire others to embrace the power of innovation and balance, and to create environments where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. Through both work and play, my hope is to leave a legacy of lasting connections and purposeful change—a world where we’re all working together to make things better for everyone.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
If I had to choose one word to define my leadership style, it would be “empowering.” I believe leadership is about creating an environment where people are supported and encouraged to take ownership of their growth. It’s about providing resources, trust, and the freedom to innovate.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
If I could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, it would be to own your voice and trust your instincts… even when it feels uncomfortable. I know how easy it can be to doubt yourself or try to fit into someone else’s idea of what a leader should look like. But the truth is, the best leaders are the ones who show up as their true selves, with all their strengths, vulnerabilities, and passions. Don’t be afraid to step up, even when it feels like you don’t have all the answers. Leadership is about empowering others, and that starts with having the courage to believe in yourself. Stay connected to your values, take calculated risks, and surround yourself with people who make you feel seen and supported. You’ve got everything it takes to lead in your own unique way.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
Looking ahead, I’m really excited about the chance to keep growing, both in my career and personally.
Professionally, I’m excited about continuing to build something meaningful with Collabtitude and PLAYCILITATION©. I love the idea of creating spaces where people can connect, learn, and thrive together, and I can’t wait to see how we can push the boundaries of what we can do with game-based learning and collaboration.
On a more personal level, I’m especially excited to see both my kids grow up into the beautiful human beings I can already see they’re becoming. There’s nothing quite like watching them discover the world and develop into their unique selves. Life is always full of surprises, and I’m excited to embrace new opportunities, challenges, and experiences that will help me continue learning and evolving. But most of all, I’m excited about building a life that’s aligned with my values and that creates a positive impact on the people and communities I’m a part of. It’s about staying true to who I am and being open to the journey ahead.
It’s about staying true to who I am and being open to the journey ahead.
Charly Stone
CEO, Cure EB Foundation
Melbourne, Australia
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
I think companies should be doing more to create inclusive workplaces with fair pay, mental health support, and opportunities for growth. It’s happening slowly, but not everywhere—and definitely not enough. Companies could increase their partnerships with charities and leverage social relationships not only to fund vital change for a better future but also to utilise the support and resources that make this easier. Why work harder when you can work smarter and help multiple communities succeed in the process?
Further funding of vital programs—such as medical research, mental and physical health initiatives, human and animal rights organisations, and local community programs through volunteering and education—would be a huge step in the right direction to ensure we continue progressing. Purpose-driven innovation will also be key in the development of products and services that can create large-scale impact, tackling global challenges like healthcare and accessibility.
This all goes hand in hand with something I think we all need to work on—transparency, ethical governance, and impact investing, which will help ensure long-term, meaningful change. If more companies used their influence to advocate for policies that promote sustainability, human rights, and social justice, we’d all be better off. I’m a firm believer that when businesses prioritise people and the planet alongside profits, they don’t just do good—they create a future where everyone thrives.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I have dedicated my life to the not-for-profit sector, raising millions of dollars for incredible charities. My legacy is one of giving back—helping to build strong foundations for future generations. I strive for a safer, more supportive world where no one is left behind and where fair and equal opportunities give hard-working individuals the chance to create their own success. The legacy I want to leave is a testament to the idea that anything is possible. No matter what life throws your way, you can achieve incredible things—and you don’t need to be born into generational wealth to have that opportunity.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Enabling. I believe in enabling people to be their own leaders. I don’t micromanage—I want each person who reports to me to have the confidence to make decisions with conviction, embrace opportunities, and continuously progress in their personal development. Happy staff aren’t just motivated by perks like free gym passes or a day off for their birthday; they thrive under strong leadership, autonomy, and trust. They need to know that I wholeheartedly support their decisions—right or wrong—and that I stand with them. The best lessons often come from mistakes, and true leadership means having your team’s back through it all. That’s why they’ll follow you into any new adventure, driving success for both themselves and the business.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Don’t give up, and believe in yourself. There will always be people who want a share in your success—so surround yourself with a strong network of leaders, travel, and immerse yourself in different cultures. Never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself, and enjoy every moment possible. Challenges will come, but keep your chin up and laugh them off. How you handle yourself and your emotions under pressure is what people will remember. Be the woman who lifts others up, faces every challenge with a smile, and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty to turn her dreams into reality.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
Professionally, I’m excited to continue building on my networks through the various growth strategies set to roll out throughout 2025 for the Cure EB Foundation. I have some huge goals ahead, and achieving those milestones really gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling that keeps me motivated. In my limited downtime, I look forward to walking my dogs, relaxing with my family, and finally locking in a holiday to visit the UK—my home where I grew up. It’s been far too long since I’ve been able to catch up with family and friends, so I’m truly excited for that overdue reunion.
No matter what life throws your way, you can achieve incredible things—and you don’t need to be born into generational wealth to have that opportunity.
Rachel Park
Founder / Owner / Designer, The ParkPuff® seatbelt pillow
Los Angeles, CA
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
We need to see more women LEADERS! After working 10+ years in the tech industry, I still see way too many “manels.” There are ABSOLUTELY talented women leaders in this community — FIND THEM.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
Paving my own path with my unique career! Do not let anyone put you in a box — I am a proud techie AND creative at heart! (More than one thing can be true at once. BOTH / AND.)
Do not let anyone put you in a box.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Collaborative
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
I’ve often been the only woman on the tech team — and certainly the only woman of color — but I know I am not the only one out here. Although it may not always feel like it, know you are NOT alone. What you consider shortcomings will be the very things that distinguish you from everyone else and set you apart.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m excited to expand the ParkPuff® seatbelt pillow’s impact for cancer survivors + patients worldwide, while using my tech skills for good by helping nonprofits set up for success! I’m a lifelong learner, a passionate advocate for (cyber)security awareness, and will continue to build diverse + inclusive spaces in tech.
Raquel Hernandez
VP of Engineering, Clara
Brooklyn, New York, USA
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
Drive inclusive innovation by ensuring products and services are designed for diverse populations. This means having diverse teams leading product development and explicitly considering accessibility and inclusion in the design process.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I hope to be remembered as a leader who was passionate about developing and empowering the next generation of technical leaders. I believe the most meaningful impact we can have is helping others grow and succeed, so I’ve focused on creating environments where people can stretch their abilities, take on new challenges, and develop into strong leaders themselves. My goal is that years from now, there will be many successful leaders who can point to their time working with me as a pivotal period in their growth, and they in turn will be doing the same for others – creating a continuing cycle of mentorship and leadership development that extends far beyond my direct influence.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Empowering: Because I focus on developing future leaders, pushing down decision-making authority, and creating high-performance organizations by enabling others to succeed. I believe in giving teams autonomy while providing clear strategic direction.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Build your support network deliberately and strategically – seek out both mentors and peers who will champion you, challenge you, and share honest feedback, while also becoming that support for others. Strong networks not only help navigate career challenges but also create lasting change in organizations.
Strong networks not only help navigate career challenges but also create lasting change in organizations.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m incredibly energized by two parallel journeys unfolding in my life right now. Professionally, we’re living in a transformative time with AI reshaping how we work and innovate – it’s thrilling to be leading engineering and data teams during this revolution, helping shape how we thoughtfully integrate these technologies to empower our people and enhance our capabilities.
On a personal level, I’m cherishing the beautiful journey of building my family alongside my husband and watching our baby grow. There’s something magical about experiencing these major technological advances while also experiencing the timeless joy of parenthood – it gives me a unique perspective on both the future we’re building professionally and the world we’re creating for the next generation.
Disney Petit
Founder and CEO, LiquiDonate Inc.
Oakland, CA
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
Companies can and should take the full pledge early in their lifecycle and revisit the pledge regularly. At LiquiDonate, we took the pledge of 1% of our time, product, profit, and equity from the beginning and have never looked back. It’s exciting every time one of our team members posts in Slack about the wonderful volunteer opportunity they participated in because of our paid time off. Volunteering helps us stay connected to our mission.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
With LiquiDonate our goal is to accelerate the world’s transition to a circular economy. We imagine a world in which everything that is produced is consumed or disposed of appropriately. We believe this a strong, reasonable, and scaleable way to help slow down climate change for future generations.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Earnest — I look to lead the way I want to be led, with honesty, integrity, transparency, and humility. I believe that these 4 words sum up my leadership style into the one word earnest, which also encapsulates my imperfections.
Earnest — I look to lead the way I want to be led, with honesty, integrity, transparency, and humility.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
No matter what reason you think you should not do something find another woman who tells you that you should do it.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I am extremely excited for the future of LiquiDonate. I look forward to a world where donating is easier and cheaper than landfilling any and all useable products.
Gemma Pol
CEO, Common Ground First Nations
Old Bar, Australia
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
Companies have a powerful role to play in creating a more just and equitable world. Over the next decade, they must go beyond surface-level commitments and embed long-term, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities and other historically marginalised groups. This means prioritising deep listening, investing in Indigenous-led solutions and shifting power through genuine partnerships rather than transactional giving.
By embedding Indigenous values of reciprocity, relationality and intergenerational thinking into their business models, companies can create sustainable change that benefits both communities and the planet.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I hope to leave a legacy where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, stories and knowledge systems are valued as essential to shaping our collective future. A future where truth-telling is not just a moment but a movement, where education and storytelling dismantle racism and ignorance, and where Indigenous communities thrive on their own terms. I want to contribute to a world where future generations inherit systems that centre justice, care and connection to Country.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Intuitive — shaped by relationships, reciprocity and an understanding that true change happens when we honour the knowledge and wisdom that already exists within our communities.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m excited about the growing momentum for First Nations-led futures. Through our work, we see more people and organisations recognising the power of storytelling in shifting systems. Personally, I’m looking forward to continuing to build spaces for capacity-building, truth-telling and storytelling on our terms.
I want to contribute to a world where future generations inherit systems that centre justice, care and connection to Country.
Terese Hooper
Chief Operating Officer, Life Ed NSW/ACT
Sydney, Australia
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
Companies can create a lasting social impact by embedding purpose into their core strategy—prioritising initiatives that promote education, health, and community well-being. Inspired by the work we do at Life Ed, businesses can invest in early intervention programs, partner with schools and community organisations, and leverage their resources to equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to lead healthier lives. Over the next decade, companies should also focus on fostering a culture of corporate social responsibility by supporting employee-led volunteering, funding evidence-based initiatives, and advocating for policies that drive systemic change in education and public health.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment—one where every child has access to the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make positive choices for their health and future. Through my work at Life Ed NSW and my leadership in education, I want to contribute to a system that prioritises early intervention, lifelong learning, and equity, ensuring that no child is left behind. More broadly, I hope to inspire future leaders—especially women—to step into leadership with courage, purpose, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in their communities.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Collaborative – I believe in teamwork and value diverse perspectives to drive success.
For me, leadership is not about making decisions in isolation—it’s about bringing people together, leveraging their strengths, and fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. I believe that the best ideas and solutions come from collective wisdom, and I actively seek input from my team, stakeholders, and the communities we serve. By embracing diverse perspectives, we create more innovative, inclusive, and effective strategies that drive real impact.
At Life Ed, collaboration is at the heart of our work—whether it’s partnering with schools, working alongside educators, or engaging with health and community leaders to ensure our programs reach and empower as many young people as possible. My leadership approach is centred on building strong relationships, creating opportunities for shared learning, and ensuring that every voice contributes to our shared vision for a healthier, more informed future.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
If I could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, it would be this: back yourself.
You don’t need to have all the answers or tick every box before stepping into leadership—confidence grows with action. Take the opportunities that challenge you, trust in your abilities, and don’t be afraid to use your voice. Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you, and seek out mentors who can help you navigate the journey. Most importantly, leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about learning, adapting, and leading with purpose. The world needs more women in leadership, and that starts with believing in yourself.
You don’t need to have all the answers or tick every box before stepping into leadership—confidence grows with action.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
Looking ahead, I’m most excited about the opportunity to expand Life Ed NSW’s impact in shaping healthier futures for young people. Health and well-being are at the heart of everything we do, and I’m passionate about driving innovative programs that empower children with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make positive choices. Strengthening partnerships, embracing new technologies, and ensuring that every child—regardless of their background—has access to quality health education is a mission that truly excites me.
On a personal level, I’m committed to prioritising well-being—not just for myself but for those I lead and mentor. As a leader, I believe fostering a culture of balance, resilience, and self-care is just as important as professional success. I look forward to continuing to learn, supporting others on their journey, and championing well-being in leadership, education, and the broader community.