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.
Dory Kim
Operations Consultant, EpiGrowth
Setúbal, Portugal
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?
Social impact programs are sometimes left to ESG departments to manage, when in reality we would see more meaningful outcomes if leaders would allow their entire organization to be involved.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
To lead by example and promote more women in leadership.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Collaborative – I have always worked hard to be inclusive in challenging junior and mid-level team members to be apart of bigger projects and initiatives, with often extraordinary results.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Don’t ever be afraid to toot your own horn – share your own story before someone else does it for you.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
The evolution of fractional leadership has created for me the opportunity to contribute to multiple companies at an early stage of growth. I’m excited to see how things develop and for future opportunities to unfold.
Don’t ever be afraid to toot your own horn.
Emily White
Senior Director, Philanthropy, Salesforce
San Francisco, California, 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?
I’m thrilled to celebrate 10 years of Pledge 1% and the incredible impact unlocked by our 19,000 members. As a partnership person, I’m always looking for ways to bring members together for collective action — like we did in the early days of the pandemic. No single company or NGO can solve global challenges like climate change or inequality alone. The only way forward is through collaboration and creative thinking. We’re already seeing powerful examples — from pooled funding initiatives tackling the climate crisis to aligning capital across philanthropy, impact investing, and sustainable finance. I’m even more excited for the next decade of Pledge 1% — one where collaboration and innovation will drive even greater impact.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I get a lot of joy out of helping others succeed. My boss calls me the team’s “Chief Joy Officer” because I’m the first to cheer on every personal or professional win. Early in my career, leaders pulled me into roles I wouldn’t have pursued on my own because they saw my potential before I did. Now, I get to do the same—spotting rising stars and connecting them to the opportunities that will take them to new heights. Legacy isn’t just about how far we go in our own careers; it’s about who we bring along with us.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Trust. My first leadership job was managing a fine jewelry and gift store to pay my way through college. When selling engagement rings, I encouraged customers to step outside to see their diamond sparkle in natural light. I didn’t ask to hold their drivers license for collateral, I just trusted that they’d walk back inside. Thankfully, every one of them did! In the process, I built customers for life, because once trust is established it more easily flows in both directions. Trust also happens to be the #1 core value at Salesforce and part of what attracted me to the company 7 years ago. We’re a company that customers can trust to safely handle their data, but we’re also a company that puts a lot of trust into our teams. We put in the time to build authentic relationships, and because of that we do better work. Every time.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
At that same jewelry store, there was a sign in the back room that said, “Dress comfortably, but dress so people feel comfortable handing you several thousand dollars.” When I was 17 I thought the message was about fashion. As I got older, I realized the message was about presence. Show up as your authentic (comfortable!) self, but bring your best to work and own your leadership role.
Confidence and credibility go hand in hand—and who knows, someone may just hand you several thousand dollars!
Show up as your authentic (comfortable!) self, but bring your best to work and
own your leadership role.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I work on a team focused on sustainability, so it’s no surprise that I’m happiest when I’m outside with my family. This year is a special one for two reasons. As my 9 year old heads into 4th grade, the National Park Service offers them free access to hundreds of parks for the year, so we’re kicking things off with the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Entering 4th grade also means that pre-teen life is right around the corner, but for now, they still enjoy spending lots of time with mom and dad. So this year we are maxing out both national parks and quality family time.
Angela Roseboro
Chief Diversity Officer, Toast
Las Vegas, NV (Toast HQ: Boston, MA)
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?
Whatever social impact work you are doing as a company, now is the time to keep your foot on the gas. Our planet needs us, and the people we support need us. Of course, there’s a feel-good aspect to this, but it’s critical for the future of our world. We need to continue to empower this kind of work and emphasize the need to continue it.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I want the next generation to live unapologetically and lead boldly. One of the reasons I joined Toast was because I was impressed by the number of women leading key parts of the business. Representation matters to me, and I see my role as a leader to signal that diverse voices matter, modeling a path forward for myself and others.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
I’m going to have to choose two—I often hear that people consider me an inspiration, but they also find me to be tough. I think my background and purpose can make me an inspirational leader, but I’m also a disruptor—I’m not afraid to push for what me or my cause needs to achieve our goals. At the end of the day I can only be me, and whether my background and experience makes me a disruptor or an inspiration, or both, I’m more than happy to have that impact.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Speak up, use your voice. Often we join an organization confident and sure of our voice, and a new team or corporate setting can rob you of that. As scary as it is, you were hired for who you are and the voice you bring to the table, so don’t be afraid to use it! I remember the first time walking into a meeting with Toast’s Senior Team, I thought to myself, “My voice is the most important currency I have, time to spend it.” As scary as it is, you’ll get to the other side, and gain respect for doing so.
Also, one simple piece of wisdom – it’s gonna be ok.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m excited about what’s on the horizon for Toast.org because I really think we have the opportunity to make a difference. My dad had a restaurant growing up and he ultimately had to close it because he didn’t have the capital to continue operations. Toast.org has an amazing opportunity to leverage the full power of Toast’s people, products and philanthropy to support a better future for this industry. I look forward to showing the restaurant community how just one person can make a difference, and inspiring others to move from apathy to action.
As scary as it is, you were hired for who you are and the voice you bring to the table, so don’t be afraid to use it!
Alexandra Schutz
Director of PMO, Appfire
Washington, DC
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 the resources and influence to drive real change, but often, there seems to be a gap between what needs to happen and what actually happens. We need less talk and more action when it comes to building equitable, inclusive, and socially responsible workplaces.
Companies need to pay people fairly, create real pathways for women and minorities in leadership, and give employees opportunities to support causes they care about. At the end of the day, the best companies aren’t just the ones making the most money — they’re the ones that people value and respect because they are actually making a difference in the world.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I’m not expecting my name to be remembered beyond my family, and that’s just fine. What matters most to me is that the people I’ve crossed paths with remember me as someone who was fair, kind, and treated others with respect. If my impact is felt in the way I’ve supported others, helped them grow, and made their lives a little better — personally or professionally — then that’s the kind of legacy I’d be proud to leave.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Collaborative.
I believe leadership is about creating an environment where people feel heard, valued, and supported. My role isn’t to have all the answers but to provide clear direction while staying receptive to others’ insights and expertise. They are the ones closest to the work, and their perspectives are critical to making the best decisions.
I strive to be open to feedback because I want my team to challenge me, share their ideas, and help refine our approach together. By fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect, we not only solve problems more effectively but also create space for growth — both for my team and for me as a leader.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Embrace curiosity and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Early in my career, I thought asking questions made me look like I didn’t know what I was doing. But I quickly learned that the most effective leaders are the ones who seek clarity, challenge assumptions, and stay open to learning.
When you hesitate to ask a question, remember this: If you’re wondering about something, someone else probably is too. Asking isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of engagement, intelligence, and a willingness to improve.
So be bold. Speak up. And never stop learning.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m interested in stepping into more speaking opportunities with a focus on imparting the learning I’ve collected over the last 20 years. Essentially, I want to package up all of my mistakes in a way that will help others.
I’m also excited about checking off items on my bucket list — this year I’d like to embrace as many new experiences as possible! I’ve always wanted to slide down a ridiculously long manmade slip ‘n slide. So, 2025 might just be my year!
Asking isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of engagement, intelligence,
and a willingness to improve.
Paula Hansen
President and Chief Revenue Officer, Docusign
San Francisco, CA, USA
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
A generation that is curious, ambitious, collaborative and wants to drive impact with purpose.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Empathetic. I believe to lead people to their fullest potential, you need to understand who they are, what inspires them and what challenges they face.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Your EQ is your superpower. Listening, relating and solving problems with others will carry you far and more importantly will bring others along.
Listening, relating and solving problems with others will carry you far and
more importantly will bring others along.