On December 5th, the Salesforce Bangalore office became a vibrant hub of purpose and collective action. The Pledge 1% Impact Exchange brought together India’s business leaders to celebrate a movement that has redefined corporate responsibility: the 1-1-1 model.

What began with Salesforce committing 1% of equity, technology, and time- has evolved into a global movement. Today, Pledge 1% ensures that giving back is not an afterthought, but a core component of a company’s DNA.

From Global Vision to Local Action

The evening opened with a powerful keynote from Naomi Morenzoni, SVP of AI for Impact and Sustainability Philanthropy. As a founding board member of Pledge 1%, Naomi shared an intimate look at the movement’s 26-year journey, reflecting on the early days of recruiting the very first “pledgers.” Her message was clear: intentionality drives systemic change.

The true heart of the event was seeing how this global vision is being localized through the “Spotlight India” stories of our Pledge 1% members:

• Purple Chillies: Guided by the philosophy of “enterprise with a heart,” Purple Chillies used their 1% commitment to digitally transform the Bembala Foundation. By implementing the Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack, they moved Bembala from a manual, seven-page paper process to a scalable digital case management system, empowering the foundation to better support survivors of domestic violence.
• Atom360: As a pioneer in AI-driven healthcare, Atom360 is proving that technology can bridge the gap in rural wellness. Their flagship product, Berry.care, uses cutting-edge AI to provide early oral cancer screening via smartphones. By making screening affordable and portable, Atom360 is bringing life-saving diagnostics to underserved communities where specialized healthcare is often out of reach.

Forging the Future

The Impact Exchange truly came to life during our closing dinner. During the networking session, the room buzzed with new collaborations and ideas on how to scale impact across the Indian ecosystem.

This event proves that the spirit of giving is stronger than ever. We are proud to be both a founder and a champion of this movement, and we look forward to seeing how the connections made during this event will transform into real-world impact tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Together, we are building a better, more sustainable future.

Alicia Nogales

President, Santu Beauty
Troncones, Mexico and San Francisco, 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?
Two things. I believe that companies should actively encourage their corporate families of people to love themselves as much as possible. Think of a parent who wants their own child to love and care for their own self as much as they love them. Love, unlike money, is a well spring available to all of us that never runs dry. That is amazing. Companies should want to create environments that genuinely care for and support their employees’ well-being. This is critical to the overall health of a company. Companies are made up of people who spend a great part of their lives working in their “house”. Why would we not want to have the healthiest and happiest home.

And the second part to a happy home is committing some of their financial success to a principle or purpose that is for the greatest good. I want to work for a company that is actively participating in making the world a better place. This has been a principle tenet of SANTU. And for companies that are financially successful I would be asking them the following. Give “X” what you wish you could do.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I have three sons of this future generation. This is very much top of mind. My parents exemplified and taught me the importance of being of service whether it is one’s vocation or not. “For the greater Good” is always my north star. My mother retired as elementary Principal and devoted her life to education with an emphasis on teaching teachers and working with underrepresented populations. My father is Mexican American from a family of migrant workers. He was the “first” to do a lot of amazing things and had a successful career and also was instrumental in Mexican American civil rights.

I was fortunate enough to have the choice to spend time at home working as an active, “stay at home” parent. It was an honor. I’d grown up from a very young age volunteering in all kinds of ways and became a “professional” in adulthood where the goals for those task forces and organizations seemed to many as impossible or too hard. Whether its saving the trees, animals, people…whatever…whatever resonates with your higher self and that of the greater good, spend time on it. We would have a healthier and happier world if every person made consistent effort to think and do outside of one’s personal benefit.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Collaborative. I work well in a team structure. I believe a strong leader entrusts a diversified group of people who have distinct strengths. No one person knows everything. A successful team thrives when each team member is encouraged to bring their talents and skillsets to the project(s) on hand and valued for their respective contributions and work as individuals and part of the group’s team effort.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Always go for the adventure. You have to trust that where you are is exactly where you are supposed to be. Move from the heart and trust that there are no two life journeys that are the same. Accept you are the creator of your own path and it rarely is a straight line. And if you are at point A or F, you don’t need to know point X, Y, and Z. The real acceptance of this “not knowing” everything is truly liberating when you consistently practice moving from the heart because your human self will be guided to make clear and effective decisions over and over again. And find the joy in floating whether you are in calm or turbulent waters.

The real acceptance of this “not knowing” everything is truly liberating when you consistently practice moving from the heart because your human self will be guided to make clear and effective decisions over and over again.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
The past is history. The future is a mystery. Today is a present. That’s why it’s called a present. – Eleanor Roosevelt

And a wise woman with feet in the sand, walking thru warm ocean water at sunlight reminded me of this.

Enisa

CEO, Emthrone 
North Macedonia & Turkey

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 business is owned and operated under the leadership of Enisa Kadrii. She has relevant years of experience in the industry. She is the CEO of some other companies but has decided to launch her face line brand. Enisa will be saddled with the responsibility of making executive and administrative decisions as regards the operations and functionality of the company.

Enisa Kadri is very creative, forward-thinking, and a robust and hands-on team leader, highly efficient, and results-oriented with exceptional management and organizational skills. She also has exceptional interpersonal skills combined with a proven ability to drive profitability, manage and nurture talent, deliver sales growth, form strategic partnerships, and successfully implement challenging projects. She is an expert in executing team-driven process improvements to increase revenue growth, operational efficiency, and excellent stewardship of revenue. She also has a strong customer service orientation to work effectively with employees, professionals, and partners. She will be actively involved in the business operation producing and selling our beauty products and employ more hands as required.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
A environment aware brand.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Enisa Kadrii is a remarkable and powerful lady in Macedonia, reigning as the queen of the consulting business and a leading force in the cosmetics industry. With her keen business acumen and innovative spirit, she has not only built a successful empire but has also inspired countless individuals along the way.

What sets Enisa apart is her ability to connect with people on a personal level. With simplicity and authenticity, she has won the hearts of many, proving that true leadership is not just about authority but also about empathy and understanding. Her approachable nature and genuine care for others have fostered a loyal community of supporters who admire her vision and dedication.

As a business lady, Enisa embodies strength and resilience, navigating the challenges of the industry with grace and determination. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and hard work, making her a true role model for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Enisa Kadrii is not just a name; she is a symbol of empowerment and success in Macedonia.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Trust yourself. Stand up straight with your shoulders back.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
The key is balance between professional and personal life too.

Trust yourself. Stand up straight with your shoulders back.

Layla Ramirez

Director, DEIB,  Justworks
New York, NY

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 maximize their social impact over the next decade by integrating purpose into their core business strategy. Leading with values means embedding social responsibility into decision-making, from product development to supply chains. Rather than one-time contributions, businesses should focus on sustained, long-term impact—leveraging their unique expertise, resources, and networks. Committing a percentage of one’s equity, time, profit, or product through initiatives like Pledge 1% is a great way to ensure impact grows alongside business success.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I hope to leave a legacy of a world where opportunity and talent are equally distributed—where everyone, regardless of background, has the resources and support to realize their full potential. True progress happens when barriers are removed and people are empowered to contribute their skills, ideas, and passions to society.

This means fostering access to education, mentorship, and economic opportunity, ensuring that those who choose to pursue their dreams have the means to do so. It’s about creating systems that uplift rather than exclude, where success isn’t determined by circumstance but by determination and ability.

If future generations inherit a world where talent is recognized and nurtured everywhere, not just in privileged spaces, we will have built a more thriving society.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Inclusive. Because true leadership is about creating an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Having experienced the power of inclusive leadership firsthand, I am convinced that it is the key to navigating change, unlocking potential, and driving sustained success.

An inclusive approach fosters diverse perspectives, fuels innovation, and strengthens teams by ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose. It’s not just about giving people a seat at the table—it’s about making sure they have a voice in shaping the future.

By prioritizing inclusivity, leaders cultivate trust, resilience, and a shared commitment to excellence. In a rapidly evolving world, the ability to bring out the best in people—regardless of background or experience—is what sets great leaders apart.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Trust yourself and do the things your future self will thank you for. Every decision is an opportunity to shape the leader you aspire to become—lean into it with confidence. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing challenges, and owning your voice. The path won’t always be easy, but by investing in yourself and your vision, you’ll create a future where you thrive and inspire others to do the same.

Trust yourself and do the things your future self will thank you for.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m most excited about continuing to do meaningful, values-aligned work at a company that truly walks the talk. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of an organization that prioritizes impact, and I look forward to deepening that commitment through collaboration—both internally and externally—to drive real progress in inclusion and social impact.

On a personal level, I’m thrilled to support my husband as he embarks on his journey of acquiring a small business. Seeing his vision come to life and helping him and his team leverage Justworks to build a strong foundation is something I genuinely look forward to.

This season is full of opportunities to create, contribute, and uplift others, and I’m energized by the potential to make a lasting difference in both my professional and personal life.

Jacqui Meskell

Founder/CEO, Huggnote
Limerick, Ireland

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?
For me, there’s no question, and it’s the exact opposite of what some leaders have been pushing for lately. The best way to create a positive impact on both society and the economy is to have more women in leadership, running companies and, indeed, countries. With business and politics becoming increasingly intertwined, the stakes have never been higher.

Women’s voices need to be heard. It’s critical we have a seat at the table, not as a token gesture, but because women-led companies are more likely to tackle pressing societal issues. Female-led teams take better care of their employees and communities, creating lasting benefits that extend for generations. And, for those in the back – the data is undeniable: women-led companies consistently outperform those led by men.

That’s no coincidence. When profits and purpose align, everybody wins.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
Huggnote is on a mission to make two billion hearts sing, because we believe that’s exactly what the world needs now and well into the future. Technologies may evolve, but our core mission remains the same: to be a catalyst for fostering genuine, heartfelt connection. To make it easy to be there for others in the instant it’s needed. And yes, our ambition is bold. But that’s the point. We want to inspire others to dream big, chase their passions fearlessly, and know that with courage, failure isn’t an option.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Empathic.

As a leader, I’m crystal clear on my mission and the strategy to achieve it. I set high standards for myself and others because I believe we’re all capable of far more than we realise. But potential can only be fully unlocked when it’s nurtured the right way.

Every team member has unique circumstances, strengths, and needs. To lead effectively, I believe it’s my responsibility to understand these and create the right conditions that will enable each person to thrive, because when people are at their best, they perform at their best.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid of your femininity, it’s a strength. Lean into it.

Unlearn everything that dulls your intuition and question everything. We don’t have to do things the way they’ve always been done. In fact, it’s imperative that we don’t. We won’t find our way forward by following the same path that led us here.

Unlearn everything that dulls your intuition and question everything.

Remember that every societal, political, and economic construct thus far was designed through an androcentric lens. We cannot build a new future with the same old bricks.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
So much! 2025 is already shaping up to be a whirlwind year, and we’re ready for it. We have ambitious goals for Huggnote’s growth, plus a big geographic move on the horizon, very exciting! The best part? Getting to do it all with my sister and co-founder Perry.

Entrepreneurship, like life, is all about the journey – we can be sure there will be lots of ups and downs but I couldn’t ask for a better co-pilot.

Noelle Runo

Head of International Marketing & Communications, Making Science
London, UK

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?
Integrating an ESG strategy that empowers employee participation in volunteering, contributing to local and global causes, and fostering collaboration with non-profits and other businesses for greater reach and impact.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I hope to leave a legacy that enable young professionals to pursue impactful opportunities beyond their comfort zones.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Empowering – I encourage my team to lead, teach and research, to feel ownership and involvement in all countries and teams to produce the best materials and campaigns for their local and global brand.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
To embrace femininity, and don’t try and fit into the stereotypical corporate world and trust your gut.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I am excited to keep growing in my career with a company who are always evolving and pushing boundaries in digital marketing and AI. On a personal level, I’m excited for the year ahead, with a lot of great travel plans and events with my partner, friends, and family.

To embrace femininity, and don’t try and fit into the stereotypical corporate world and trust your gut.

Christine Shaw

VP of Engineering, Six Feet Up
Louisville, KY, 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?
Early in my career, during the .com boom, I often felt like just another cog in the machine — writing code without a clear sense of purpose. I wanted more. That changed when I took on a project for a hospice organization. My code wasn’t just about improving efficiency; it helped caregivers provide better support to patients and their families. That moment reshaped my perspective: even if I’m not on the front lines, I can build the tools that empower those who are.

At Six Feet Up, we carry that mindset forward. We partner with organizations tackling climate change, advancing healthcare, and making data more accessible — helping them scale their impact through technology. The real power of innovation isn’t in the lines of code we write, but in how those solutions are used to create positive change.

Companies have an opportunity to do more. Beyond donating time, talent, or profits, we need to take a step back and ask: Are we building responsibly? Are we creating technology that uplifts, rather than exploits? Are we empowering those solving the world’s biggest challenges?

If more companies took that approach — thoughtfully designing for impact — we wouldn’t just be advancing technology. We’d be shaping a future where innovation serves a greater good.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I want to be remembered as someone who made it easier for others to do the work they were meant to do. Whether through the systems I’ve built or the teams I’ve led, my goal has always been to remove blockers, create better processes, and give people the freedom to excel in their expertise. If I’ve done that well, then I’ve made a lasting impact.

For me, leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about fostering an environment where others feel trusted, empowered, and supported enough to find the answers themselves. If my team looks back and remembers me as someone who had their backs, cleared the path, and helped them grow, then I know I’ve left the right kind of legacy.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Trusting. Trust is the foundation of how I lead. I believe in my team — not just in their skills, but in their ability to take ownership, solve problems, and deliver great work. I don’t micromanage because I don’t have to; I give them the space to thrive, knowing they’ll rise to the challenge. And when they do need me? I’m right there beside them, clearing roadblocks and making sure they have what they need to succeed.

Great teams aren’t built on control — they’re built on confidence, autonomy, and support. That’s the kind of culture I work to foster every day.

Great teams aren’t built on control — they’re built on confidence, autonomy, and support.

That’s the kind of culture I work to foster every day.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Believe in yourself — even when the world tells you not to. I spent years struggling with self-doubt. I went to an engineering school where they made it painfully clear that women weren’t exactly welcome. But I found my place, and you will too. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong. You do.

Tech has changed a lot since then, but the challenges haven’t disappeared. There are still moments when you’ll feel like you don’t belong. Ignore them. Keep going. Find the people who do believe in you, and surround yourself with them. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to be a leader. You just have to keep showing up.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
Professionally, I’m excited about growth — both mine and my team’s. At Six Feet Up, we’ve built a solid foundation with strong systems and a great team culture. We’re ready to scale, whether that means doubling, tripling, or tackling new, complex challenges. Knowing we have the right people and processes in place to grow without losing what makes us great — that’s an exciting place to be.

Personally, I’m looking forward to creating more art. My studio is my retreat, a space where there are no deadlines, no pressure — just the freedom to experiment. I combine watercolor and calligraphy, often drawing inspiration from nature. Whether anyone ever sees my work or not doesn’t matter. It’s something I do for me.

At the end of the day, it’s about balance — investing in my team, building meaningful solutions, and making space for creativity and joy.

Sarah Arshad

Solutions Consultant, Braze
New Jersey, United States of America

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 be fully transparent, we need to reframe how we think about social impact in corporate settings. Far too often, it gets treated as an afterthought; referenced as a side or passion project rather than a fundamental responsibility. As professionals, our work should ultimately leave the world in a better place. You cannot separate your work from its environmental impact, or reduce “diversity” to a checklist when both have real-world consequences.

Take the tech industry, for example. Biases can easily find their way into products and influence user experiences in ways we may not immediately recognize. Companies need to ask themselves: Are we driving meaningful change, or are we just keeping up appearances? How do we ensure that our work isn’t exacerbating these existing inequalities?

A responsible workplace should reflect the world it operates in by understanding the causes employees care for and creating meaningful ways for them to contribute. At Braze, I have been fortunate to lead fundraising efforts and cultural programming for causes I’m passionate about – primarily as a lead for the Muslims@Braze Employee Resource Group. The purpose of the Muslims@Braze ERG is to promote an environment that empowers Muslim employees, while educating allies and non-Muslim colleagues about our faith. From fundraising to provide food assistance for families during Ramadan to driving awareness about accessible education for the Deaf Muslim community, we’ve had several initiatives launched with the necessary support and enthusiasm from our Social Impact team to bring these ideas to fruition.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I hope to be remembered as someone who lived without regrets and did the right thing, even when it wasn’t convenient. As a first-generation Pakistani Muslim-American, I know I represent something much larger than myself. I know that room for error is limited and there is heightened scrutiny on everything I do, but there is no appealing future in which I have to compromise on values or integrity.

For me, nothing matters more than staying true to my principles, and I hope to inspire others to do the same. Anything you lose as a result of doing what is fair and true to yourself orients you towards the opportunities and people that are ultimately the right fit.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Unwavering. When I have a goal in mind, I have to see the process through the end even if the chances of success are slim. Dedication can operate on the verge of obsession, but my hope is to always push myself (first and foremost) and others to leave no room for what-ifs. Pursue unconventional methods, and don’t take the easy way out when met with resistance.

When I have a goal in mind, I have to see the process through the end even if the chances of success are slim.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Own your destiny personally and professionally. Remember that persistence and self-advocacy are just as crucial to success as talent and merit. If you can’t find an opportunity, create one. If the table you want to sit at doesn’t exist, build it yourself.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m excited to never stop learning. I don’t aspire to have the “I made it” moment as much as I aspire to live a life that feels limitless and enriching. My love for storytelling through writing and travel are especially important to me, and I see myself weaving those into anything I decide to do personally or professionally in the future.

Dorka Keehn

Founder & Principal, Keehn On Art
SF, 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?

Over the next decade, companies have a tremendous opportunity—and responsibility—to deepen their commitment to social impact. Beyond financial contributions, they can embed equity, sustainability, and community engagement into their core business strategies. This means creating inclusive workplaces, supporting diverse talent pipelines, investing in local economies, and ensuring that their products and services contribute to the greater good. Companies should also think beyond philanthropy and consider structural changes—such as ethical sourcing, responsible AI development, and regenerative business models—that align long-term success with positive social outcomes.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?

I hope my legacy is one of empowerment—whether through my work in the arts, cultural policy, or political leadership. Co-founding Emerge America to train Democratic women to run for office and Ignite National to inspire young women’s civic engagement was about building long-term pathways for women to lead at every level of government. I want future generations to inherit a world where women’s leadership is not the exception but the norm, where the creative economy is fully valued, and where civic engagement is seen as essential to shaping a more just and vibrant society.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?

Strategic. I believe in seeing the big picture while executing on the details. My leadership is about connecting dots—between people, policies, and possibilities—to create sustainable impact. Whether it’s developing a cultural strategy for a city, shaping arts policy, or mentoring emerging leaders, I focus on long-term solutions that create systemic change rather than one-off interventions.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?

Own your power. Women often wait until they feel 100% ready before stepping up, but the truth is, no one has all the answers. Take risks, speak with confidence, and surround yourself with people who you can learn from and who share your vision. And don’t just aim to sit at the table—redesign the table to be more inclusive for those who come after you.

Take risks, speak with confidence, and surround yourself with people who you can learn from and who share your vision.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?

Professionally, I’m excited about shaping San Francisco’s first comprehensive cultural strategy and ensuring that the creative economy is a cornerstone of the city’s recovery and future growth. Personally, I’m always energized by working with artists who are stepping into the public realm for the first time, helping them translate their vision into lasting works that shape our shared spaces. Seeing their impact—and knowing that art can transform communities and people—is what keeps me inspired.