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.
Ishveen Jolly
CEO + Cofounder, OpenSponsorship
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?
Right now, I feel it’s important for companies to provide stability and a safe working environment for team members, given how crazy the world is right now. That comes from transparency.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
To break down stereotypes and that hard work and a will to succeed can help you achieve anything.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Honest
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Understand who you are, your core values, what you stand for, and ensure that you have that permeate across everything you do.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
We just reached profitability, so the world feels like a lot of good options for us. So now it’s about deciding what’s next.
Understand who you are, your core values, what you stand for, and ensure that you have that permeate across everything you do.
Fatiha Zelmat
CEO, ORNIDEX
Paris, France
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?
Here are some of our key initiatives:
- Integrate social impact into business strategy – Go beyond financial donations and align CSR initiatives with the core business model to create lasting impact.
- Encourage employee engagement – Provide volunteering opportunities, dedicated service days, and mentorship programs to mobilize talent for social causes.
- Share skills and technology – Offer NGOs and impact-driven startups access to technology, training, or pro bono services to support their growth.
- Support sustainable innovation – Invest in projects that combine economic growth with environmental benefits, integrating ESG criteria into investment decisions.
- Promote equity and inclusion – Implement ambitious diversity and inclusion policies, ensure equal access to opportunities, and combat discrimination.
- Commit to a circular economy – Reduce carbon footprints by adopting more sustainable production and consumption models while promoting recycling and reuse.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I see leadership as a responsibility to shape a future where business and impact go hand in hand. The legacy I hope to leave is one of purpose-driven innovation, where companies don’t just strive for profitability but also for positive societal and environmental change.
I want to prove that success is measured not just in revenue, but in the well-being of employees, the sustainability of our operations, and the empowerment of the communities we serve. My goal is to build an organization that leads with integrity, embraces diversity, and constantly pushes the boundaries of what’s possible for a better world.
If future generations look back and see that we helped redefine business as a force for good, then I’ll know we’ve truly made an impact.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
“Empowering.” I believe leadership is about enabling others to grow, take ownership, and drive meaningful change, creating an environment where innovation and impact thrive.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
“Own your voice and your vision.” Don’t wait for permission to lead—trust your instincts, embrace challenges, and create the opportunities you deserve.
Don’t wait for permission to lead—trust your instincts, embrace challenges, and create the opportunities you deserve.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m most excited about the opportunity to drive meaningful change through innovation and purpose-driven leadership. Whether it’s scaling impactful projects, mentoring the next generation, or exploring new challenges, the future is full of possibilities waiting to be shaped.
Deena Tearney
Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Point
Honolulu, Hawaii 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?
Investing in the next generation is a personal passion of mine. If companies can find opportunities to encourage and inspire youth, finding ways to build knowledge, skills, character and leadership, this will not only shape the next 10 years, but it will create a ripple effect that lasts for generations!
The investment we make in young people has lasting impact, from mentoring to workshops, the inspiration sticks for a lifetime. When I was in college, I’ll never forget that Ken Blanchard came to speak to a select group of business students. I was inspired hearing his thoughts on leadership, and his stories instilled curiosity and motivation about my own future career. To this day, his books continue to be a source of inspiration and valuable tools I rely on.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Results. At the end of the day, results matter. Keeping a sharp focus on goals and outcomes has been the key to leading Pacific Point. It’s also allowed us to invest in the future—through mentoring, sponsoring university hackathons and tech conferences, and offering hands-on Salesforce student workshops. These results are creating lasting change!
Results. At the end of the day, results matter.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Always be learning. The skills you develop through practical experience are the most valuable assets one can earn, and they cannot be taken from you. As Ken Blanchard wisely said “When you stop learning you stop growing”. So, seize every opportunity to learn and challenge yourself!
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m incredibly proud of our talented team of Salesforce consultants at Pacific Point, who consistently deliver exceptional results for our clients. As we look toward the future, I’m especially excited about expanding our capabilities with cutting-edge AI solutions, like Salesforce AgentForce, to help our clients boost revenue and efficiency in transformative ways. The possibilities are limitless!
Michelle Eichner
Vice President, Product Marketing, Appfire
Arizona, 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?
Companies can amplify their social impact over the next decade by embracing a culture of sustained giving and community engagement. By embedding social responsibility into their core business strategies, companies like Appfire not only respond to immediate community needs but also drive long-term, systemic change. This involves not just annual events or one-off campaigns, but consistent support and partnerships with local organizations, investing in education, environmental sustainability, and equitable economic growth.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
The legacy I hope to leave for future generations at Appfire is one of empowerment and transformation. I envision a future where our commitment to giving back is so deeply integrated into our operations that every project we undertake has a component of community benefit, turning every achievement into a step towards greater societal well-being.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Entrepreneurial. My leadership style is defined by a proactive, innovative approach that thrives on understanding market needs and tackling daily challenges head-on. This style allows me to inspire my team at Appfire to think creatively, act decisively, and embrace opportunities that drive our mission forward while adapting to the ever-changing business landscape.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Embrace change and adapt quickly. My advice to the next generation of women leaders is to always be agile and forward-thinking. Understand how current and emerging trends can impact your company, team, and the broader market. By staying adaptable and proactive, you can set standards and drive progress, turning challenges into opportunities to lead and innovate.
Embrace change and adapt quickly.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I am most excited about the evolving landscape of professional opportunities brought about by the advent of Generative AI and Agentic AI. This rapidly changing field offers a thrilling chance to continuously learn and adapt, allowing us to leverage these new technologies to simplify everyday tasks and enhance decision-making processes. This enhances our efficiency and effectiveness at Appfire in ways we couldn’t imagine 12 months ago.
Renee Barker
Director of Circularity, LiquiDonate
Nashville, United States
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 lean into the storytelling side of sustainability and social impact. Perfection is the enemy of progress, and to move forward we shouldn’t downplay how and why we support and build programs to have a positive social impact in our varying businesses. Companies should be proud to report climate and people friendly actions and goals and be transparent about their progress.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I hope that folks see the benefit in listening to and providing structure for community organizations to voice their needs and have a seat at the decision-making table in tech. There is incredible value in fostering collaboration to build a more resilient and equitable future, and we cannot do that under only assumptions.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Empowerment – building from a place of trust to guide folks to use their strengths to accomplish our goals, while always offering support and the capacity that we can work together to make it all happen.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Build a strong network and always reach out for connection. We can learn so much from those around us, and I have found that vast majority of time that people are willing to share their learnings and perspectives to those interested in their work. Low stakes virtual coffees are a great way to reach out without a lot of pressure.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
In the short term – wow I am excited for warmer weather after a long winter! In the longer term, I’m excited to keep growing LiquiDonate and expand our impact. Systems change takes time, but I am confident that we can transform the retail industry to be more impactful, sustainable, and efficient — at an even faster rate as we continue to learn from the needs of our current and future clients.
We can learn so much from those around us, and I have found that vast majority of time that people are willing to share their learnings and perspectives to those interested in their work.
Bernadette Dominski
Senior Business Development Consultant, Passage Technology
South Bend, IN, 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?
Be empathetic. Putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes and understanding their perspectives.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I hope to leave our future generations strong supportive communities with inclusiveness.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Hearer – I’d like to think I really listen and “hear”. A lot of people define themselves as good listeners but I’d like to think I really do “hear” what people have to say and act accordingly.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Don’t give up your authenticity and keep healthy boundaries.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m excited to continue building strong relationships and also see where AI takes us in our workplace.
Don’t give up your authenticity and keep healthy boundaries.
Ekta Dhaka
VP Customer Success, Fexle Services Private Limited
Gurgaon, India
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?
Congratulations on your 10 years! I see a lot of transformation in progress, but I feel we still have a long way to go. Companies can build a more inclusive and open culture wherein the future generations can find needed support, opportunities to think, thrive and shine.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I want to bring a transformative influence wherein my peers and future generations feel empowered to break down the barriers and create their own pathways to thrive in our industry. Not every person comes with a similar set of expertise, it is essential to create an inclusive culture where people feel valued for their unique perspectives.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
“Empathy” would be the word. In today’s fast paced world where we mostly talk about numbers and results, it is essential that we do not overwhelm our team and should not forget to focus on understanding the emotions, and different perspectives of the team members. I try to pay attention to what my team feels and ensure that they get a supportive environment. Building trust and a supportive environment leads to improved team morale and enhances the performance as well. People feel happy about working as a team.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Appreciate your uniqueness, collaborate more, speak up and just do it – and you shall shine!
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
Well, I am excited that I shall be a new mom soon and then I would love to be that ‘working mom’ who balances both the areas and thrive. Looking forward to finding a new normal.
Appreciate your uniqueness, collaborate more, speak up and just do it – and you shall shine!