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!

Mayra Tinoco

COO, Everymind
São Paulo/Brasil

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 believe companies need to bridge the gap with their employees, customers, and partners by fostering diverse spaces for dialogue, inclusion, collaboration, and innovation—shaping the world we want to live in 10 years from now.

Additionally, companies must recognize that they are part of a local and regional community, where small actions to promote integration and create opportunities today will have a lasting impact in the years to come.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I hope to help more girls gain access to education and resources in STEAM from an early age, breaking down barriers and increasing diversity in the field. Empowering girls to DREAM of making the world a better place through technology is truly powerful.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
EMPOWERING. I actively listen, connect people, and align strategies to achieve results. My focus is on opening doors for my team, ensuring they have the opportunities and support to grow and thrive.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Be patient and persistent in claiming your voice and space with integrity. Find your allies and stay open to lifelong learning. Always express gratitude and pay it forward to the next generations. Have some fun on this journey!

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
We are expanding our operations and hiring our first team members in Colombia—all women, all software engineers. I’m excited to meet them, open doors, and learn from each of them along the way.

Be patient and persistent in claiming your voice and space with integrity.

Aisya Aziz

Director of Engineering, LiquiDonate, Inc
Fremont, 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?
Instead of viewing corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a one-time/yearly activity, companies should embed giving into their core business models for lasting impact. By making social impact an integral part of their strategy, businesses can drive real change while strengthening their brand, fostering customer loyalty, and attracting purpose-driven talent.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
My legacy is to show that women can not only thrive in tech, but also lead with strength and kindness. Since I was little, I’ve dreamed of proving to the world that I can make it happen, and I want to inspire young girls to believe they can make things happen too. I also want to demonstrate that success doesn’t require sacrificing kindness – being nice can still lead to incredible achievements.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
I would choose “empowering” to define my leadership style. I believe in uplifting others, giving them the tools and confidence to succeed, and trusting them to take ownership of their work. By fostering an environment where people feel supported and capable, I aim to unlock their full potential and create a culture of collaboration and growth.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Believe in your voice. Don’t be afraid to speak up, take risks, and embrace your uniqueness. You have the power to inspire and create change, no matter the obstacles.

Believe in your voice. Don’t be afraid to speak up, take risks, and embrace your uniqueness.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m most excited about continuing to build LiquiDonate’s tech solution and establishing it as the go-to donation disposition platform for all. On a personal level, this spring marks a big milestone – my first child is starting grade 1, and my second is heading to preschool! It’s an exciting time of growth, both professionally and at home.

Aubrey Blanche-Sarellano

VP of Equitable Operations, Culture Amp
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 choose to provide unrestricted grants and donations in their giving to truly support non-profit organizations.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I hope to show that human-centered corporate philanthropy is possible, by prioritizing the both those ultimately impacted and trusting organizations to deploy capital most effectively.

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

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Don’t spend your time and talents on businesses and leaders who don’t see and appreciate your unique perspective and impact.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m thrilled to be welcoming the newest cohort of grantee partners for the Culture Amp Foundation and excited for us to build our relationships to help them have positive impact in the world!

Don’t spend your time and talents on businesses and leaders who don’t see and appreciate your unique perspective and impact.

Rhonda Petschel

President, Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria Inc
Victoria, 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?
There are 4 areas I would like to see companies continue and do more of in the next 10 years.

1. To recognise, support and include scientific research in their strategic planning.
2. Companies to understand the principles of the social determinants of a fair and equitable society, to understand their role and to act on these principles.
3. To develop creative and reciprocal relationships with ethical charities as part of their business model.
4. To have a strong culture of gathering relevant data and use this knowledge for future directions.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I will continue to work toward making it a legal requirement that domesticated and farm non human animals must have shelter and companionship specific to the needs of their species, in particular for horses not to be housed alone.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Respectful: Everyone has individual expertise and world experiences that influence their decisions. To make wise decisions and have a culture for innovation we must not only hear but understand others contribution.

Respectful: Everyone has individual expertise and world experiences that influence their decisions.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
To broaden your understanding of life and the world by taking every opportunity to learn from spheres outside the direction of your own life.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I am most excited about handing over to the next committee of Project Hope Horse Welfare Victoria well organised governance, an avenue for financial security and a scientific based library of education opportunities for horse guardians.

Mariana Palacios

Social Impact and Sustainability Program Manager, Justworks
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?
1. Be courageous and ground themselves in their values and missions. Policy will change and evolve, but values do not.
2. Today, more than ever, actions will define companies. It is no longer about what a website and press releases says – it’s about the actual actions that are taken.
3. Continue to play the long game. Positive impact does not happen overnight, and we still have a lot of work to do. This continues to be a long game – keep focus on that future.
4. Stop focusing on terms and double down on the work. Call it what you call it – the question should be about the change companies are creating and not if they are calling it CSR, ESG, or DEIB.
5. Dare to innovate and dream up new scenarios, solutions and coalitions. What got us through previous challenges will not get us through this one. We need different and innovative approaches.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I don’t think much about my legacy, but more of the world I hope I can contribute to build. That is a world center on connection – among people and planet. If we are connected to each other, we see and honor each other’s humanity. If we are connected to the planet, we value it, respect it, and protect it. This is important to me, became organizations are ultimately people. If this can happen in all, if not most of us, then we can work for a world that is balanced.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Communal – it is really important for me that people feel connected to a purpose, that they understand their role in achieving a common goal, and that there is true collaboration and openness to different perspectives in the process.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
This work, this life – they are not linear. Listen to your passions, interests and heart. Follow the curves that are presented to you.

Listen to your passions, interests and heart. Follow the curves that are presented to you.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
This year, I am getting married, and I am extremely excited for what this new chapter will bring. Commitment is a very important value to me, and I’m looking forward to the commitment I am about to enter.

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.