Making a Difference

Last week, to launch our deeper focus on the cultural attribute of how we, as Microsoft employees, can make a difference in the world, we highlighted an organization to our Senior Leader Community that is very close to my heart: Global Give Back Circle.

Melinda Gates says, “When we focus inclusion efforts on forgotten or

under-served groups, especially women, we ultimately elevate an entire community.” Global Give Back Circle does exactly that

Global Give Back Circle is designed to help at-risk girls realize their leadership potential and become change-makers whilst gaining the skills needed to get a good job. Providing girls with an education helps break the cycle of poverty and empowers them to lift up their families and communities. This organization is one that Microsoft supports with over 200 current Microsoft employees participating.

Linda Lockhart (CEO), Margo Day (former Vice President of US Education at Microsoft and current Global Give Back Circle Board Member), and Erica Marley (Worldwide Leader, Customer & Field Engagement, Microsoft Customer Service & Support and Global Give Back Circle mentor) shared their stories about how they became involved with Global Give Back Circle and how a few minutes of volunteering per day can put an at-risk girl through school and empower her to find her voice in the world. The impact of this program is meaningful and impressive:

• 483 girls have gained digital literacy and entrepreneurship skills.
• 333 girls attended college, of which 151 have graduated and are entering the workforce. 
• Others have created livelihoods for themselves and their families.

I learned of this organization through Microsoft, however you don’t have to work for Microsoft to get involved. Global Give Back Circle has a role for individuals of any gender to play in enriching the lives of these girls, be it as a mentor, tutor, storyteller, designer, and more.