Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Driving community impact with employee-led micro-grants (IDE102)

Summary

Shaila Martinez, head of global inclusion in communities, introduces the session and the AWS Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Innovation Fund.
The fund empowers employees to leverage their talents for community impact, with 45 projects completed and 75,000 underserved people reached.
Panelists Darrell Bonner, Anita Adoba, and Ken Suright discuss their experiences and the impact of the fund on various community projects.
Darrell emphasizes the importance of AWS's leadership principle "Success in Scale Brings Broad Responsibility" and the role of data in developing the program.
Anita shares her journey with the fund, including a water project in Nigeria, and the importance of technology in bridging the divide between the wealthy and the poor.
Ken discusses Water is Life's mission and the critical role of partnerships in achieving their goals.
The panelists highlight the importance of corporate social responsibility, employee engagement, and the potential for partnerships to amplify impact.

The AWS Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Innovation Fund is a significant initiative that aligns with AWS's leadership principles and corporate social responsibility goals.
Employee-led micro-grants are an effective way to engage employees in meaningful work and allow them to contribute to community impact projects that resonate with them personally.
The fund has a global reach, impacting 25 countries, and focuses on sustainable change, including projects related to water scarcity, education, and technology access.
Data plays a crucial role in the development and evolution of the program, ensuring that projects are impactful and sustainable.
The panelists' stories underscore the transformative power of technology and partnerships in addressing systemic issues and improving lives in underserved communities.
The session highlights the potential for other companies to learn from AWS's approach to employee-led community impact and to consider similar initiatives that align with their corporate values and social responsibility goals.