Advancing diversity, inclusion, and equality: Evolving a moment into a movement
Driving diversity and inclusion must become a priority if intelligent enterprises are to thrive. It starts with asking the right questions.
Aspiring to a world where everyone is equal.
At SAP, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to our success. As a global organization with employees from 150+ nationalities, our employees must feel free to be their authentic selves for our company to perform at its best. We embrace and encourage different perspectives, and believe we are made stronger by our unique combination of culture, race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental ability, and work-life situations.
Driving diversity and inclusion must become a priority if intelligent enterprises are to thrive. It starts with asking the right questions.
Small Black-owned businesses are at the heart of economic activity in their communities providing goods, services, and jobs. These businesses are amongst the hardest hit by COVID-19 and the social justice movement leaving already vulnerable businesses in tougher spots than ever before.
Rewatch inspiring stories from three small Black-owned businesses who are contributing towards economic activity in their communities and how you can join us to support them through the Spotlight Black Businesses initiative from SAP.
Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr. sets historical context around the complexity of the moments we are witnessing around racial injustice in the United States and how the black community has always been subject to a certain kind of surveillance: over-policed and under-protected. To drive meaningful change, we need to continue having authentic and genuine conversations about race and injustice that work towards a better future. SPOTLIGHT: Akain Rowland, Founder & Owner of Scoops ‘N’ Smiles.
Alicia Tillman, SAP Global CMO, talks with Karlie Kloss, SAP brand partner and Founder of Kode with Klossy. The duo discuss adjusting to working from home, and share tips and tricks on how to remain disciplined and motivated as we chart a new path forward. From creating new virtual experiences to taking time for self-care, Alicia and Karlie reflect on the fact “it’s the small things we shouldn’t overlook during a time like this.”
From NASA rocket scientist to Girls Scouts of the USA CEO, Sylvia Acevedo's passion for STEM runs deep and continues to foster a culture that builds the foundation for a lifetime of leadership in STEM. Paula picks Sylvia’s brain on how she plans to keep their iconic Girl Scout Cookie Program relevant and top of mind.
Ordinary people have transformed into heroes and are leading with purpose in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Powerful female leaders have stepped up to drive programs to keep us safe, healthy, and encouraged. Success today depends on what we can learn from these leaders and how we bring these qualities and behaviors into an equitable workplace.
“How are you doing?” used to be a question that followed a simple hello when connecting with a friend or colleague, but now strikes a different meaning. Arianna and Eric recognize that this time is an opportunity for a fresh start, refocusing company priorities around our health, wellness, and mental resilience. Arianna encourages us to limit news consumption and exercise positivity in hopes of using this time as a catalyst to make the big changes we have not done before.
SAP Women Forward is designed to help women realize and celebrate their full potential across businesses, cultures, and communities around the world. Our LinkedIn community brings together professionals from all industries who support women’s issues to help drive awareness, share knowledge, and success stories. Join to get exclusive access to event content and network with your peers.
Supermodel, entrepreneur, and SAP brand partner Karlie Kloss shares how her scholarship program for young women got its start, the power of a collaborative and supportive community – and her commitment to creating opportunities for women to change their careers and build the technology that’s changing the world.
Mixed media artist Markus Sebastino demonstrates the power of art to reach new audiences and inspire and advance the cause of gender equality. Learn more about SAP’s Gallery of Purpose and how this PowHERful piece came to life.
With many small businesses struggling during the pandemic, the Coronavirus is disproportionately impacting Black-owned businesses. As we embrace our long-term commitment to standing against racism as a company, SAP's Spotlight Black Businesses allocates time on our social media channels, and this website to promote these businesses in our communities.
Hispanic heroes have shaped and informed the world we live in today and continue to serve as a powerful and unified multi-generational force for good across sectors and industries. As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs September 15 to October 15, SAP is working with the We Are All Human Foundation on the “Hispanic Star Journey” for a fun and safe competition that brings people together and celebrates the myriad ways that Hispanic Americans have positively influenced U.S. culture and history.
Language has a huge impact on values and cultural norms. Language expresses and reinforces culture. Language encourages us to develop behavioral habits and patterns of thinking that shape our experience. In the software industry, for years we have thoughtlessly used terminology such as “master and slave” and “whitelist and blacklist” to define processes and classify data. SAP has taken action to change this.
Recent events in the U.S. — including the killings of Black citizens like Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and many others — have prompted SAP to speak up, connect with the experiences of its Black colleagues and other people of color, reaffirm its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and increase its investments in social justice reform, in organizations that develop a qualified talent pipeline in the technology industry, and in Black-owned businesses and social enterprises.
Celebrations went virtual during Pride Month this year due to the pandemic circumstances, but SAP employees still run prouder than ever! #PrideAtSAP has created an award-winning environment where everyone feels accepted and proud to help the world run better.
Judith Williams, global head of People Sustainability and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at SAP, shares personal stories of what it’s like to grow up as a black person in America.
Recently, for the first time in his professional life, Qualtrics’ Chief Revenue Officer Eric Stine became a full-time remote employee because of the coronavirus pandemic. Each week, he has been sharing his highs, lows, and learnings of a “Work from Home” newbie.
Together with The Female Quotient in partnership with Deloitte, we brought our ecosystem together to share stories in the light of the inequalities that have arisen around the world, especially during the pandemic. This special Virtual Equality Lounge was dedicated to addressing equitable workplaces, supporting female founders and small business owners as well as fostering a powerful partnership ecosystem to accelerate change to achieve gender, as well as racial parity, once and for all.
In light of recent protests sparked by racial inequality and police brutality, SAP is supporting a number of organizations on the ground that work to challenge racial and economic injustice. In partnership with Global Citizen, SAP joins the Unite for Our Future campaign to tackle the injustices the world is facing due to COVID-19 and racial unrest.