Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has grown in importance in recent years as consumers, employees and investors are increasingly demanding companies take a stand on global issues. Businesses are recognizing the need to not only focus on profits, but also to make a positive impact on society and the environment. 

This is where social impact professionals come in, individuals leading the charge at organizations large and small to transform how their organizations make an impact. We’re profiling CSR and social impact leaders to engage their insights into how CSR is transforming and what inspired them to follow this path. 

Brandon Dorfman is the Global Surface Specialist for Tech for Social Impact, part of Microsoft Philanthropies, and is responsible for the strategic direction, vision, growth, and performance of Microsoft Surface across the Nonprofit and International Government Organization sectors. The Tech for Social Impact group within Microsoft Philanthropies aims to accelerate digital transformation across three million nonprofits globally, so they can have a greater impact on the world’s most critical social issues. Brandon’s team achieves this by bringing together the best of our Philanthropic work, technology and commercial ecosystem to holistically serve nonprofits.

Could you tell me a bit about your current and previous roles in social impact?

My role at Microsoft is a Global Surface Specialist in Tech for Social Impact, part of Microsoft Philanthropies. At Microsoft, we believe technology can be a powerful force for empowering people and organizations. We see it every day in our work—whether it’s data and AI helping predict malaria outbreaks or humanitarian organizations delivering digital literacy to displaced people. We truly believe that the success of the nonprofit and NGO sector is critical to how we achieve our mission as a company. But to do this, we must make the benefits of world-class technology accessible, and relevant for nonprofits, NGOs, and IGOs.

What inspired you to begin working in social impact?

In 2016, when I started my career at Microsoft, I quickly discovered a passion in technology. This passion grew rapidly as I started working closer with nonprofits and witnessed first-hand the role technology could play in helping accelerate missions contributing towards social good. The work we do in TSI and the broader Philanthropies organization is perhaps some of the best and most powerful work in bringing these pillars to life. Tech for Social Impact is truly committed to this sector and to the idea that it is absolutely core to Microsoft’s mission to empower every nonprofit and international development organization with Microsoft technology to accelerate social impact.

Why does increasing the number of people working in social impact matter?

Social impact is important because it helps foster the needs of others. It creates a footprint that is larger than your own.

Working on Microsoft's Tech for Social Impact team, it allows me to give back in a meaningful way, leveraging my passion for technology to help accelerate the missions of the nonprofits and international government organizations across the world we're so lucky to serve.

What is your favorite project that you have or are currently working on?

Currently, Microsoft and the Surface team are heavily invested in sustainability. In January 2020, Microsoft announced plans to be carbon negative in the next decade. Since that announcement, our commitment to increasing company and global sustainability practices has grown, expanding to include goals towards becoming water positive and zero waste by 2030.  Microsoft Surface plays a huge part in meeting these Sustainability goals, which is why we're hyper focused on 100% recyclable packaging and Surface devices by 2030 and bolstering our Responsible Sourcing programs to set higher goals for where and how are materials are sourced and made, who makes them, and the impact of our processes both on society and the environment.

What would you tell others interested in pursuing a career in CSR or social impact? 

A career in CSR and social impact is extremely rewarding. If you're looking for a career that energizes you and brings joy to your day-to-day, a role in social impact is the way to go. There's so many areas of social impact to consider, from philanthropy to environmental efforts, communal care or even volunteering in your own community, all forms of social impact work can make a huge difference, both in the communities you serve, and in your own life. I also believe that working in the CSR/social impact spaces allows you to be innovative and creative.

The sector is rapidly growing and always changing; there's always room for new ideas and ways to go about solving some of the world's most complex problems.

Discover a New Era of Social Impact

If you're interested in an opportunity to to discuss your social impact initiatives, your story, and how your company is creating impact, email vanessa@paragonone.com

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