The power of community from St. Louis to Toronto

During my travels visiting customers, partners, and Microsoft employees around the country, I have some incredible opportunities for unique connections, and I learn so much from each one.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of welcoming the St. Louis community for the opening of our newest Microsoft Technology Center. This MTC strengthens our connection to the St. Louis region, and allows us to be better partners in transformation for businesses in the area. I can’t wait to see the innovation that will come out of this new office. Take a look at one local news story for more about our newest MTC.

While talking to customers and partners, media, elected officials, and Microsoft employees at the ribbon cutting ceremony, I was struck by the one thing we all had in common. No matter who we work for, we’re all invested in the positive impact we can make in the St. Louis area. We all felt that deep sense of community.

It reminded me of a very interesting time in my life – when my family and I relocated to Canada. 

At that time, almost 15 years ago now, I had never worked or lived outside the United States. We made the decision knowing we'd be leaving the communities we had built around us over the years. What we found in Toronto shouldn't have been surprising – it was that same deep sense of community. 

Stepping in to run Microsoft Canada, I saw that our employees wanted to be a great company, but even more than that they wanted to be a great Canadian company. We had an opportunity to entrench ourselves in this community, learning about the local initiatives that had unique importance for Microsoft Canada. We participated in projects like building a new children’s park in Toronto or working with children’s hospitals across Canada to provide Xbox and Windows devices so children receiving long-term care could stay connected to their communities, stay up to speed with their studies, and have fun to take their mind off treatment.

Ever since my experience in Toronto, I have been a strong believer in the power of community engagement, and the influential role a company like Microsoft can play to foster that engagement. We have such a talented, passionate team, and we can make such an impact when we bring together what we care about, what we're great at, and what we stand for as a company. 

This goes so far beyond simple financial donations. Let’s look at one issue in particular: Closing the gender gap in STEM. On top of making donations to local schools and nonprofits, Microsoft employees are serving as role models that help girls picture themselves in diverse STEM roles. We’re generating excitement around the impact STEM careers can have on the world. We’re also providing the hands-on experiences that spark creativity and nurture interest through events like DigiGirlz, YouthSpark, and TEALS.

This kind of work is an example of how deeply Microsoft employees feel our connection to the communities we live and work in. We make time for our communities, and we value those connections. I felt it in Toronto all those years ago, I felt it this week in St. Louis, and I know I’ll feel it when I return home to Bellevue. 

When we enable our people to be ambassadors for our mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more, we can build not just a great Canadian company, a great St. Louis company, or a great American company – we can build a force for good in the world.