Microsoft ATL x LAA "Inspira" Scholarship

"When allyship is paired with concrete action, amazing things can happen.

A little after we founded the Atlanta chapter of HOLA in May 2021 (Microsoft's ERG for Hispanic and Latinx employees), I received a call from Keisha Ebbesen. She was attending a high school graduation back in her hometown that was bilingual, with aspects of the ceremony curated for first-generation Hispanic/Latinx graduates. The event was so moving that she called me that day to ask - what are the needs of the ATL Hispanic/Latinx community and how can the new Atlanta site help support?

This call, this movement from allyship to action led to a beautiful evolution of our partnership with Latin American Association (LAA). A year after this call, our team hosted the 8 winners of the Microsoft ATL x LAA "Inspira" scholarship. These students are all setting new precedents in their lineage as the first to attend college in their family. While I was unable to attend the ceremony, the recap I heard of the stories the students shared would bring a tear to anyone's eye.

So for this year's Hispanic Heritage Month, I set a challenge for you, your team, and your company. Outside of panels and awareness, what concrete actions are you taking to better your local community? To support and empower your existing employees? To build a pipeline for talent?

Incredibly grateful to Keisha Ebbesen, Cornelius Parker, Reginald Shareef, C.O.O.L to be S.M.A.R.T, Navtej Singh Saini, and the rest of the ATL site team for their allyship and support to the community. Excited for what we have in store for this year! #Microsoft #microsoftatl #hispanicheritagemonth"