Sarah Arshad
Solutions Consultant, Braze
📍New Jersey, United States of America
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
To be fully transparent, we need to reframe how we think about social impact in corporate settings. Far too often, it gets treated as an afterthought; referenced as a side or passion project rather than a fundamental responsibility. As professionals, our work should ultimately leave the world in a better place. You cannot separate your work from its environmental impact, or reduce “diversity” to a checklist when both have real-world consequences.
Take the tech industry, for example. Biases can easily find their way into products and influence user experiences in ways we may not immediately recognize. Companies need to ask themselves: Are we driving meaningful change, or are we just keeping up appearances? How do we ensure that our work isn’t exacerbating these existing inequalities?
A responsible workplace should reflect the world it operates in by understanding the causes employees care for and creating meaningful ways for them to contribute. At Braze, I have been fortunate to lead fundraising efforts and cultural programming for causes I’m passionate about – primarily as a lead for the Muslims@Braze Employee Resource Group. The purpose of the Muslims@Braze ERG is to promote an environment that empowers Muslim employees, while educating allies and non-Muslim colleagues about our faith. From fundraising to provide food assistance for families during Ramadan to driving awareness about accessible education for the Deaf Muslim community, we've had several initiatives launched with the necessary support and enthusiasm from our Social Impact team to bring these ideas to fruition.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I hope to be remembered as someone who lived without regrets and did the right thing, even when it wasn’t convenient. As a first-generation Pakistani Muslim-American, I know I represent something much larger than myself. I know that room for error is limited and there is heightened scrutiny on everything I do, but there is no appealing future in which I have to compromise on values or integrity.
For me, nothing matters more than staying true to my principles, and I hope to inspire others to do the same. Anything you lose as a result of doing what is fair and true to yourself orients you towards the opportunities and people that are ultimately the right fit.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Unwavering. When I have a goal in mind, I have to see the process through the end even if the chances of success are slim. Dedication can operate on the verge of obsession, but my hope is to always push myself (first and foremost) and others to leave no room for what-ifs. Pursue unconventional methods, and don’t take the easy way out when met with resistance.
When I have a goal in mind, I have to see the process through the end even if the chances of success are slim.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Own your destiny personally and professionally. Remember that persistence and self-advocacy are just as crucial to success as talent and merit. If you can’t find an opportunity, create one. If the table you want to sit at doesn’t exist, build it yourself.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m excited to never stop learning. I don’t aspire to have the “I made it” moment as much as I aspire to live a life that feels limitless and enriching. My love for storytelling through writing and travel are especially important to me, and I see myself weaving those into anything I decide to do personally or professionally in the future.
