WWT's Statement on Recent Events and the Stand Against Racial Injustice
World Wide Technology Team,
As we reflect on the events of this past week, we stand in solidarity with those exercising their freedom of speech through nonviolent protests of these injustices. We stand with all of our black employees, friends, families, customers, partners and communities in stating that this senseless violence must end. Racism has no place in our world, and it must be stopped!
We are heartbroken by the senseless brutality that resulted in the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and so many others. These tragedies must end. The outrage and pain over the horrifying deaths of black men and women have fueled significant unrest in the U.S. and around the world. We must all work together to end these injustices. As we grieve for the suffering these families are experiencing, we hope and pray that through peaceful demonstrations, a greater awareness will be achieved and equal justice will be gained for all.
At WWT, we are committed to a culture of inclusion and equality for all races and we will continue to work to make a significant and meaningful social and economic impact throughout the world. Our Global Community Impact (GCI) program supports organizations and communities that dramatically improve the lives of families around the globe.
We are honored to support many organizations that serve black communities, including the Urban League, NAACP, Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA), Boys Hope Girls Hope, Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls, St. Patrick Center and NPower. These organizations provide opportunities and critical services including job skills for better employment, financial aid, quality education, mental health resources and permanent housing.
Today, we are announcing the expansion of our $1 million Global Community Impact program to support our employees' efforts in eradicating racism and social injustice. Our ability to change the future is part of our culture. With programs like GCI, we stand committed as a company to support our employees' invaluable efforts to resolve these difficult and complex issues.
In addition, today we are launching a series of global forums to listen to our employees' feelings, to learn from their experiences, and to ensure they can express their concerns and ideas for solutions and improvements. We have asked Bob Ferrell, VP Federal & member of executive team; Ann Marr, VP HR & member of executive team; and Nicole Tate, AVP Global Enterprise Sales to lead these sessions.
It is clear that there is much work to be done and now is the time for all communities to come together and to peacefully take action to prevent any further tragedies. Thank you all for standing together with us at this pivotal moment. We have been brought together "for a time such as this," to make the world a better place for the next thirty years and beyond!
God bless,
Dave Steward, Chairman
Jim Kavanaugh, CEO