At Salesforce, we believe our higher purpose is to create a more equal world for all. As our CEO and Chairman Marc Benioff said during the keynote this year, there is something that each and every one of us can do to make the world better and ensure we are bringing everyone along in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

In this spirit, we introduced the 2017 Dreamforce Equality Summit . The Summit  featured today’s most influential Equality trailblazers and brought together our greater Ohana (customers, employees, partners, etc.) who are incredibly passionate about driving Equality For All.

Here are 7 highlights from our 2017 Dreamforce Equality Summit:

 

1. The Equality Keynote: Art, Activism, and Impact

 

This was a powerful a conversation with creative and engaged problem solvers, artists and innovators. Laurene Powell Jobs, founder and President of Emerson Collective, will.i.am, founder & CEO, i.am+ and renowned artist JR discussed how they are using innovative approaches to raise awareness of Equality issues and drive action around education, immigration, human rights, and more.

“If we lose art, we lose humanity.” - JR the Artist.

Watch the full session here: https://www.salesforce.com/video/1669055/

This session’s pre-show highlighted College Track, a non-profit organization working to empower students to fulfill their full potential through education. Tony Prophet, our Chief Equality Officer, gave a compelling introduction on the landscape of Equality at Salesforce and in broader society. He highlighted both the journey ahead of us all as well as the major milestones we have reach by working together to advance Equality for All.

Watch the full introduction here: https://www.salesforce.com/video/1720981/.

 

2. Being Color Brave with Mellody Hobson

 

In this fireside chat between Tony Prophet and Mellody Hobson, President Ariel Investments, we were moved by Hobson’s personal journey, including how she started her career by sorting mail with her CEO. Mellody spoke candidly about the need to have courageous conversations about race in the workplace, and how important it is to lead with your authentic self.

“I don’t want to live in a world where being a Black woman is a series of miracles.” - Mellody Hobson, President Ariel Investments

Watch the full session here: https://www.salesforce.com/video/1564587/

 

3. Changing the Face of Entertainment with Taraji P. Henson

 

This was an inspiring fireside chat between Michelle Norris, Founding Director, The Race Card project, and Academy Award Nominated Actress, Producer, and Author Taraji P. Henson.

Hear Taraji share how we can all tap into our inner Cookie spirit, pull others up with us as we succeed, and speaks up for others when it matters. Also, catch our very own Molly Ford's powerful opening where she tells the story of her original vision of Salesforce’s Women's Summit, which has expanded to today’s Equality Summit.

Watch the full session here: https://www.salesforce.com/video/1564581/

 

4. The Importance of Authentic Leadership

 

Authentic leadership was a big theme this year as it is key to creating a culture of equality. When we ask our employees to show up as their authentic selves it’s important we lead by example. In the Authentic Leadership session, business leaders Janet Foutty, CEO, Deloitte Consulting, Bozoma Saint John, Chief Brand Officer, Uber, and Sallie Krawcheck, CEO, Ellevest discussed how they have been successful by being true to themselves.

"I'm going to be seen anyway so I might as well shine.” - Bozoma Saint John, Chief Brand Officer, Uber .

Watch the full session here: https://www.salesforce.com/video/1564578/



5. Activists Standing Up for Equality

 

We were joined by activists DeRay Mckesson, Civil Rights Activist and Founder, Pod Save the People, Haben Girma, Disability Rights Advocate, Sarah McBride, National Press Secretary, Human Rights Campaign, and Dr. Vivienne Ming, Theoretical Neuroscientist and Managing Partner Socos. They reminded us that we all have the power to create social change.

"Every chapter [of our history books] is written by every one of us, by the decisions we make every day to be silent or speak out. - Sarah McBride, National Press Secretary, Human Rights Campaign

Watch the full session here: https://www.salesforce.com/video/1564586/



6. The Path to Equal Pay with Natalie Portman

 

Natalie Portman, Academy Award-Winning Actress, Filmmaker & Humanitarian, shared how she’s championing gender equality and equal pay for equal work in the film industry. Natalie spoke passionately about being an ally to other women in the media business and how we all have an responsibility to stand up and advocate for one another.

We have to keep working and keep striving and keep fighting.” - Natalie Portman,

Watch the full session here: https://www.salesforce.com/video/1564579/

 

5. Celebrating Diversity and Giving Back with Ohana Groups

 

Our Ohana Groups are employee-led organizations centered around common life experiences or backgrounds that work to drive equality in our workplace and communities. This year’s Ohana Group events brought together our greater community, while giving back.

Salesforce Women’s Network kicked off Dreamforce with a networking reception and panels showcasing powerful women in our Ohana and raised $15k for Dress for Success.

BOLDforce threw a sold out 80s hip-hop themed event and raised over $14,000 for their adopted Oakland Middle School,  United for Success Academy.

Outforce sold out their surf-themed event and raised almost $38K for Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Fund to support LGBTQ homeless youth.

Latinoforce hosted two events — a customer reception and breakfast — and contributed funds for Puerto Rico disaster relief with a collective goal of raising 1 million dollars.

Vetforce hosted two event including a Rally for veterans and allies.

Abilityforce worked at Dreamforce to help with make the conference accessible with over 90 volunteers

Earthforce filled over 600 green angel/water refill shifts saving thousands of pounds of waste from landfill

Throughout the Equality Summit, we heard two consistent messages — everyone has a story and anyone can be an Equality Trailblazer.  We would love to hear your story and work with you to continue building the path toward Equality for All. Follow us on twitter @SalesforceEQ or visit salesforce.com/Equality.