Keith Soloman

Technological innovation is a key factor in this segment of our continued focus on diversity and inclusion efforts in the corporate sector. In addition to his work with Microsoft’s diversity initiatives, Keith Solomon is enrolled in the TRIUM Global Executive MBA program, which is an alliance between NYU’s Stern School of Business, the London School of Economics and Political Science and the HEC School of Management in Paris.

TGM: How does Microsoft channel its community initiatives?

We reach thousands of people through Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential/Community Technology Skills Program. Some of our national partners are the National Urban League, the Boys and Girls Club, the Magic Johnson Foundation and Npower. Our big focus is workforce development on the national and global level. We don’t just deal with younger people; we also work with 17-29 year olds who did not have an opportunity to go to college and need basic literacy skills. That is important these days because even to get a minimum wage job you even have to go online and fill out an application.

TGM: Where do you see the most fruit?

We have a longstanding 10-year relationship with the Boys and Girls Club via a technology program called Club Tech. We have outfitted all the Boys and Girls Clubs around the country with Microsoft software, gave them funding to change their image from a swim-and-gym environment to training people on the benefits of technology.

We are changing people’s lives—students and young adults—through these organizations. For inner city, low-income youth this is the one of the few places they can have online access for homework, research, etc.

TGM: How has community participation impacted the program’s effectiveness?

Some people say if your kid isn’t in a high-end private school you’re in for trouble. The biggest thing regarding school success is what you have at home. It’s hard to expect a child to carry that flag if they have not seen anything positive from education before.

TGM: What are the company’s over-arching goals?

What we’re trying to do is change the world through software, technology and grants. Through our Unlimited Potential Program we are attempting to reach 250 million people by 2010; currently we are on track, and we’re planning not only to reach our goal but to surpass it. For instance, we gave the Magic Johnson Foundation $1.3 million software grant for its technology centers, and we’ve given the Urban League $5 million in software for their national and satellite offices throughout the country.