NEW YORK/LONDON – 7 October, 2015

Avanade and The Aspire Foundation today announced a new partnership to help empower and upskill a billion women by 2020. The partnership, announced at the opening of Avanade’s new innovation center in New York, will provide aspiring women working in charities and social enterprises access to quality business and technology mentoring, which is critical in today’s digital world. Avanade will work with The Aspire Foundation to pair volunteers from across its organization with women seeking to learn more about management, leadership and technology. Avanade will also leverage its innovation centers and capabilities across the globe to help these women take an innovative and unique approach to solving problems.

This partnership is part of Avanade’s corporate citizenship program, which aims to close the gender, technology and income gaps for women worldwide. “We are delighted to partner with The Aspire Foundation to help women around the world make a difference in their communities and families,” said Adam Warby, Avanade CEO. “I am personally passionate about helping women tap into the potential that technology and innovation offer. Through the donation of our expertise in helping guide charities and social enterprises on their digital journeys, we hope to help The Aspire Foundation reach its goal of positively impacting one billion women by 2020.”

To showcase their commitment to this partnership, Adam Warby and The Aspire Foundation CEO & Founder, Dr. Sam Collins, have agreed to be the first mentorship pairing. In addition, as part of the new office celebrations in New York, the team is encouraging employees, clients and partners to sign up as mentors.

“We strongly believe that women are the change enablers within their communities, and, with the right training, can help influence positive change,” said Dr. Sam Collins. “This partnership with Avanade will provide valuable support to help women make a difference whilst allowing us to grow together and tell rich, compelling stories that encourage others to make an impact.”

The Aspire Foundation currently has 500 mentees ready to participate in the program. Avanade and The Aspire Foundation will continue to identify mentees as part of the ongoing partnership. If you are interested in being a mentor or mentee, please visit the The Aspire Foundation application page.