YouthSpark and the Evolution of a Corporate Philanthropy Program

Dr. Akhtar Badshah is the Senior Director of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Microsoft, where he manages the company's global philanthropic work. Dr. Badshah directs work in more than 100 countries, working in close partnership with nonprofit organizations, governments, development agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and other corporations.

Yvonne Thomas is a Senior Manager of Global Programs within the Citizenship and Public Affairs team at Microsoft. In this role, she manages Microsoft YouthSpark, a global initiative that helps young people gain employment, continue their education and training, or start their own business. Her work includes managing the global YouthSpark grants program, Microsoft Innovate for Good, and the Microsoft YouthSpark Hub.