From the Heart: Q&A with Women at Microsoft

For the Women at Microsoft (WAM) group, partnering with Carolina Breast Friends has been more than a volunteer opportunity; it has been a deeply personal and purpose-driven connection. Learn about their motivations and experiences in this Q&A.

Like so many in our community, many WAM members have been touched by breast cancer through loved ones, colleagues, or their own experiences. When they first stepped inside The Pink House, they immediately felt the power of a mission centered on dignity, hope, and genuine human connection.

As one of our most-active volunteer groups, WAM has packed comfort bags and hosted meaningful career panels with Survivors, and rallied their entire Microsoft corporate campus around micro-giving and awareness. Their partnership with Carolina Breast Friends has grown into a powerful example of what happens when compassion meets action. These shared experiences have strengthened empathy, fostered unity, and deepened understanding of the breast cancer journey.

As this year comes to a close, WAM reflects with gratitude on the relationships built, the lives touched, and the sense of community that extends far beyond corporate walls. This Q&A sheds light on those experiences.

1. What inspired WAM to partner with Carolina Breast Friends? What drew you to our mission, and why did supporting Survivors & Thrivers feel meaningful to your team?

For many members of our WAM community, the first introduction to CBF came through former WAM member Caroleen Towery, who served as a Big Wig in May 2023. Several WAM members joined Caroleen at The Pink House for her fundraising event, where our group had the opportunity to learn more about CBF and its mission. We were immediately inspired by the incredible work CBF is doing and felt compelled to support “survivors and thrivers” in any way we could. As a group of women and allies, nearly every member has been personally touched by breast cancer, whether through a family member, friend, colleague, or their own experience. Because this cause is deeply meaningful to so many of us, we knew that partnering with this outstanding local organization would be a long-term commitment.

2. How has volunteering with The Pink House impacted your team — individually or collectively?

The WAM community’s collaboration with Carolina Breast Friends (CBF) at The Pink House has been one of our most meaningful and well-attended initiatives. From packing comfort bags for patients to hosting an inspiring career panel with breast cancer survivors, these events have brought our members together in powerful ways.

Volunteering at The Pink House has impacted our team both individually and collectively. Each experience deepened our understanding of the breast cancer journey and strengthened our sense of purpose. Many of us have personal connections to this cause, and working side by side to support survivors and thrivers has fostered empathy, resilience, and unity within our group. These moments remind us why community matters and why we’re committed to continuing this partnership for the long term.

3. Is there a moment or interaction at The Pink House that stands out as especially meaningful?

One of the most meaningful experiences was when Carolina Breast Friends joined us for our first International Women’s Day event on the Charlotte campus in 2025. During the lunch hour, we came together to assemble comfort bags while learning about their

mission, which they shared with more than 150 attendees. That moment sparked something bigger - it led to The Pink House being featured during our annual Give Summit in October, where the entire campus rallied behind their cause through a micro-give activity. Seeing our partnership highlighted on Microsoft’s worldwide social channels was truly inspiring.

4. WAM consistently volunteers for us and has done a variety of impactful things to help our mission. What does it mean to WAM to support a mission centered on hope, dignity, and community? What is the emotional or personal significance behind this partnership?

WAM’s core mission is to foster strong connections - within our teams and across the Charlotte community. Partnering with The Pink House has given us the privilege to engage with their remarkable “survivors and thrivers” and the dedicated team behind their impactful work. Experiencing firsthand the hope and dignity that The Pink House inspires, alongside the resilience and empowerment that defines their mission, strengthens our resolve to support local volunteer organizations and amplify the transformative impact these partnerships create.

5. Why is continuing this partnership important to your team? What motivates you to keep showing up and how do you hope this collaboration grows?

Our partnership with The Pink House is a powerful example of what purpose-driven collaboration can achieve. Every interaction - whether creating comfort bags for individuals undergoing treatment or amplifying fundraising efforts like the annual Big Wig campaign - allows us to make a tangible difference. The multi-faceted nature of The Pink House means there are countless ways to engage, from hands-on volunteer activities to advocacy and awareness initiatives. We see this as a partnership that will continue to grow, offering new opportunities to deepen our involvement and expand our impact. We’re excited about what’s next and committed to being part of The Pink House’s journey every step of the way.

6. Is there anything you’d like the CBF community to know about WAM or your experience with The Pink House?

To everyone in the CBF community, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of supporting your vital and impactful work over the past three years. Partnering with The Pink House has given us the privilege to build authentic connections with your “survivors and thrivers,” reminding us that community truly extends beyond corporate walls. Through these experiences, our members have gained hands-on opportunities that strengthen empathy, advocacy, and collaboration – skills that foster both personal and professional growth. Connecting and collaborating with you has inspired our members to lead with purpose and create meaningful impact.