UST's Step IT Up Program Honored at Salesforce Innovation Awards

UST's Step IT Up: Empowering Underrepresented Communities in Tech

On April 8, 2025, UST, a frontrunner in digital transformation solutions, was honored with the esteemed Salesforce Partner Innovation Award for its significant efforts through the Step IT Up program. This initiative is designed to create pathways for underrepresented communities into technology careers, specifically within the Salesforce ecosystem. The program has garnered praise for its commitment to addressing the tech industry's diversity gap while simultaneously contributing to alleviating the growing shortage of IT talent.

The Salesforce Partner Innovation Awards serve to recognize partners across various sectors who have made impactful contributions to their industries and the wider partner network. By awarding UST, Salesforce acknowledges the company's dedication to leveraging digital technology to foster social change, particularly through educational initiatives aimed at empowering individuals from marginalized backgrounds.

Step IT Up: A Comprehensive Approach

UST's Step IT Up initiative aims to equip underrepresented individuals, including minorities, women, and veterans, with the skills necessary to thrive in the tech industry. This comprehensive program involves paid training that prepares participants for roles in the Salesforce ecosystem. The curriculum covers essential technology skills and offers mentorship, thereby ensuring participants gain not only technical knowledge but also practical experience.

Graduates of the Step IT Up program secure job placements with leading corporate partners, thereby creating a diverse pipeline of talent that meets the needs of businesses looking for qualified tech professionals. This initiative bridges a crucial gap between individuals pursuing careers in tech and the companies seeking skilled employees, thus driving economic growth within local communities.

Insights from Leadership

Steve Corfield, the Executive Vice President of Global Alliances and Channels at Salesforce, highlighted the importance of UST's contributions: "Salesforce partners like UST play a vital role in driving productivity and growth through cutting-edge technologies. By recognizing their efforts, we acknowledge the integral role they have in fostering digital transformation and enhancing customer experiences across the Salesforce ecosystem."

Smitha Nambisan, head of Partner Relationships and CSR for UST Salesforce Practice, expressed pride in receiving this award. She emphasized the program's mission to eliminate barriers to entry within the tech field: "Our Step IT Up program is not just about training individuals; it's about transforming lives by offering opportunities that previously seemed out of reach for many. This recognition from Salesforce is a testament to our ongoing commitment to social responsibility and innovation."

BG Moore, Senior Vice President at UST, echoed these sentiments, stating, "For over ten years, we've been focused on not only finding exceptional talent from underrepresented communities but also on transforming their lives through the power of technology. The Step IT Up initiative is just one of the ways we can fulfill this mission, and we're delighted to see it recognized in this way."

The Broader Impact

In light of a recent study by IDC, the significance of UST’s initiative becomes even clearer. The research forecasts that the Salesforce ecosystem could generate over 11.6 million new jobs and $2 trillion in new business revenue by 2028. UST is positioning itself at the forefront of this growth while simultaneously championing inclusivity in the tech sector.

UST, since its inception in 1999, has been dedicated to working alongside world-class companies to make transformative impacts across different industries. With over 30,000 employees across more than 30 countries, UST collaborates with clients to deliver innovative solutions that address their core challenges, thereby creating lasting value and societal impact. For more information about UST and their initiatives, visit www.UST.com.

UST's recognition at the Salesforce Partner Innovation Awards is not just a win for the company but for the communities they serve, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering a more equitable and diverse technology landscape.