Mastercard’s commitment to “doing well by doing good” launched initiatives through 2024 that enhanced community resilience, tackled inequality, and empowered individuals worldwide. From corporate volunteerism in New York City to data-driven equity projects in St. Louis and entrepreneurial support for Ukrainian women in Poland, Mastercard demonstrated the transformative power of public-private partnerships and community-focused action.
Mastercard employees in New York City embraced corporate volunteerism as a professional development opportunity through the Unlocked platform, a career development tool launched in 2021. Senior Product Design Specialist Alice Halter contributed her expertise to enhance the user experience of Access HRA, New York City’s portal for public benefits.
Halter’s efforts focused on accessibility for the portal, which serves two million New Yorkers. “Ease of use can determine whether someone gets the benefits they need and have a right to,” she said. Her work exemplifies Mastercard’s belief that small acts of service can have profound impacts on communities.
In St. Louis, Mastercard’s data scientists partnered with the city and the Institute for Community Alliances to address disparities in the Vulnerability Index, a tool used nationwide to allocate housing services. Analysis of 5,000 anonymized client responses revealed underrepresentation of Black individuals among high-need scores.
Insights led to revisions in survey questions, addressing distrust in healthcare and ensuring fairer access to housing. “This work is critical for giving fair entry to the people who need it most,” said Kathy Connors, executive director of Gateway180, a St. Louis emergency shelter.
In Warsaw, Poland, Mastercard partnered with the Impact Foundation to support women entrepreneurs displaced by the war in Ukraine. The (Re)building Ukrainian Business program provided 80 women with legal, financial, and business guidance, alongside free childcare.
Polina Khlibanovska, one participant, leveraged her childcare expertise to establish Smart Kindergarten Warsaw, which now employs other women and plans to expand. “Even when you have a bad day, the next day, the wings open up again, and you fly,” Khlibanovska said, reflecting the resilience and determination of the program’s participants.
Through these initiatives, Mastercard underscores its commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable world. By combining innovative solutions with collaborative partnerships, the company continues to address pressing social challenges while creating opportunities for individuals to thrive.
