Panasonic Office of Social Impact & Inclusion

Creating a better community for all

Panasonic has been a purpose-driven company since its inception over a century ago. Our founder, Konosuke Matsushita, knew that at the core of every successful institution is a giving heart. Mr. Matsushita's business philosophy sparked a legacy of fundamental principles that begin with “Contribution to Society” and end with "Gratitude."

In keeping with these core principles, Panasonic is committed to driving positive change through technology. Our Office of Social Impact & Inclusion is helping to achieve this through employee volunteerism, corporate outreach initiatives and strategic philanthropic investments.

Our Mission

Our mission is to address the widespread gap between future tech jobs and education in science, tech, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), especially in underserved communities. We are focused on closing the gap to alleviate inequities in educational access by providing Title I schools with access to STEAM education.

We are focused on strengthening and diversifying the tech talent pipeline. We envision a diverse workforce prepared for the global 21st-century economy.

Current Initiatives

Today’s students have a bright future ahead of them. To help them fulfill their potential, we’re investing in programs that prepare them for success in the global 21st century. Discover how Panasonic is making a difference in the lives of young innovators and creators in the communities across North America where we live and work.

Kid Witness News

Kid Witness News is a global student team video production competition that aims to stimulate children's creativity, build communication skills and encourage teamwork through video production.

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Million Girls Moonshot

The Million Girls Moonshot initiative aims to provide young girls with the support and resources they need to combat the false narrative around women in STEM and redefine what’s possible.

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Employee Volunteerism

At Panasonic, we know that communities become stronger through volunteering – that’s why we encourage our employees to follow their passion for giving back by providing five days of paid time off each year to volunteer. We also support employees in helping to identify and plan volunteerism events throughout their communities across North America.

The Panasonic Foundation

The Panasonic Foundation is an operating, non-profit foundation that invests in the incubation of new ideas and the development of public-private partnerships that directly support student achievement. From its creation in 1984, the Panasonic Foundation has been deeply rooted in advancing equity as the driver to improve the academic and social success of ALL students. The goal is to provide disadvantaged students with the skills and credentials they will need to lead fulfilling and successful lives in a global 21st-century economy.

Learn More

During this episode of the Panasonic Foundation’s Leadership & Equity series, Panasonic Automotive President Scott Kirchner opens up about his personal experiences. Tune in to hear Scott’s perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion and how those in positions of privilege can be allies to help create change.

Privilege & Allyship

Panasonic Automotive President Scott Kirchner shares his perspective on how those in positions of privilege can be allies to help create change.
Panasonic’s Office of Social Impact and the Panasonic Foundation launched a leadership video series where the conversations are anchored in equity. In episode one, OSI Communications Manager Angela Daniels interviewed the Panasonic Foundation’s founding executive director to learn a little more about why for over 30 years, equity has been a value and priority for the Foundation.

Leading with Purpose

The Panasonic Foundation’s founding executive director, Sophie Sa, discusses why equity has been a value and priority for the Foundation for over 30 years.
Panasonic’s Office of Social Impact and the Panasonic Foundation launched a leadership video series where the conversations are anchored in equity. In episode two, OSI Communications Manager Angela Daniels interviewed the Panasonic Foundation’s former chairman to further conversations about how the Panasonic Foundation has been active in lessening the racial opportunity gap.

Leading Through Innovation

Panasonic Foundation’s former chairman, Milton Chen, explains how the Foundation has been active in lessening the racial opportunity gap.
In honor of Black History Month, Panasonic’s Office of Social Impact & Inclusion and the BLAAC Employee Network hosted a live conversation with Dr. Charles M. Payne, Henry Rutgers Distinguished Professor of African American Studies at Rutgers University Newark and the Director of the Joseph Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Research to discuss social change from historic civil rights’ to the social justice movements of today.

Leading Through Social Change

Watch a live conversation with Dr. Charles M. Payne discussing social change, from historic civil rights to the social justice movements of today.
In episode 4 of Panasonic’s Leadership & Equity video series, Deputy Director Mateus Baptista sits down with the City of Newark’s first Chief Operating Officer Natasha Rogers. Tune into this discussion to learn more about Natasha’s background in developing strategic policy focused on urban innovation, operational efficiency, and public-private partnerships.

Leading with Grit & Grace

The City of Newark’s COO, Natasha Rogers, talks about developing policy focused on urban innovation, operational efficiency and public-private partnerships.
In episode 5 of the Panasonic Foundation’s Leadership & Equity series, CEO and Director of the Newark Museum of Art, Linda Harrison shares personal anecdotes from her career journey and explains why she’s not a unicorn.

Leading with Courage

CEO and Director of the Newark Museum of Art, Linda Harrison, shares personal anecdotes from her career journey and explains why she’s not a "unicorn."