Fast Company judges elevated these 10 organizations to the top of the class.
Winner: Hawaii Youth Symphony
Honolulu
The Hawaii Youth Symphony invested a significant portion of its operating budget to pilot programs in underserved communities, including Nanakuli and Molokai. The statewide music education organization provides financial aid and opportunities for students to attend the Pacific Music Institute, established a Middle School Honor Band focused on accessibility and diversity, and partnered with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, Goodwill Hawaii, and the National Orchestral Institute to expand reach. Through these diverse educational programs and its Make Music a Right initiative, HYS is creating an inclusive community for innovation where music is the common language.
Finalists:
American Red Cross, Washington, D.C.
CAA Foundation, Los Angeles
Genentech, South San Francisco
L’Oréal, Clichy, France
Marriott International, Bethesda, MD
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Samsara, San Francisco
SAS, Cary, NC
Vertical Harvest, Jackson, WY
This story is part of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators 2023. Explore the full list of companies that are leading incubators of internal innovation talent.
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