Innovation doesn’t only result in product and service inventions. It can also transform a company’s impact on society. For nearly 170 years, Corning Incorporated has been a leading innovator in advanced glass technology and materials science, leading to an unmatched track-record of life-changing inventions. From Edison’s light bulb, to optical fiber technologies, to the tough glass for smartphone displays, innovation is in Corning’s DNA. It has also applied the concept of innovation in its approach to social issues, most recently with the creation of the Office of Racial Equality and Social Unity (ORESU). In this podcast, Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center, speaks with Dr. Millicent Ruffin, Director of Community Affairs for the Office of Racial Equality and Social Unity, who leads the development and execution of programs that address the racial inequality and socioeconomic disparities in the communities around the world where Corning operates. They discuss Millicent’s background as a chemist and journey to her current role – which proves that the combination of skills and passion is a recipe for innovation; Corning’s long-standing commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion; how employee resource groups have contributed to the creation of the Office of Racial Equality and Social Unity; and the importance of letting company values, as well as listening to your employees and communities, lead the way in deciding whether, when, and how to engage in social issues. Related Resources: Choosing Wisely: How Companies Can Make Decisions and a Difference on Social Issues How Companies Can Make an Enduring Difference in American Cities Listen to Lead: How Community Expertise Can Improve Corporate Philanthropy Even Higher Expectations in a Post-2020 World: How Organizations Engage with Social Change Issues