By Zoe Goldring

I'm not sure if you know about this, but Microsoft has this really awesome internal newsletter that goes out to all our employees. In a way it reminds me of my university's newspaper because it keeps me connected to all the happenings at the company; whether that's breaking industry news or the latest gossip. What really captures my attention though are the stories about the people that work here. And here is one I just had to share with all of you.

Erica Wadley and Colin McCaig had an idea. Every year the Microsoft Services employees hold a cook-off for the annual Giving Campaign. After last year's event they thought; why not collect these recipes for a cookbook? The project quickly expanded, garnered executive sponsorship and now includes recipes from employees from around the world. But this is more than just a collection of recipes. As employees submitted their recipes, they also submitted the stories behind them.

Some quotes directly from the article: 

Erica Wadley, senior marketing manager for Windows, said employees will find much more than meal ideas in the cookbook's pages.

"When you look at the book, the story of Microsoft just leaps off the page," she said. "Everyone who shared a recipe also shared the personal story behind it—secret family recipes, tributes to loved ones, stories from childhood. We realized it was the voice of these people around the world who work for Microsoft and a side of them that doesn't often have exposure in the office."

Colin McCaig, director of business management within Microsoft Services, agreed. "It's really more of a storybook that a recipe book," said McCaig, who produced the Microsoft Cookbook with Wadley.

The site's submission tool initially didn't ask for a story; people just felt a need to share one. Wadley and McCaig quickly realized the power of what they had.

"It was very organic: Here suddenly was the voice of Microsoft that we had wanted to showcase as a diversity initiative," McCaig said.

The project also became a way to showcase Microsoft technology. In addition to a two-volume hardcover set, the Microsoft Cookbook will also be released in digital form. Employees can opt for an e-book version, which has 2,000 recipes and counting, and get access to the cookbook in the cloud.

Even better? The Microsoft Cookbook is now available for purchase by Microsoft employees with all proceeds going to FareStart, a culinary job training and placement program for homeless and disadvantaged individuals.

There are so many reasons why I love this story it's hard to begin. First, it's incredible that Erica and Colin felt empowered as employees to take on a project like this along with their "day jobs". This was no small feat of coordination and production I am sure. I'm inspired by their desire to share and connect with the diversity of the Microsoft community in a unique way. Mostly I am impressed to be part of a company that makes giving back a priority - not just in October, but all year long.

So congratulations Erica and Colin! What an accomplishment. Wishing you and FareStart swift sales.