Worcester Business Journal

8 Giving Guide 2024 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com "I believe that without diverse voices being heard in boardrooms and on commissions, crucial perspectives would be overlooked; perspectives that are essential to the comprehensive and compassionate development of our community policies and initiatives." Irene Hernandez, director of Active Life Adult Day Center in Fitchburg; board and council member for several North Central Massachusetts-area organizations, including Heywood Healthcare and UMass Memorial Health Alliance-Clinton Hospital patient advisory councils "These organizations give our communities not only the ability to survive but also to grow and prosper. Knowing that my role helps play a part in that, is beyond rewarding." Donald Doyle, president and CEO of Webster Five in Auburn; board member for Open Sky Community Services and The Worcester Guardian, longtime former board member for Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and Worcester Business Development Corp. "My commitment to nonprofit leadership is driven by a vision of economic prosperity and enhanced wealth creation within our Latin communities." Elizabeth Cruz, realtor at Cruz Realty Group in Shrewsbury; president of the Latin American Business Organization and founder and president of Empowering Latina Leaders Affirmation, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce board member and member of the WooSox Wepa Advisory Committee "I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the communities I have lived or worked in, and I love seeing those communities thrive. People and businesses cannot succeed without the support of others." Ashley Coffey, associate at Mirick O'Connell in Worcester; chair of the board for Tri-County Regional Chamber, member of the Nichols College Board of Advisors, corporator, Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation "As a business professional, I feel a strong responsibility to use my career success to support the college's mission, ensuring that future generations of students can benefit from the same enriching experiences I did." Stephen Carey, vice president of human resources at Polar Beverages in Worcester; Anna Maria College trustee and alum Philanthropy Massachusetts, said com- panies find themselves at a moment when their missions must have a deep- er meaning than the bottom line to create goodwill among employees and retain talent. "Demonstrating your value as a company is about more than just reve- nue," Skelton Roberts said. While larger companies like The Hanover Insurance Group may be leading models of corporate citizen- ship, small to midsize firms can have a real impact that makes an impression on clients and employees alike, Skelton Roberts said. Two factors leading to success are identifying the causes that matter to employees and partnering with larger funders to leverage smaller dollars in support of those. "I've seen small organizations do big things," Skelton Roberts said. Yet there are challenges. Area non- profit leaders say small and midsize companies may be the backbone of local philanthropy, but they're often hard-pressed to devote resources to the cause as they focus on core busi- ness operations. Kory Eng, president and CEO of United Way of North Central Massachusetts based in Fitchburg, said his organization spe- cializes in matching companies up with the causes they want to support, and help- ing them create pro- grams to support those. This removes some of the footwork for busy small busi- ness executives who may not have the bandwidth to create a giving program alone, Eng said. "Any size company can make a dif- ference in their community," Eng said. "The key is to be authentic and com- mitted, whether you have five employees or 500." Service hours, and not just dollars, are another important resource to nonprofit causes and organiza- tions, and it's some- thing that younger employees need to see modeled from the top down. So says Paul Foley, a Worcester-based partner at law firm Mirick O'Connell. Foley has a deep history of nonprofit board service in the Worcester area, which is essential to networking as an attorney, continued from page 6 Why serve? Kory Eng, United Way of North Central Massachusetts Paul Foley, Mirick O'Connell The adage that "time is money" rings true across sectors, but the nonprofit industry especially relies on donated hours and expertise from the people who support them, often in board leadership roles. In turn, business leaders make an impact and connections and develop professional skills they otherwise might not. Central Massachusetts nonprofit leaders shared why they spend time outside the offices supporting causes and organizations that serve the public interest.

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