Director, Deals Practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers
Read Alliance board member since April 2020
“The fact that our organization was able to transition from in-person to online programming, and that the teens, some of whose parents had lost jobs, were able to still count on READ to help them through this time, was very rewarding.”
How did you learn about Read Alliance?
I was nominated by PwC to take part in a program called BoardLead, which provides you with 20-plus nominated non-profit organizations and helps you apply to serve on a board. You select the organizations you are passionate about and they match you based on the need.
Read Alliance instantly got my attention. At the time, I was part of a mentorship program with young kids for which I was the mentor. I knew the impact a mentor can have in a kid’s life because of this. What I loved about Read Alliance was the dual-impact, not only focusing on the young kid but on the teen, and in minority communities, as someone of Mexican heritage, this was important to me. Read Alliance was my first choice and thankfully I was matched with the organization.
How does PwC culture support you as a volunteer leader?
PwC culture is very open, very flexible and wants to make sure employees have a wholesome experience. My nomination to serve on a non-profit board is a good example. When the firm evaluates you year-over-year, it cares about you not only as an employee serving a client but about your personal sense of fulfillment and how you are helping the community.
What was important to you in joining a non-profit board?
I wanted to have an impact, become more involved with an organization, have a say. The time I spend learning about Read Alliance and in the committee meetings is very rewarding. You can see the impact you’re having through the numbers and reviewing the program’s results. That drove me to be part of a non-profit board, particularly this one.
In the communities Read Alliance serves, many of these kids’ lives are very hard. This program helps both the teen leaders and younger students to get to college, to find jobs. Being involved in providing that is a privilege.
Can you describe one of the most rewarding moments for you since joining the board?
I joined the Crisis Response Committee, which came together to figure out how the organization could operate in the pandemic environment, through online means.
It was very rewarding to see our planning come to fruition as the summer program kicked off and it worked, generating results. The fact that our organization was able to transition from in-person to online programming, and that the teens, some of whose parents had lost jobs, were able to still count on READ to help them through this time, was very rewarding.
What aspect of the 20th anniversary gala on November 2nd are you most looking forward to?
I am very excited to see how, through these events, so many people are brought together online, including from different parts of the country. I had the luck of joining this great organization as it turned 20-years-old. I’m sure it’s going to be the best gala yet.
In your role with PwC, you work with many organizations. What does it mean for an organization to be around 20 years?
It means the organization is strong and is achieving its purpose. An organization that doesn’t achieve its purpose wouldn’t be around 20 years later. It also means the organization is creating an impact such that resources are available and the results are so big that you see the organization growing as a result of being able to show those results. This is clearly an organization that has had a big impact on those it has served throughout its 20 years.
As you think about Read Alliance's future, what are you most looking forward to?
In respect to my role, getting more and more involved and being helpful and useful. I’m very much looking forward to READ expanding its operations, maybe geographically now, too, with its online program. I’m also excited about accumulating all of its data so that meaningful long-term results can be gleaned. How many Read Alliance students and teen leaders go to college? How many get a job? This data collection is part of an initiative in-place right now.
What advice would you have for someone considering a volunteer leadership role with a non-profit organization?
Do it! It’s very rewarding but you do need to choose the organization you are passionate about. That’s what makes board service unique and motivating. Don’t just do it because it helps you professionally but because you’re passionate about the cause. That makes all of the difference.