What was your experience working on a Taproot Foundation project?

I have worked for a terrific organization called CAMBA, the largest social services organization in Brooklyn, my home borough. I was surprised that I had never heard of them, even though they have more than 800 employees and 100 programs. Their low profile is because they are funded primarily by government agencies and have not spent time on developing support from the private sector. I was incredibly impressed by the CAMBA staff; they’re high energy, creative, get-it-done people who are doing great work for people who need a helping hand to improve their lives.

How have you grown from your pro bono experience?

It’s very satisfying to meet people who are making an important difference in our community, and I felt inspired by the CAMBA staff. Much of my branding experience has been focused on selling consumer products like pizza and coffee, so it was rewarding to apply my skills to “sell” help for people who need it. Our work is helping our client to sell their important work to funders, and that in turn, helped me see how branding can apply to a non-profit organization.

What were the biggest challenges in your projects?

It took us a bit of time at the beginning of the project to sort out our roles and leadership responsibilities; it’s tough to bring together professionals from such a myriad of backgrounds. Once we got past these initial issues, however, it was smooth sailing!

How do you think the business community and nonprofit sectors can strengthen one another?

The business community has knowledge of effective approaches like branding that can strengthen the nonprofit sector, and the nonprofit sector can remind the business community of the importance of doing good work for people in need.

What community issues are most important to you and what did you learn from the project?

Brooklyn (and the rest of New York) is rapidly gentrifying and it’s increasingly difficult for poor people to live here. What CAMBA showed me is that the vast majority of people who are struggling to make ends meet are motivated to do whatever it takes to improve their lives...if they are given some support and direction. It’s critical that we bridge the divide and take responsibility for providing opportunities for people to help themselves.

Other than volunteering with the Taproot Foundation, what do you like to do in your free time?

Weeding the garden, running, watching my sons play baseball and tennis, theater, and food. I help out the board of an off-Broadway theater called The Mint and volunteer at PTA events for my sons’ schools.