Built upon our commitment to our colleagues, our clients, and our communities, William Blair is thrilled to announce a new annual Community Engagement award: the William Blair Cares Awards.
This employee-led and –inspired volunteer recognition program recognizes all types of charitable volunteerism, specifically activity outside of firm-sponsored volunteerism or work with William Blair’s Global Community Partners and Capital Collective initiatives.
Nominated by their colleagues, the recipients below embody our mission of engaging in our communities and display significant personal volunteerism in tangible ways.
Cecilia Brunetti (Strategic Resources), Community Partner Liaison and Volunteer for Chi-Care
“The William Blair Cares Awards show how William Blair recognizes the importance of giving back and helping others—something I believe is integral to our culture.
Working with Chi-Care has been an awakening for me that has resulted in a greater appreciation and recognition of how lucky and blessed I am. From all walks of life, people may encounter difficult situations, and sometimes these situations result in not having basic needs like shelter or food. The work Chi-Care does helps treat people experiencing homelessness with dignity. I am proud to be part of a firm that supports such a passionate organization that’s doing work with an immediate impact on our community.”
Gil Fitzgerald (Investment Management), Tutor and Volunteer for Tutoring Chicago
“When I first learned about Tutoring Chicago, I began volunteering to support a meaningful cause. What I didn’t expect was to grow so much through the experience as well as experience the high level of support from my colleagues at William Blair. I am truly honored to receive one of this year’s William Blair Cares Awards and proud to work for an organization that deeply values community engagement.”
Manny Hodzic (Private Wealth Management), Volunteer for Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund
"Volunteering with the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund is a deeply meaningful way for me to give back to an organization that transformed my life. As a former Daniel Murphy Scholar, I experienced firsthand the profound impact of their support, which opened doors to opportunities I never imagined possible. Being able to contribute to the success of current scholars is an honor, and this recognition is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund in shaping brighter futures."
Eugene Kim (Investment Banking), Volunteer for Good Sport; Board Member and Volunteer for Lenox Hill Neighborhood House; New York City Community Engagement Ambassador
“Whether it’s my work supporting youth athletics at Good Sports or offering technology education to our senior community members at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, I feel an enrichment of community and of self in a world that’s more fast-paced, digital, and demanding than ever before. I am proud to be recognized as part of the William Blair Cares Awards and to live the values of William Blair with my colleagues, for our clients, and in our communities.”
Patrick O’Keefe (Institutional Sales, Trading, and Research), Leadership Council for Evans Scholars Foundation; Advisory Committee for Cristo Rey NY High School; Executive Board of Advisors for Jepson School of Leadership Studies; NYC Community Engagement Ambassador
“I’m incredibly grateful for this recognition. It’s one of the many ways William Blair champions its mission of engaging in our communities, and I’m very fortunate to be at a firm and on a team that promotes community involvement. The Evans Scholars Foundation has helped thousands of young adults access and succeed in higher education, and it has a long-standing relationship with many of our Chicago colleagues. To extend our support in New York, I started a New York chapter of the foundation’s Leadership Council alongside my colleague Connor Kogut, as we’re passionate about expanding access to high-quality education. Many of our colleagues have been tremendously supportive of us getting the chapter off the ground, speaking to William Blair’s culture of engagement and entrepreneurship.”
“William Blair’s mission to engage in our communities has been a long-standing differentiator for the firm,” Nancy Bonges, director of community engagement, said. “We celebrate the 2024 recipients of this award and are eager to watch the program—and our global community impact—continue to grow in the upcoming years.”
Congratulations to our 2024 William Blair Cares Awards recipients! Thank you for making a significant difference in our communities and inspiring volunteerism among William Blair’s colleagues.