Vanguard crew were asked to share their “My Vanguard Why”, and it isn’t surprising that the answers were all rooted in Vanguard’s mission to give investors the best chance for investments success. From internal communications to direct relationships with clients, crew are always working for investors and take pride in provided value in every step along the way.

“When I speak to my clients about our value proposition and Vanguard’s differentiation in our industry, I am proud to tell the Vanguard story with ‘total conviction’ and confidence. ‘Walking the talk’ is at the core of who we are and how we function daily. It eludes hyperbole, is validated through action, and has become a reality to our client owners.”  —Dan C., Ultra High Net Work Relationship Manager

“I come from a business background, and I consider myself to be both a natural problem solver and a liaison. At Vanguard, I really enjoy being able to both help people and build relationships” —Sherry R., Client Consultant

“Many of our clients are part of the communities we live in or support. And many of our crew—who are also clients—are part of those same communities. Whether the community is a physical town or virtual in the form of a group in support of a certain goal, it’s easy to see how Vanguard’s mission of taking a stand for all investors, treating them fairly, and giving them the best chance for investment success really comes full circle in our daily lives.” —Bethany B., Internal Communications Consultant

“I wrote ‘ethics and values’ because everything that we do for our crew and clients is rooted in doing what’s right. It’s great to have the opportunity to lead at a place where my personal values align so closely.”—Patrick L., Manager, Retail Investor Group

“I couldn’t be more proud to be part of an organization that puts our clients first. I consider it a privilege to get to make investing and advice accessible to everyone.” —Elizabeth E., UX Content Strategist

Interested in joining Vanguard crew?

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Vanguard has opened a new office in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area in Texas. In alignment with the firm’s commitment to making advice more accessible and affordable for investors, the new location will be dedicated to supporting all aspects of its growing advice businesses. Recently, we spoke with some of the crew members at the new site and had a chance to ask them questions about what they are most excited about. In this final installment of a three-part series, we hear from Javier H.

What makes Vanguard stand out in the financial services industry?

What makes Vanguard unique is its ownership structure, which removes the friction caused by competing elements in serving owners versus investors. At Vanguard, they are truly one and the same and this results in all decisions being grounded in doing the right thing for our clients. Vanguard’s client-first mission is embedded in our approach to investing, decision-making, and company culture. I have peace of mind knowing that the work I do every day is creating value ethically and with integrity for our clients.

What are you looking forward to most with Vanguard’s new footprint in Dallas?

I am looking forward to building a team of advisors from all walks of life who are dedicated to helping investors achieve their best financial futures. Texas has such a rich and diverse culture that is full of pride. I believe these elements will be a great addition to Vanguard. I’m also excited to hold team gatherings at BBQ and Tex-Mex joints, where we can connect outside of the workplace and enjoy local cuisine, too!

What skills and competencies make a financial advisor at Vanguard successful?

The best financial advisors that I have seen demonstrate a high degree of emotional intelligence with clients. They are able to build authentic connections and establish trust with clients quickly. As a financial advisor, trust is critical to uncovering sensitive financial situations in a client’s life that they may be hesitant to share. I would also say that great financial advisors are also great teachers; they effectively communicate complex financial subjects in a way that is easier for a client to understand.

How will Vanguard support a financial advisor’s career growth?

Financial advisors are encouraged to pursue the CFP® exam with Vanguard’s support if they do not already hold the certification. The CFP certification is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications within the financial services industry. There are also many opportunities to learn, shadow, and receive mentorship from senior financial advisors to help advisors grow and develop within the craft.

More about Javier: After completing his undergraduate degree in Finance, Javier joined Vanguard through an accelerated leadership training program. Javier has been a leader in several business departments and is currently a manager in Vanguard’s Personal Advisor Services, leading a team of financial advisors. Javier holds the CFP certification and is passionate about coaching advisors to meet the wide range of client needs.

Are you interested in joining our team in Dallas, Texas? View our Advice opportunities today!

Please check out our first and second installments of this series to learn more about Financial Advisor opportunities and our new Dallas site from Luke and McKenna.

¹Vanguard is investor-owned, meaning the fund shareholders own the funds, which in turn own Vanguard.

Vanguard’s Global Risk and Security (GR&S) division enables the organization’s business strategy and protects clients, Vanguard assets, and data. The teams within the group leverage enterprise-wide insights, deep expertise, and trusted advice so that across Vanguard, leaders and crew drive faster, stronger, risk-informed decisions. In this blog, Principal and Chief Information Security Officer, Manish Nagar, shares insights into his personal career experiences, Vanguard’s new footprint in Dallas, Texas, and why you might want to consider a career in Global Risk and Security.

My career journey at Vanguard
To start out, I have two pieces of advice for anyone reading this blog: 1) Take risks in your career – this means doing what may feel uncomfortable at times; and 2) Re-invest in and re-invent your skills multiple times throughout your career journey. You’ll see that throughout my career at Vanguard, I’ve been fortunate to have had various assignments and rotations across multiple departments and divisions. Taking risks and investing in my development has helped me become the business leader that I am today.

While growing up, I was always fascinated by the way things work, and I decided to pursue my undergrad in Engineering. When I launched my career at Vanguard in 2000, I started as part of the firm’s Technology Leadership Program (TLP), where I completed several rotations in IT that led to people leadership and program management opportunities. I also spent time in Vanguard’s Strategy, Product, Marketing, and Communications (SPMC) division, and the Investment Management division. In 2018, I joined the Global Risk & Security (GR&S) division as the Head of Risk for Europe in London, which my family and I thoroughly enjoyed, until I returned to the US to oversee the Global Investment Risk Management Group.

In 2021, I was asked to the take over the CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) role and head up our Enterprise Security and Fraud (ES&F) subdivision within GR&S. The CISO role has been the most exciting and rewarding role within my career thus far. In ES&F, we have the responsibility of protecting the data and assets of our over 30 million clients. Our clients place their trust in Vanguard and expect us to safeguard their dreams for the future – like saving for retirement or their children’s or grandchildren’s education or down payment on a house. And what drives our success are the over 900 incredibly talented and dedicated individuals that are passionate about protecting the enterprise and our clients day in and day out.

Vanguard’s new presence in Dallas
We are so excited to be expanding our Enterprise Security and Fraud team’s presence within GR&S to Dallas. We know that Dallas is a hub with high growth and core strategic talent; this brings a great opportunity to create a team with new people and opportunities for career development. We will be hiring critical roles in Identity and Access Management, Cyber Security Operations, Global Security and Fraud, Global Enterprise Security and Security Architecture & Engineering.

Why Global Risk and Security?
We in GR&S are the trusted advisors that protect the pride of Vanguard. We are the best in-class security and fraud organization protecting our investors by staying ahead of evolving threats. We encompass a group of highly engaged, passionate, and diverse talent who are expected to continuously learn and develop in an ever-changing security landscape. Our crew are our greatest resource – by joining our team, you will build collaborative, long-term relationships and enjoy a suite of benefits that includes comprehensive health and wellness care, work-life balance, and an investment in your future at its core.

Click here to view our Global Risk and Security opportunities in Dallas!

Vanguard has opened a new office in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area in Texas. In alignment with the firm’s commitment to making advice more accessible and affordable for investors, the new location will be dedicated to supporting all aspects of its growing advice businesses. Recently, we spoke with some of the crew members at the new site and had a chance to ask them questions about what they are most excited about. In this installment of a three-part series, we hear from McKenna A.

What makes Vanguard stand out in the financial services industry?
As an advisor at Vanguard, no part of my compensation is based on commission. Instead, I get to partner with my clients to determine what is most valuable to them, without any competing priorities. When I meet with clients or prospects, it’s not about a pressured, sales-esque call. Instead, I feel as though I’m sitting across from them, cup of coffee in hand, talking about what is most important to them in life and how I can help them achieve their financial goals.

What are you looking forward to most with Vanguard’s new footprint in Dallas?
In addition to what you do, I think one of the most critical parts to enjoying work is who you have alongside you. At Vanguard, I’ve had the privilege of working next to some amazing people that make everyday work more enjoyable. These are individuals who challenge me, mentor me, and help me grow personally and professionally. Being able to start a new office in Dallas allows us to continue to expand our team with an amazing variety of talent, knowledge, and background, and is something I am incredibly excited for. Individually we are effective, but collectively we can be undeniable.

What skills and competencies make a financial advisor at Vanguard successful?
There are so many competencies that help make a well-rounded, successful advisor. It’s important to be detail oriented, caring, curious, passionate, timely, organized, empathetic, and more. However, I believe what is at the core of all these skills, and most crucial, is an ownership mindset. An ownership mindset is a theme that begins with the ownership structure of Vanguard and carries through to the culture and way we work, and the function of Vanguard’s Personal Advisor Services (PAS) as a department. I come to work each day with the freedom to take initiative, am empowered to make decisions, and as a result, have personal responsibility for the outcomes that follow. This drives me to engage wholeheartedly with my clients, new and existing, and work hard to help them achieve their best outcomes in all ways possible.

How will Vanguard support a financial advisor’s career growth?
Vanguard offers many opportunities for continued career growth. In fact, it’s something that initially attracted me to the company. A few things that I have taken advantage of are the mentorship programs, formal and informal, and Crew Resource Groups (CRGs). With the formal mentorship programs, I was able to work one-on-one with a mentor, going through personalized curriculum covering everything from career progression and networking, to resume skills and interviewing tips. I am also part of a CRG established to support Vanguard’s efforts to increase the representation of women in leadership at Vanguard. This provides allies and support for career progression, coaching, and networking opportunities geared towards women specifically. In addition to these, every week there is time built into my schedule by Vanguard to continue my personal development, including sessions that allow me to gain Continuing Education credits for my CFP® designation.

More about McKenna: I began my financial services career with Vanguard in 2016. I find joy in helping improve the lives of my clients every day by collaborating with them to define and achieve their versions of success. My husband and I recently moved to Frisco, TX, with our two tuxedo cats. I love traveling, being outdoors, baking, and eating said baked goods.

Are you interested in joining our team in Dallas, Texas? View our Advice opportunities today!

Please check out our first installment of this series to learn more about Financial Advisor opportunities and our new Dallas site from Luke.

As the granddaughter of an engineering professor and nursing teacher, education has always been top of mind for me; it’s integral to who I am as a person and my family values. My dream career throughout childhood was to become an art teacher; visions of paint splattered denim overalls and school murals of ‘Starry Night’ fueled the many educational pursuits of my youth, leading to my choice of a small, creative liberal arts school for college.

Fast forward several years later… Imagine my surprise to be working at a financial services company! Armed with a dual degree in Art History and French, I remember anxiously Google searching, “What is a mutual fund?” prior to my Vanguard interview. That day, I was pleasantly surprised to hear my interviewer share that, “We have world class professionals here to teach you finance. What we’re looking for are candidates who know how to speak to people.” With that comment in mind, I took to the familiar task of learning. Studying for my Series 7 and 63 licenses were the first requisites prior to starting my first role – a challenge that while at first intimidating, ultimately fueled my desire to further my acumen in the investment industry. Shortly thereafter, I pursued my Certified Financial Planner® designation in order to further my credentials and to feel confident in the complex tax conversations I was having with clients. Together, these steppingstones culminated in my current role as the Service Recovery Supervisor in our Education Savings Contact Center, where I am able to continue learning, growing, and investigating unique client situations daily.

This position also gives me the distinct pleasure of serving in a role with a mission that resonates with me deeply: to improve the lives of our account owners with investments for education. One of the most common investment goals (second only to retirement), is saving for education, and an ambition that I connect to on a personal level. And though very different from where I envisioned myself, I love coming to work every day to help resolve issues for those seeking to meet their education goals – whether saving for college, looking to help a grandchild through their K-12 schooling, or even chipping away at student loan debt.

This year my husband and I welcomed a beautiful baby boy, and with eyes to the horizon, we opened our own 529 account for him in celebration. The balance is still modest for the moment, but I feel confident given the same reassurances we give our account owners day-in and day-out: every little bit will count, and we have the benefit of time on our side.

— Lauren H-F.

Vanguard is opening a new office in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area in Texas. In alignment with the firm’s commitment to making advice more accessible and affordable for investors, the new location will be dedicated to supporting all aspects of its growing advice businesses. Recently, we spoke with some of the crew members at the new site and had a chance to ask them questions about what they are most excited about. In this installment of a three-part series, we hear from Luke H.

What makes Vanguard stand out in the financial services industry?
Vanguard’s investor-owned structure is something that always stood out to me. The driving force behind everything we do is our clients. How many companies are actively looking for ways to lower costs so they can give more back to their clients? We are truly fiduciaries for our clients; we put their interests at the forefront of all that we do.

What are you looking forward to most with Vanguard’s new footprint in Dallas?
Dallas and the surrounding areas are full of advisors and other professionals who share Vanguard’s mission statement, even if they have never heard ours. Most advisors get into the profession with the intention of taking a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success. With Vanguard opening an office in Dallas, advisors will have the opportunity to align their ethics with their chosen career.

What skills and competencies make a financial advisor at Vanguard successful?
In my mind, a successful advisor must have empathy and strong communication skills. They should be able to put themselves in a client’s shoes and understand that their life, family, and finances are unique and important to them. Being able to communicate with a client in a way that creates trust is critical. There are clients who require assistance with budgeting and understanding how their decisions impact their financial futures. Some messages are difficult to deliver. Demonstrating empathy and proper communication will support clients in achieving their financial goals.

How will Vanguard support a financial advisor’s career growth?
One of my favorite things about Vanguard is that they truly care about their people and invest in our development. Before I was an advisor, Vanguard put me through a Certified Financial Planner™ program so I could obtain the credentials necessary to fulfill my dreams of becoming a financial advisor. I participated in the program with other Vanguard crew members, and I was given time that was helpful for me to master the materials and pass the required tests. Once I became an advisor, I was presented with the massive trove of resources that Vanguard prepares to ensure our advisors are educated on the latest changes and events in the industry. Vanguard also gives advisors access to third-party news publications to stay on the cutting edge. If that wasn’t enough, Vanguard also offers an academic assistance program to help you achieve goals like obtaining a Master’s degree or other formal education and certifications. Each week, advisors have dedicated time to spend on learning and growing. Vanguard doesn’t just talk about development, they give you the time, resources, and investment to do so.

More about Luke: With an undergraduate degree in Finance, Luke started his career at Vanguard in 2011 in Client Services. He held multiple roles before moving to the Personal Advisor Services (PAS) group as a financial advisor. In this position, he learned how to speak collaboratively about Vanguard’s methodology and assisted many clients with taking the necessary steps to help reach their financial goals. Luke has since transitioned to leadership, where he currently serves as an advisor manager. He has helped launch the Dallas site virtually but will be moving to Dallas before the campus opens its doors in 2022.

Are you interested in joining our team in Dallas, Texas? Check out our Advice opportunities today!

The Vanguard’s Hometown Grants Program supports local human service needs and contributes to the vibrancy of the regions of Pennsylvania, Arizona, North Carolina and London that Vanguard calls home.

It is funded by the Vanguard Group Foundation and run by a committee of Vanguard volunteers. These committees develop strategies for support based on a collaborative selection process to determine the most effective organizations with the highest impact through financial reporting analysis, tangible assessment of how the money was spent and testimonials.

Since the inception of the Hometown Grants Program in 2018, Vanguard has provided support to over 200 unique organizations worldwide.

We recently sat down with site leads across our regions to learn more about their personal experiences with the program. Here is what they had to say:

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Vanguard Hometown Grants volunteer has been realizing the positive enrichments we’ve made around the Phoenix Metropolitan area. After growing up in one of the lowest income neighborhoods in Phoenix, it’s touching to be able to give back to those with the greatest needs in my community. Additionally, serving the committee amid the pandemic has only further exacerbated the needs of our community, including increased homelessness, food insecurity and mental illness rates. With this in mind, we pivoted our strategy to focus on new and existing organizations that could maximize their donations and influence across the valley.

Working as a project analyst at Vanguard has enhanced my volunteer work as a Hometown Grants Investment Committee member, as I am able to deeply explore the financial strength and impacts of an organization and strategically advocate on their behalf. In fact, three of my researched organizations were chosen for funding out of five rigorous and competitive funding cycles.

During the time serving on our investment committee, Arizona Hometown Grants has supported 15 impactful organizations focused on adolescent mental and physical health, homelessness and arts and culture.

It has been extremely rewarding to serve Vanguard’s committed enrichment of our communities and I have been humbled to observe the crucial work of these amazing non-profit organizations.

– Suzanne V.

I was drawn to the Hometown Grants Program as I was interested in leveraging the skills that I had gained in my professional auditing career to make a positive difference in our local community. Further, curiosity and a willingness to learn more about the charity sector only increased the appeal to get involved. The Hometown Grants Program would ultimately put my analytical skills to work, while providing the opportunity to network and collaborate with other Vanguard crew and local charity partners.

As a member of the Hometown Grants Committee, I have really enjoyed all aspects of the work and the committee meetings are the highlight of my week! I joined during the early stages of the pandemic in April 2020. The first thing we did was refresh our grant-making strategy, and I learned a lot by helping with the research and analysis to understand the areas of enduring need in our local community, as well as the areas of pressing need that had spiked as a result of the pandemic. Tackling youth violence, mental health and rough sleeping are core to our approach. We also added a new gift strategy to address issues related to domestic violence, which has unfortunately increased during the pandemic.

I have also had the opportunity to get involved in initiatives to improve our governance and processes for our Hometown Grants UK Committee, such as improving our grant evaluation process to better monitor the success that we are able to achieve with charity partners.

Mostly, I appreciate the robust discussions and debates that we have as a committee, and I have learned a lot from my fellow members, as we are a diverse and supportive group that is not afraid to challenge each other to ensure we achieve the best outcomes.

My biggest takeaway in serving the program is this: It’s important to take the time to be clear (in our investment policy) about the approach and criteria for prioritizing the charities that we partner with. This helps the selection, filtering and due diligence process, and also enables us to have good conversations with these charities about how best to target our funding. Evaluating the impact that our funding has made is also interesting and rewarding to do. I feel privileged to be part of the Hometown Grants Program, and I’m proud to work for a company that gives its crew the opportunity and resources to help make a difference! I’m looking forward to extending my volunteering impact and experience post-Hometown Grants by getting involved as a trustee on a local charity.

– Jack W.

Communities around the world faced unprecedented need in 2020. Throughout these difficult times, Vanguard crew were a constant force for good. With all of their help, we made an incredibly positive impact in our local communities. In this blog, we celebrate some of the amazing ways our crew have shown their support of the communities where we work and live. Here’s to accomplishing great things in 2021 as well.

My Classroom Economy Financial Education Program

To help students learn financial responsibility, our crew developed a free curriculum that enables teachers to build the financial literacy of K–12 students through fun, experiential learning. Through the program, students gain money management skills and learn the importance of long-term
planning, responsible budgeting, and delayed gratification.

Vanguard Strong Start for Kids Program

Our signature charitable initiative, the Vanguard Strong Start for Kids ProgramTM, gives young children growing up in poverty in Greater Philadelphia, Charlotte, Phoenix, and London the opportunity to grow, thrive, and learn, with a focus on improving school readiness. Our philanthropic program is supported by our crew’s volunteer time and talent along with generous contributions during the annual giving campaign, including a 100% company match and additional corporate dollars.

Hometown Grants Program

The Hometown Grants Program provides community grants to nonprofit agencies in the communities near where Vanguard operates. Funded by the Vanguard Group Foundation, the program is run by local Investment Committees made up of crew volunteers who select and vet the giving strategies and grantees. These grants complement the Vanguard Strong Start for Kids Program by targeting needs in a community outside our strategic focus on early childhood. The Hometown Grants Program currently operates an invitation-only grants process from Vanguard’s Greater Philadelphia, Charlotte, Phoenix, and London offices.

Matching Gift Program

The Matching Gift Program, available year-round, enhances crew’s ability to give collectively with focused impact on early childhood and to magnify personal giving to other charitable causes.

If you’re seeking an environment where you can make a difference and develop professionally, check out our Data & Analytics and Information Technology & Security career opportunities.

Vanguard’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Buckley, and Chief Information Officer, Greg Davis, discuss Vanguard’s plan to ensure stable and strong service for our clients, while also keeping crew safe through social distancing.

Tim Buckley: Greg, one of the questions that we’ve been getting from our clients is what are we doing around business continuity? What steps have we taken to make sure that regardless of how long the coronavirus goes on regards to how severe it gets that we can continue to keep the operations going? And now to our viewers out there, if you look behind me, what you’re looking at is one of our trading floors. Usually you’d see it densely populated. That doesn’t mean that people aren’t working out there when you just see people, every other desk or every third desk. It means that we’ve distanced them properly, and I should by the way mentioned that you’ll notice a Greg and I are sitting apart here. We’re trying to practice social distancing and everything that we do. Beyond, social distancing, what are you guys doing? What steps have you taken to make sure this operation continues? How have you distributed your team?

Greg Davis: So it starts really with the fact that hey, it’s a global operation so we have trading locations in the US, trading locations in the UK as well as Melbourne, Australia. And in addition to those global trading locations, we also have contingency sites that we’re leveraging right now in each one of those locations. So we have our team split up between our main hubs and those contingency sites, and we’ve even prepared for the fact that if we need to, our people could trade from home. So we’ve installed the technology, we’ve tested the system, so we could have business as usual, even in a severe event.

Tim: And trading from home is not something you are going to jump to. I mean you guys love the collaboration that happens on the floor even when people are spread out. It’s just much easier to happen there. That said, if we have to go there, we absolutely ready to do it.

Greg: Absolutely.

Tim: Security is going to be the same absolutely whether if someone’s at home as it’s going to be the same if we’re trading from home, as if you’re trading from here.

Greg: Absolutely.

Tim: Now, I should mention Greg that the rest of Vanguard’s operations, whether they’re talking to an associate at Vanguard, whatever area of Vanguard is supporting the client, those areas have been distributed too. That we have taken steps to move associates apart. Moving between different buildings. People are working from home. They are distributed between our sites as well so. We’re taking the steps to make sure that we continue business as usual here or as close to as usual as possible

Greg: Absolutely. 

Important information:

All investing is subject to risk, including possible loss of principal.

There is no guarantee that any particular asset allocation or mix of funds will meet your investment objectives or provide you with a given level of income.

Bond funds are subject to the risk that an issuer will fail to make payments on time, and that bond prices will decline because of rising interest rates or negative perceptions of an issuer’s ability to make payments.

Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.

Investments in stocks or bonds issued by non-U.S. companies are subject to risks including country/regional risk and currency risk.

© 2020 The Vanguard Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

Vanguard believes that being a global leader also means being a local leader.  Through volunteer Investment Committees, The Vanguard Group Foundation is making grants in the regions around the world that we call home.  The Vanguard Gives Back Hometown Grants Program is charged with funding pressing, local human services needs and working with nonprofit partners that contribute to the vibrancy of the community.  The program is fueled by crew volunteers who commit two years of service dedicated to learning about the nonprofit sector, philanthropy, and the local community landscape.

In this blog, we asked three Vanguard leaders to write about their experiences in serving as site leads for the Hometown Grants Program. The combined efforts of these leaders and their teams have placed $2.3 million into local organizations over their two-year commitment. Here is what Amanda M. from Arizona, Ed F. from North Carolina, and Steve H. from Pennsylvania, had to say:

Vanguard has long had a culture around community that you are no stranger to, what drew you into this particular opportunity with Hometown Grants?

Ed: Hometown Grants enabled me to take my passion for impacting our local community to a much deeper, grass-roots level.  Having previously been involved in Vanguard Gives Back initiatives in Charlotte, including leading our workplace giving campaign and our volunteer efforts, Hometown Grants provided an opportunity to start-up a hyper-local focused program from scratch, which is pretty cool.  While we were provided with some loose guardrails and guidelines, we were also given a significant amount of autonomy to figure out the best strategy that would have meaningful impact in the Charlotte community.

Steve: In 2012, I had the honor of serving as the lead for the crew fall charitable giving campaign. Not only did that experience tap into my longstanding passion for service, it opened my eyes to the incredible impact Vanguard can have in the community. I was very excited about the Hometown Grants program because it was yet another way to harness the energy and passion of Vanguard crew to make a meaningful difference in our communities, but I was also intrigued by the entrepreneurial nature of this new venture.

What skills have you developed through your participation in this initiative and how have you applied these skills both inside and outside of the office?

Amanda: Debating which organization to fund can be a sensitive and emotional topic. My peers and I all have preferences on which charitable cause is the most important and those often differ from the priorities of others. Plus, when you find so many organizations doing great work, it can be hard to reduce the list to a manageable few. Learning how to listen with empathy and understanding was critical to ensure each team member was heard and team health remained strong. Outside of work, it has given me a platform to talk to my kids about philanthropy. Now, when we debrief our day at the dinner table, I am talking to them about organizations I went to visit or work that is being done in the community. It’s been rewarding to talk to them about the importance of giving back and about some of the neat initiatives that are happening in our neighborhood.

Ed: Most importantly, I gained a deeper understanding of the Charlotte community and the critical issues our city is facing.  Upward mobility remains a challenge even as Charlotte continues to have one of the highest rates of highly educated new residents moving to our city.  I have met and learned from some very influential non-profit partners who provide critical services in our community often with few resources or limited budgets.  I am looking forward to continuing my work post-Hometown Grants, whether it be through volunteerism or board involvement.  Hometown Grants also enabled me to hone my leadership and finance skills as we have conducted research, reviewed non-profit financials and tax-filings, and conducted on-site visits to select the non-profit agencies we partner with.

What has been the biggest takeaway in serving as a site lead for the program?

Amanda: There is always a need for more work to be done in the community than there are hours in the day to support or dollars to fund. It is not hard to find an important cause that will improve our community. The hard part is prioritizing which organizations to focus on. It took a lot of time to research, really get to know these teams and the impact they are trying to make. Then ultimately determining where we could have the biggest impact. And there is no “right” answer. It is only part science, the rest is art.

Steve: In the past two years, the work of the Hometown Grants team exposed us to countless organizations that are making an incredible difference in communities. There are so many worthy, effective, innovative charitable organizations out there doing great work, we could have funded many more groups than we were able to. But I believe our team did a tremendous job of honing in on the key organizations that both had amazing impact and could best benefit from the dollars we had. The most rewarding parts of the job were when we heard the profound gratitude from these groups for our contributions, and the excitement they expressed about how they were going to put the money to work. You feel the very tangible benefit of all the hard work the committee put in.

More careers blogs about Vanguard in the community

Why you should raise your hand for that volunteer opportunity at work

Serving in both my day job and night job

It’s the season of giving at Vanguard