RDA Strategies

From October 24 to 26, 2016, nonprofit, corporate, and corporate social responsibility leaders gathered in Chicago for VM Summit 16, hosted by VolunteerMatch, one of the nation’s largest digital volunteer engagement networks connecting millions of individuals with nonprofit and community service opportunities.

The conversations explored employee volunteerism, the evolving role of technology in engagement, and how organizations might address the growing engagement gap, the challenge of connecting people meaningfully to causes and communities.

The summit reflected growing recognition that volunteering can extend beyond one-time service. When aligned thoughtfully, employee engagement and corporate responsibility efforts can strengthen nonprofit capacity, expand resources, and contribute to broader community impact.

The experience reinforced something that continues to resonate: Complex challenges rarely belong to a single sector. Progress often depends on how businesses, nonprofits, and communities choose to work together.

On September 21, 2016, I returned to California State University, Fullerton as a guest lecturer to discuss purpose-driven careers, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and pathways to creating impact through work.

There is something meaningful about returning to the place that helped shape your own journey. I graduated from CSUF cum laude with a degree in Communications: Public Relations, a minor in Human Services, and a certificate in Nonprofit Organizational Leadership.

Over the years, the relationship continued to evolve, from student to alumnus, to guest lecturer during Communications Week, and later returning as keynote speaker for the Student Leadership Institute Awards Banquet.

The conversations with students often centered less on titles and more on questions: How do you build purposeful work? How do you align career choices with values? What impact do you hope to have?

One of my favorite moments remains seeing a perspective shift or a new possibility emerge during discussion.

The experience reinforced something I continue to believe: Meaningful work is not defined by title, industry, or position. It grows through curiosity, relationships, and a commitment to using our strengths in the service of others and the communities around us.