Last Saturday I attended the United Way Diversity Volunteer Recognition breakfast at the invitation of one of my fellow Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership (SKL) Series classmates, Sonia Chen. I was excited to go because I’d recently taken over our firm’s diversity initiative, and I thought this would be a great opportunity to connect with others and see what was going on in the community.

My experience turned out to be so much more. Sonia introduced me to a lot of great people, particularly some of her fellow board members from the Asian American Alliance. But what I realized later was just how much my SKL experience had prepared me a year earlier for my new-found interest in diversity in the workplace and marketplace.

I’ve had the privilege of working in some diverse environments, but SKL helped me bond with some of our community’s up-and-coming leaders who have exposed me to different points of view and new ways of thinking. My classmates have also connected me to new experiences and new resources, a perfect example of which was Sonia’s invitation to breakfast.

So while Saturday’s breakfast was a celebration of diversity and of volunteerism in Indianapolis, for me, it was also a celebration of true community and connection, because it brought me in touch with people and ideas that I hadn’t considered before. Thanks, Sonia, for opening a door for me to see something new, and for reminding me why SKL is truly an experience that lasts for a lifetime.

I never cease to be amazed at the generosity of my coworkers. Every year, Borshoff holds a pledge drive securing donations for United Way and its community agencies. And every year, Borshoff staff proves themselves more generous and thoughtful than the last.

For 15 years, Borshoff has earned the “Company that Cares” designation from United Way. We’re in the midst of our annual campaign and looking strong to earn that designation for a 16th straight year. To do so, Borshoff staff must show they care for the community with more than just their pocketbooks.

On August 28, two Borshoff staff members took time out of their busy schedules to participate in United Way’s annual Day of Caring. Kassie Mills and Margaux Childers volunteered their time at the Jordan branch of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. As part of the “Brighten up the Environment” project, they planted shrubs along a pedestrian path that leads from the YMCA facility to the Monon Trail. Kassie, being unfamiliar with gardening, took this as a great opportunity to learn how to properly use a shovel!

Yesterday, Borshoff held a company-wide bake sale to raise additional funds for United Way. Staff were invited to bake and contribute their favorite baked good, and also to spend a couple dollars purchasing and enjoying the baked goods. And, we’re certainly a company that likes our sweets – we raised more than $200!

In so many ways, Borshoff truly is a company that cares. Serving as campaign co-coordinator for my third year, I’m lucky to be part of such a great tradition.