Corporate Philanthropy: Touching Lives and Filling the Career Pipeline Too

By Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)

On The Glass Hammer, we’ve covered a number of corporate philanthropy and development programs. Lately, we’ve been hearing a lot about the importance of making sure those programs are sustainable in the long term, and measuring success over time.

But by maintaining a large-scale, institutional focus (as important as it may be for strategic planning and benchmarking success), it can be easy to lose sight of the individuals whose lives are touched by volunteers and scholarship programs every day.

Recently we had the opportunity to speak with a remarkable young woman, Sophie Kirby, who is one of those people. After growing up in California’s foster care system, Kirby, who was married and a new mom at 21, and then divorced and single mother 4 years ago, is working to finish college and enter the financial services industry. She’s faced down lifelong challenges, and with the help of mentors and sponsors, and a scholarship from Mass Mutual‘s general agency, Sapient Financial Group, she is well on her way to entering the leadership pipeline. Here is her story.

Overcoming Challenges

“I’m a 29 year old single mom with an eight year old daughter and six year old son,” Kirby began. “I was born and raised in California, and was in foster care, and emancipated when I was 18.” After completing high school and becoming pregnant at the age of 21, Kirby said she had to put college off. For the past year, Kirby has been living in San Antonio, Texas with her family.

She continued, “I’m going back to school, now that my children are school-aged. When they’re in school, I’m in school. Right now I attend my local community college, but I hope to transfer to UT San Antonio. I have had a great partner for the last 4 years, and his support has given me the opportunity to go back to school.”

Kirby said she’s grateful for the help of mentors and role models she’s had who’ve encouraged her throughout her life.

She explained, “There are three important people who have helped me in my life. The first is Jackie, my independent living skills coordinator at Orangewood,” a California organization helping emancipated young adults transition out of foster care. “She helped me realize that there is a future. I look at her as if she is my sister.”

She continued,”The second, I call my father but he’s more my pseudo-father, Don. He was the detective assigned to my case 13 years ago. They’re not supposed to keep in touch with us, but we’re allowed to keep in touch with them. I’ve always kept in touch. And now that I’m emancipated, he’s been the father figure I’ve always looked to. I invited him to my graduation. I call him my dad and he’s Grandpa to my kids.”

“The third person is my partner for the last four years. He has helped me and supported me and stepped into the fatherly role for my kids,” she added.

Looking Ahead and Giving Back

Kirby has faced a lot of challenges throughout her life – but she is determined not to be held back. Once she finishes school, she intends to become a CPA. She said, “My desire to work in accounting has always been there – ever since graduating… I love the challenge of working with numbers. And really, everybody needs an accountant.”

She explained, “When I finished high school, I worked in admin roles and wanted to be a bookkeeper. And after that I worked in program management and sales positions.” After taking time off to be with her children, she is back in school. “Well, first I plan to go to UTSA – it’s a 150 hour dual program – which means you earn your bachelor’s degree and go straight into your master’s.”

She explained, “I just recieved a scholarship from Mass Mutual Sapient Financial Group, which awards scholarships to help bring women and those from multicultural backgrounds in to the financial industry.”

“After I get my MBA,” she continued, “I’ll need to work under a CPA for a year, and then do a CPA program.” After school, she continued, “I would love to work in non-profit programs. And another part of me wants to help out the foster community – whether as a mentor, volunteer, or helping in other capacities.”

She continued, “I’m still involved in the foster community. I peer mentored at the Orangewood Children’s Foundation and I’m involved with the California Youth Connection, a foster care advocacy group, which is a youth run advocacy group. I sit on the Board, and for the last three years I’ve been co-chair and treasurer.”

And, she is focused on bringing up her children with as much support as possible. “For my children, the most important thing to me is that they are going to grow up in a loved family. That support goes a long way to their future. That support builds confidence. Whatever they decide to do, we’re going to be there regardless.”