Macquarie staff in the community
Nancy Stermer works in Macquarie's Corporate and Asset Finance Group in Bloomfield Hills (Detroit).
My day job is...
VP of Marketing Communications, Macquarie Equipment Finance.
My chosen charity is...
The Children’s Center, one of the largest, most comprehensive child-serving therapeutic agencies, that addresses the needs and problems of some of the most troubled children in the US, providing programs and treatment in specialist areas.
I got involved with my chosen charity...
when I was approached to serve on the agency’s program development and strategic planning committees. I thought it would be an opportunity to utilize my background (graduate degree in mental health and elementary teaching experience) and a way to give back to my community. However, I found the rewarding experiences I gained far exceed whatever contributions I have made to the organization.
I am passionate about my chosen charity because...
the magnitude of child mental health issues is so great and The Children’s Center has consistent success in helping children and their families ---even those facing the most serious issues---to heal and lead healthy and productive lives.
The people who inspire me are...
my Macquarie Equipment Finance colleagues who continually amaze me with their generosity, compassion, and willingness to lend a hand. As an example, I simply posted a sign requesting school supplies and received two car loads full and over $350 in cash. Another time I called a few people about a Children’s Center event and before I finished my sentence, the response was, "whatever you need". I am definitely inspired by these caring co-workers.
Paul Brusaschi is a division director with Macquarie's IT infrastructure team in the Americas. He has worked with a range of charities, most recently with Older Adults Technology Services which helps older adults use technology to enhance their social and civic engagement.
I can help my community by…
getting involved. Some of the best things that happen in our communities is because someone wants to help. For example, two members of our team had premature children and have since become very involved with March of Dimes and are doing a great job, not only raising money, but also making us more aware of the issues premature babies face.
I like to volunteer because…
it adds something that can't be gained in other ways. Expanding my volunteering activities is a goal when I retire from full-time work.
If I could fix one problem it would be…
hunger. The agricultural community is so good at producing an abundance of food, yet for numerous reasons many still suffer malnutrition and starvation. It would be fantastic to at least solve that problem.
The people who inspire me are…
Many people do - I know it's a glib answer, but true. One specific thing is the generosity of people in New York. Growing up in Australia and watching US crime shows I always had this image of New Yorkers as hard nosed, yet everyday I see great acts of human kindness on the streets of New York and find them to be very philanthropic.
I'm most proud of…
how we have been able, with the Macquarie Group Foundation's assistance, to get a solid graduate volunteer program up and running, providing a greater understanding of what working for Macquarie means.