The Worldwide ERC® Foundation for Workforce Mobility Is Making Moves
John Lambo - Aug 10 2022The Worldwide ERC® Foundation continues to partner with members to inspire, inform, and engage in worldwide charitable efforts.
The Worldwide ERC® Foundation for Workforce Mobility continues to energize the global community through charitable giving and realizing its vision that all communities touched by global mobility are actively aware of, inspired by, and engaged in its philanthropic efforts worldwide. “The Worldwide ERC Foundation is the heart of our community. It brings people together for good work,” says Lynn Shotwell, CEO and president of Worldwide ERC.
Ukraine-Russia Crisis
A perfect example of Shotwell’s sentiment is how the global mobility community came together to support Ukraine. Not only did many of Worldwide ERC’s members work long hours to assist employees in relocating employees from Ukraine and Russia—and supporting those who remained behind—mobility professionals opened their wallets as well.
In March, the Foundation Board of Directors voted to match donations made to support Ukraine up to $30,000. The Foundation received $14,245 in donations and matched the entire amount. The $28,490 total was equally divided between the UN Refugee Agency and World Central Kitchen.
“The Foundation maintains a reserve fund to provide humanitarian relief in times of natural disaster or strife,” says Zeke Oaks, chair of the Foundation. “I am proud we were able to extend support to the strong, resilient people of Ukraine.”
Thanks to everyone who kept members informed and donated to such a worthy cause.
Scholarships
For more than a decade, the Foundation has worked in cooperation with Worldwide ERC-recognized Regional Relocation Councils to support a scholarship program for graduating students who have been relocated during their high school years. Through the program, those students with relocation experience are encouraged to submit essays that meet the program’s qualifications, and outline their personal stories, lessons learned, and advice to fellow teens. Regional Groups select an award-winning paper, and the student receives funds to support future endeavors.
This year, the Foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to 16 high school students. Congratulations to:
- Adedire Emma Owulebaja, North Texas Relocation Professionals
- Amy Munoz Sanchez, New York Council of Relocation Professionals
- Arya Ramalingam, New Jersey Relocation Council
- Chinwe Onwere, Rocky Mountain Relocation Council
- Dalya Deniz Kinsizer, North Texas Relocation Professionals
- Dhanya Elsa James, Charlotte Metro Area Relocation Council
- Dwayne Tanzo, Chicago Relocation Council
- Elise Pham, North Texas Relocation Professionals
- Haitish Vishal Gandhi, Pennsylvania Area Relocation Council
- Hannah Bhattacharya, Tennessee Relocation Council
- Harshi Brahmbhatt, Metropolitan Atlanta Relocation Council
- Maribel Pablo Pablo, Bay Area Mobility Management
- Monica Vazquez, Tennessee Relocation Council
- Yojana Jeronimo Pablo, Bay Area Mobility Management
- Yusuf Kalem, Houston Relocation Professionals
“Having moved in high school myself, I recognize the challenge this brings to young people and am so proud of the perseverance and leadership shown by our scholarship winners,” Shotwell says.
Upcoming Events
The Foundation and its Diamond Sponsors are thrilled to announce the 2022 Foundation Celebration at the 2022 Worldwide ERC Global Workforce Symposium, which will be held at the Wynn/Encore Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, from 25–28 October. The “Party With Purpose” will be held at XS Nightclub at the resort on 27 October from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
“This will be an event unlike any previous Foundation Gala,” Oaks says. “We are using one of the most incredible venues in Vegas to bring the mobility professionals together for a good time while supporting families in need.” Register and donate.
After a fun night of dancing, you can “Move with Purpose” during the Foundation’s annual walk, which will take place on 28 October from 7-8:30 a.m., beginning on the grounds of the Wynn/Encore Resort. Register and donate.
Upholding its ongoing commitment to bring awareness, inspiration, and engagement to organizations doing the most good in the global workforce mobility space, the Foundation will kick off several events at the symposium. Charitable funds raised at the events will go to Move for Hunger and Family Promise.
Even if you can’t make it to Las Vegas, you can participate in the Foundation’s “Donate with Purpose” virtual auction, which begins on 25 October and closes on 1 November. All auction items will be held by donors and shipped directly to the winning bidders. Please note that no auction items will be at the Foundation Celebration on 27 October. Auction items available for purchase can be found here. Please donate items here.
Other Ways to Donate to the Foundation
In addition to donating to the above events, general donations, including making a contribution on behalf of or in memory of a special friend or family member, can be made to the foundation by completing the online donation form at the Foundation’s website or contact our Foundation Board of Trustees at foundation@worldwideerc.org.
As a public charity defined under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, your donation is fully tax-deductible.
