Skills-based Giving

One of the fastest-growing corporate citizenship programs is skills-based volunteering—in which a team of corporate employees works for an extended period of time to help a nonprofit solve a complex operational problem. As demographic trends begin shifting the workplace with increasing numbers of millennials and gen Zers, and corporations are reimagining their role within society, volunteerism is also evolving. Employees are increasingly seeking a more fulfilling experience beyond typical service days, but these relationships require significant work from both partners. How can nonprofits and companies form an effective and mutually beneficial partnership? This virtual panel will discuss best practices, innovative models, and lessons learned on serving the next generation of volunteers.

Join us for virtual conversation in our quarterly Corporate Social Responsibility series, where we share local and national best practices for partnerships, hear from corporate philanthropy experts, and exchange ideas and learnings. This quarter’s panel will explore the evolution of volunteerism and innovative ways nonprofits are partnering with corporations to harness collective impact.

Panelists include:

Shelley Danner, Program Director, Challenge Detroit
Shelley Danner joined Challenge Detroit in 2012. As program director, she designs and oversees programmatic aspects of the multi-faceted, innovative fellowship model and supports strategic planning, partnerships and operations for the organization. In particular, Shelley coaches and guides the leadership development of the Fellows training them in design thinking principles, and scopes the challenge projects in collaboration with nonprofit partners.

Prior to joining the Challenge Detroit leadership team, Shelley spent seven years in Washington, DC as a consultant with Accenture, a global technology and management-consulting firm. Her background includes talent and leadership development, strategy, organizational transformation, project management, and human-centered design. During her time at Accenture, Shelley worked with a variety of clients in both the public and private sectors, primarily in talent and organization performance. She helped support the launch of Accenture’s North American non-profit consulting practice and worked with Accenture’s corporate citizenship team to implement a national skills-based volunteering program for employees.

Shamyle Dobbs, CEO, Michigan Community Resources
Shamyle Dobbs is Chief Executive Officer for Michigan Community Resources. A native New Yorker and graduate of New York University, Shamyle moved to Michigan in 2001 to complete her Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan, and went on to receive a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University.

Shamyle has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and has been with MCR for over 10 years. Shamyle has extensive experience in Program Development, Project Management, Grant Writing, Strategic Planning, Community Organizing and Engagement. Her passion for social justice and addressing systemic issues facing communities of color motivates her daily.

Alex Rachlin, Senior Associate, JPMorgan Chase
Alex Rachlin is a Senior Associate on the Employee Engagement and Volunteerism team at JPMorgan Chase. On the Employee Engagement and Volunteerism Alex supports the Service Corps program which strengthens nonprofit organizations by leveraging the talent and expertise of JPMorgan Chase Employees.

Prior to joining JPMorgan Chase, Alex worked at Success Academy Charter Schools, a charter schools network in New York City. At Success Academy Charter Schools Alex worked in Operations at both the schools and network level.

Gary Dembs, President, Non-Profit Personnel Network (moderator)
Gary Dembs has been working in the philanthropic sector for over 35 years. He founded the Non-Profit Personnel Network (NPPN) after a successful 21 year career in public relations and broadcasting. He has been a pioneer in combining highly effective organizational development, human resources, fund raising and volunteer management strategies for organizations, companies and institutions nationwide. Gary is mission-driven, a community activist, and works to empower organizations to take an integrated, cross-sector approach on the staff and board levels to further the missions of the non-profits he consults with.

Gary received his Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University. In 2008 he was inducted into the WMU School of Communications Outstanding Alumni Academy in recognition of excellence in his professional accomplishments and civic service. He was also a former radio news and sports reporter in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, MI.

(Recorded on August 21, 2020)