Aon volunteers at United Way's April Food Day event, helping restock pantry shelves and supporting food security for residents in the Southland.
Bridget Gainer (far left), Global Head of Public Affairs & Policy at Aon, and Pat Ryan (center left), Founder and Former Chairman & CEO of Aon, with Aon apprentices at United Way's Stronger Neighborhoods Awards in 2023.
Aon is in the business of better decisions – not only by helping clients navigate volatility and complexity, but also through its commitment to social impact.
For nearly two decades, Aon has worked with United Way of Metro Chicago in a variety of ways: from Aon colleagues serving on the board of directors, to corporate giving and employee giving campaigns, to event sponsorship and volunteer initiatives.
Aon’s multi-layered approach to giving back is a model for what’s possible through corporate collaboration. And the firm recognizes the impact it can have through United Way, said Anna Piepmeyer, Director of Community Impact for Aon.
“United Way is one of our signature collaborations,” Anna said. “We love United Way because you’re also in the business of better decisions. Aon is committed to supporting in as many ways as we can.”
“Aon colleagues bring time, expertise, and resources to the table,” Anna added. “Organizations like United Way offer opportunities to get involved at every level.”
Aon’s financial support is equally impactful. Over nearly 20 years, Aon employees have given $6 million to United Way of Metro Chicago through workplace giving campaigns. Aon’s corporate gifts total nearly $9 million.
“Aon and United Way are proud to link arms to create a stronger community in Chicago,” said Chris Rafferty, Chicago Managing Director at Aon. “Aon has contributed millions of dollars to United Way over many decades – much raised directly from our colleagues who understand the value of giving to the community where they live and work. We are energized by United Way’s bold thinking and excited to continue to work with the organization for years to come.”
Aon colleagues also show up through service – whether packing hundreds of snack packs or hygiene kits for families in need, or stepping into civic leadership roles.
Bridget Gainer, Global Head of Public Affairs & Policy at Aon, currently serves on United Way of Metro Chicago’s Board of Directors, and brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit, government, and corporate sectors.
“United Way and Aon share a commitment to building and supporting the next generation of civic leaders in our city,” Bridget said. “I am honored to represent Aon on United Way of Metro Chicago’s Board of Directors and to help shape programs and strategies that strengthen our neighborhoods and empower young people to solve the challenges facing Chicago today and tomorrow.”
Bridget is also the executive sponsor of Aon’s U.S. apprenticeship program, which began in Chicago in 2017 and has expanded to seven cities. The two-year program combines education and work experience to offer a unique path to a career at Aon. Apprentices work a full-time role at Aon where they receive career coaching and mentorship while attending classes at a local community college.
Many apprentices are from historically disinvested neighborhoods. Aon offers apprentices a connection to a thriving career. It’s all a part of Aon’s broader strategy – and commitment to investing in local, high-potential talent, Anna said.
“Aon has done a lot of work through the apprenticeship program and other workforce strategies to recruit non-traditional talent,” Anna said. “Organizations like United Way are critical in accessing that need and identifying talent in under-resourced communities across the city.”
Aon apprentices receive associates degrees and many are hired at the firm after completing the program. Many get involved in Aon Uniters, a volunteer and engagement group for early career professionals who are “hungry to give back to communities,” Anna said.
“We want to build a pipelines of colleagues within the firm who will grow into civic leaders. One way we do that is by working closely with nonprofit organizations like United Way to create meaningful entry points for early career colleagues to get involved. Because in ten years, we want them to be serving on United Way’s board and becoming influential voices in their communities,” Anna added.
With this talent pipeline – and commitment to building opportunities and strengthening communities, Aon truly believes Chicago is “worth investing in,” Anna said.
“We’ve always been a city that comes together in civic and corporate spaces. United Way and other organizations are leading innovative, place-based work,” Anna said. “And we’re fortunate to have incredibly talented colleagues who are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder and do the work. My aspiration is for Chicago to remain a vibrant, thriving place for people to live, work, and lead.”
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