Partnering To Make a Difference

During this year’s Baird Gives Back event, associates showed up in record numbers to make meaningful differences in our communities – with the Ascend Associate Resource Group leading the way. Ascend’s leadership met with Baird Gives Back – another ARG, focused on community volunteerism – to determine the best way to serve woman-focused nonprofits during the annual event. By co-sponsoring volunteer events at Milwaukee Diaper Mission, The Women’s Center, HOPE Network and Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, Ascend demonstrated Baird's commitment to supporting women both inside and outside the firm.

Kristina Richards, BGB Committee member and coordinator for the Girls Scouts of Kentuckiana event, shared that Baird volunteers led a finance-oriented panel and activity for Senior scouts of three West Louisville Service Unit troops. These scouts earned their “Financing My Future” badge for participating in this lively and open discussion.

Ascend also held a women's professional clothing drive benefitting Dress for Success, an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. In total, Baird collected over 108 cubic feet (9 large boxes) of professional attire.

“We loved supporting Baird Gives Back by providing meaningful and targeted events that benefit women and girls in the communities Baird serves,” said Mallory McGinty, Chair of Ascend. “This partnership with BGB furthers the core tenant of Ascend’s mission, which is to support Baird as an employer of choice for women. Opportunities like this help foster a community of women inside and outside of Baird – this was clear in the positive feedback we received from our ARG members.”

​In addition, Ascend hosted “Cocktails & Community Involvement,” giving associates an opportunity to reconnect and celebrate this year's Baird Gives Back event. Attendees networked, enjoyed a few craft beverages and bites, and snapped a few pictures.

Learn more about Ascend and Baird's other ARG offerings

About Ascend

Ascend is an Associate Resource Group at Baird that seeks to expand leadership opportunities for women and promote their voices and perspectives both inside and outside the firm. Ascend is dedicated to facilitating programming and connections to recruit, develop and retain the best women professionals in the industry.