ACCP Staff
In this final 2025 edition of Talking Purpose with Andrea Wood, we sit down with Monica Bomani, Director of the Assurant Foundation. Monica is a seasoned corporate citizenship leader whose career spans nonprofit development, global grantmaking, and corporate philanthropy.
From navigating career pivots to driving long-term community impact, she shares candid reflections on what it takes to succeed in a rapidly evolving field—and why trust, patience, and the smart use of technology matter more than ever.
How did you get your start in corporate citizenship?
I transitioned into a global grant-making role with a foundation – a move that allowed me to combine my passion for philanthropy with my experience in nonprofit management. Having worked for nonprofits, I became a strong advocate for organizations in need of funding, and I knew this was the type of work I wanted to continue.
When my role as an international grants manager was eliminated, I briefly transitioned into fundraising consulting while actively seeking another opportunity in grant-making. That persistence paid off when I joined McDonald’s Corporation, which marked the start of my corporate citizenship journey. This path ultimately led me to the Assurant Foundation, where I’ve driven meaningful impact in communities through strategic philanthropy.
The field is evolving rapidly. What are the most critical skills and knowledge corporate social impact professionals need to stay ahead of the curve and be successful in the future?
Businesses are rapidly integrating AI to optimize performance—and social impact teams have the same opportunity to transform how we operate. With many of us working on lean teams, AI can be a game-changer, helping us rethink processes and automate administrative tasks. By embracing this technology, we can free up time for strategic work, scale our impact, and deliver greater value to both communities and the business.
What advice or lessons learned do you most often share with members of your team or other CSR professionals?
I have three key pieces of advice:
- Trust your nonprofit partners. They are the subject matter experts—your role is to listen, support, and amplify their work, not to direct it.
- Build a strong network outside your organization. Surround yourself with professionals who can share insights and best practices. This will help you stay creative, innovative, and open to new ideas.
- Be patient—creating meaningful change takes time. Our work is focused on improving lives, and real impact doesn’t happen overnight. It requires sustained effort, trust-building, and a long-term commitment to the communities we serve.
What is one specific piece of advice you received that has served you well in your professional journey?
Know your audience—how and what we communicate must align with who we’re engaging. Throughout my experience in both nonprofit and corporate roles, I’ve collaborated with individuals at every level of an organization. To be effective, it’s critical to understand issues from their perspective and tailor your approach accordingly.
One fun/personal question – who’s someone you admire and why?
I could name several people who have influenced me, but one stands out: my dear friend and mentor, Brenda Asare, President & CEO of Alford Group.
Recently, Brenda was honored as the Association of Fundraising Professionals Chicago – Benjamin Franklin Awardee, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate lifelong leadership in philanthropy. Brenda was my manager at my first nonprofit job, and we’ve remained close ever since. As a leader, she was patient, empathetic, and intentional about creating growth opportunities. She challenged me by assigning projects that stretched my skills and helped me build confidence.
Brenda has achieved so much in her career, yet she remains humble and deeply committed to helping others succeed. Her example continues to inspire me both personally and professionally.
