Brandon Ruffin, Senior Program Manager – Global Social Impact
CDW
ACCP Members: Hear from Brandon on his “Journey to Now” at our upcoming Emerging Leaders Member Group November 20th at 2pm ET: https://accp.me/3Cos4Jg
Tell us a little about your path to corporate social impact and your current position at CDW.
My passion for community involvement began at a young age. I started volunteering in grade school and became enamored with the idea of working together to benefit each other. This passion carried on as I went on to study Business Environment & Sustainability at Illinois State University while also serving as the Philanthropy Chair of my fraternity.
I started my career as a Sales Intern with CDW. From there, I spent the first 4 years of my CDW career as an Account Manager, supporting K-12 schools with technology solutions to empower dynamic learning. I had a unique opportunity to advance digital equity in this sales role.
Now, I am grateful to be a member of CDW’s Global Social Impact team where I unite my passion and interests with my career. As the Senior Program Manager of our team, I support our nonprofit partners, coworker volunteerism, and our strategic focus on digital equity.
What strategy have you used that has contributed to your ability to create an outsized impact within your position?
As a member of a small team, I find it necessary to create connections with coworkers from different business units. We can create a more significant and sustainable impact when we can synchronize goals and support each other. It all starts with understanding the perspectives of others. I am lucky to have many coworkers at CDW who are outside of the Social Impact team but support our mission.
What do you wish those outside the field knew about CSR?
The importance and power of community. Businesses continue to play a significant role in the communities they operate in. We must look at the community holistically and welcome all stakeholders into the conversation, paying close attention to the voices of those most affected by our decisions.
What advice would you give someone new to CSR or considering entering the field?
Take pride in yourself as an individual agent of change.
What’s a favorite quote or saying?
“The revolution will not be televised.”
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Creative Deep Thinker
Share one person you admire and why.
I admire many people. Many historical figures, and even strangers I meet in passing on the train come to mind whenever I am asked this question.
Today, I will pick Derrick Rose in honor of his recent retirement (I’m a Chicago guy). His poise and dedication to come back from multiple injuries throughout his career is extremely admirable. I look to employ that kind of resiliency, and it is a necessary strength to have in the corporate social impact space.
