Nancy Bonges
Head of Community Engagement, William Blair
ACCP Board Member
As ACCP launches our newest online educational program, we asked Board Member Nancy Bonges why she was exciting about this new initiative and how it can be a boon to the profession.
What aspects of the CSR LaunchPad program do you think will be most valuable for someone just starting (or who is considering entering into) a career in corporate social impact and why?
The CSR LaunchPad program stands out because it fills a significant gap in learning opportunities in the CSR space. There aren’t many affordable resources that offer foundational educational content on corporate social impact, which is crucial for anyone starting or exploring a career in this field. I think the blend of both theoretical and pragmatic content differentiates this learning experience from others.
Not only does CSR LaunchPad course 1 cover the landscape of corporate social impact, it also incorporates insights from experts in the CSR field. This balanced approach of equipping participants with invaluable insights and practical knowledge makes the learning experience relevant and actionable.
How do you see CSR LaunchPad shaping the corporate social impact field’s future landscape, particularly in preparing a new generation of professionals?
The CSR LaunchPad program is set to significantly influence the future landscape of corporate social impact by developing agility among its participants. In today’s rapidly changing environment, where the value of ESG and DEIB is often misunderstood, it’s crucial for CSR professionals to be adaptable. The program equips participants with the ability to anticipate and respond to shifting sentiments while staying committed to core values that remain constant over time.
This agility is essential for navigating the complexities of serving multiple stakeholders and ensuring that CSR professionals can drive meaningful change even in the face of shifting challenges. By preparing a new generation of CSR leaders who are both responsive and steadfast, CSR LaunchPad is helping to build a more resilient and impactful future for the field.
What excites you most about ACCP’s new CSR LaunchPad program, and how does it fill a gap in current educational resources for CSR professionals?
What excites me most about ACCP’s new CSR LaunchPad program is its holistic approach to education in corporate social impact in an accessible way. Unlike traditional programs that may focus solely on one aspect of CSR, course 1 of CSR LaunchPad provides a well-rounded education that encompasses CSR, ESG, and DEIB. This comprehensive coverage ensures that participants gain a high-level understanding of the interconnectedness of these areas and how they collectively contribute to a company’s social impact strategy.
Moreover, the program’s on-demand, virtual format makes it accessible to a wider audience, breaking down geographical and time barriers that often limit access to quality education. This flexibility is a game-changer for professionals who are balancing work and personal commitments while seeking to advance their knowledge and skills.
Can you share how access to a program like CSR LaunchPad could have influenced your own journey in corporate social impact, and what you think this means for those entering the field today?
When I first started my career, I had to learn on the job, which meant I only knew what CSR looked like at my company. If I had access to a program like CSR LaunchPad back then, I would have arrived at new ideas faster and been able to better position the value proposition of community engagement programs to different stakeholders. The structured learning and expert insights provided by CSR LaunchPad would have also helped me incorporate more innovative ways to design programs and increase employee engagement in our volunteer and giving initiatives.
For those entering the field today, CSR LaunchPad offers a unique opportunity to gain critical knowledge and practical skills early on, setting them up for success and enabling them to drive value for the company, employees, and the communities where we live and work.
