“Businesses hold most of the resources in the world, and I believe they have a responsibility to be part of the solution to many of the world’s most pressing challenges: poverty, hunger, climate change, etc. The state of the world demands that businesses step up to do their part.” So says Atlanta McIlwraith, senior manager of community engagement and communications at Timberland.
The global lifestyle brand works hard to make its products responsibly, protect the outdoors, and serve communities around the globe where employees live and work. Lately, McIlwraith’s focus has been on meeting with potential partners who can help bring Timberland’s urban greening efforts to life. From 2001-2015, the company planted 8.7 million trees. They plan to make that 10 million trees by 2020.
In a nutshell, McIlwraith’s role involves building partnerships, driving community impact, and telling stories. She leads a team of Global Stewards, passionate employees who volunteer for a two-year term to drive service and corporate responsibility in their locations, adapting global strategies in locally-relevant ways. She also manages Timberland’s award-winning Path of Service volunteer program, which provides employees with 40 paid community service hours per year. For partnerships, McIlwraith recommends and manages Timberland’s relationships with nonprofit organizations that align with company goals.
Read more: This Executive Believes Businesses Have An Obligation To Make A Positive Impact
