Why I Champion Cara: J. Todd Phillips
Meet J. Todd Phillips, a member of our Board of Directors and CEO of Parson Partners. We spoke with J. Todd to find out why he chooses to champion Cara and our motivated job seekers this #GivingTuesday.
How did you originally become connected to Cara Collective?
“I was originally introduced to Cara in 2014 by Mark Carroll, founder of Cleanslate and Board Member at that time. I then attended morning Motivations. Soon thereafter, I found myself attending events, donating clothing, and volunteering to conduct mock interviews. Finally, in 2016, I joined the Cara Board of Directors and have been drawn to our mission and the great team members at Cara ever since.“
How has Cara inspired you to grow?
“As an entrepreneur, I am inspired by the amazing Cara participants to continue to create opportunities for others to grow as well. Each participant has a unique story of triumph over adversity, having overcome formidable obstacles not only to obtain long-term employment but also to support their families and sustain their progress over time. Cara alumni aren’t just survivors, they are thrivers! At Parson Partners, we look forward to becoming an employment partner and creating job opportunities where Cara alumni can thrive for years to come.“
“I am inspired by the amazing Cara participants to continue to create opportunities for others to grow as well.”
– J. Todd Phillips
What about Cara motivates you to champion us in the various ways that you do?
“I am motivated by our ambitious strategic plan and look forward to supporting Cara for many years to come. Cara’s new strategic plan brings laser focus to the areas of access, equity, and opportunity. Within these areas, we are doubling down on the things that matter most: our participants and our team members. Our participants deserve the support Cara provides in gaining access to opportunities to thrive. Our team members deserve a work environment where they can be authentically themselves and contribute to our collective success while honing their skills and building their careers.”
Motivations Question: Who or what inspired you give 100% this year?
“2022 began with optimism that the fear, suffering, and isolation caused by the pandemic would give way to the hope and community we all yearn for. Sure enough, our Gala in April, Summer Social in August, and our Tribute to the Stars in October returned to their in-person formats and at each event, our guests heard directly from alumni who were positively impacted by Cara Collective’s programs. These stories of perseverance and triumph along with our leadership team’s ambition to fuel a courageous national movement to eradicate poverty have inspired me to give 100%.“
This season, your support of Cara Collective is critical to transforming the lives of our motivated job seekers. Please consider making a financial gift this #GivingTuesday or become a Cara Champion and help raise dollars and awareness with your friends and family.
