An Unlikely (Brilliant) Partnership
An Unlikely (Brilliant) Partnership
Life@GWN with Stephanie Gordon
Stephanie Gordon currently serves as a Director in U.S. Public Finance, Corporate Banking at RBC Capital Markets where her portfolio includes capital improvement programs and infrastructure projects, primarily focused on the transportation, power & utilities, student loans, housing and prepaid gas sectors. Active in many of RBC’s diversity initiatives with a focus on youth mentorship, outreach, and multi-cultural issues, Girls Write Now is delighted to announce her as the newest member of our Board of Directors. Stephanie graduated from Harvard University with degree in Economics and a citation in Spanish. She demonstrates her commitment to investing in the future in her own words.
Tell Us about Your Life@GWN
I became involved with GWN in 2018 when my boss, Pat Shields, asked a small group of us to find a non-profit organization we could partner with and champion, doing impactful work which spoke to the firm’s commitment to improve the lives of the people in the communities we serve.
We ultimately chose Girls Write Now after seeing the passion and dedication with which the entire team successfully supports and encourages young people with their personal and professional goals.
What Makes the Partnership between Girls Write Now and RBC Work?
This partnership has been rewarding for us and I believe it’s been eye-opening to many mentees with whom we’ve worked. By coming to our offices and learning about our careers in finance, they have a better understanding of just how successful they can be with their writing and communication skills across all industries and career paths. I don’t know that we’ve necessarily converted anyone to banking yet, but we have helped make them more aware of the breath of opportunities available to them. (ahem, Girls Write Now respectfully disagrees. Mentee Alum Kayla Morgan has landed a Summer 2024 internship with RBC. Stay tuned....)
Among RBC’s strategic priorities for Diversity & Inclusion are recognizing both our opportunity and responsibility to take action, drive change and create a more inclusive workplace and society.
What Inspires You?
Girls Write Now. I felt personally connected to their mission because it was experiences like these that also helped shape my future having attended an underfunded, overcrowded public high school with low graduation rates.
What does an Active Philanthropic Relationship Look Like to You?
In RBC’s partnership with Girls Write Now, we’ve hosted workshops, attended career fairs, held college and career chats and, very importantly, provided meaningful funding from the RBC Foundation USA.
What is the Best Advice You Could Offer Other Organizations Looking to Make a Difference?
Because RBC believes in this partnership, we have continued to show our commitment with increased grant dollars which have now quadrupled since 2018. I encourage other organizations, whether you are an “intuitive” partnership or not, to do the same, because
by empowering Girls Write Now to support more young people across broader geographies, we really are helping change the world.
Watch this recent video with Girls Write Now and RBC to learn more about our partnership and the power of mentorship.