In order to create systemic change, business has to be part of the social impact equation. But how can companies move towards a model that has social impact as part of their business strategy? And what does it take to build a successful career and make a significant impact in the world of corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
This week’s guest, Monique Carswell, Director of the Center for Racial Equity at Walmart.org, share an incredible journey from entrepreneurial beginnings to her powerful CSR role at one of the largest companies in the world: Walmart.org. She shines a spotlight on the importance of authenticity, creativity, networking, and a firm set of values in growing a meaningful career and driving social change.
Monique's storied career path is a testament to her commitment to creating opportunities and access for others. She's held influential roles at Cosmo Girl, Hearst Corporation, Teach for America, and Comcast NBCUniversal, using each platform as a catalyst for financial empowerment within the black community. Her transition to Walmart in 2020 marked a pivotal moment, enabling her to use her business acumen and personal passion to amplify her social impact. Monique's unique perspective and lived experiences add a depth of understanding to the worlds of CSR, racial equity, and social justice.
What You’ll Learn:
- The most impactful ways of practicing corporate social responsibility (CSR)
- How to build on your life experiences at each step of your career journey
- The importance of, and ways, to maintain and grow a network throughout your career
- The power of elevating racial and global equity in all work
About Be Social Change:
Be Social Change is a social impact community providing you with expert professional development, curated networking, and strategic coaching to help you grow a successful social impact career.
Access free social impact career resources and network with like-minded people at https://www.besocialchange.com
Connect with us on LinkedIn:
- Marcos Salazar
- Jenn Lishansky
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Guest Bio:
Monique Carswell is no stranger to hard work and perseverance. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, her passion and dedication are reflected in Monique’s many accomplishments that showcase her executive leadership, community advocacy and international flair. With 17 years of experience encompassing a combination of philanthropy, marketing communications, strategic planning and program implementation, partnerships, nonprofit management, community relations, and social innovation, Monique has proven herself to be a leader within both the corporate and cause arenas.
Monique is currently with Walmart serving as Director, Center for Racial Equity, Walmart.org, where she is responsible for helping steer their commitment to change within the organization and finding ways to leverage Walmart’s business and influence to shape systems extending beyond the company. She originally joined Walmart.org as the lead for customer and associate engagement. In her time managing community giving and volunteerism, Monique was able to institute online charitable round up at checkout for customers, virtual volunteering for associates, and national donation matching campaigns for both associates and customers at scale. Prior to Walmart, Monique was Director of Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility at Comcast NBCUniversal where she was responsible for ideating and developing innovative programs to solve social issues in communities nationwide, inclusive of leading NBCUniversal’s Emmy Award-winning public service campaign The More You Know and the company’s sustainability program, Green is Universal.
Earlier in Monique’s career she oversaw national and diversity outreach at Teach For America (TFA). As Managing Director, she was able to strengthen the organization’s brand and community initiatives by leading compelling campaigns and cause marketing programs that drove awareness and activated key audiences, in addition to keeping corporate donors and celebrity ambassadors engaged. Prior to TFA, at Black Enterprise Monique served as Director of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships overseeing marketing and audience development for the print magazine, two TV shows, and several revenue generating events. Monique also advised others through her own agency, Myles Ahead Consulting, and as an adjunct professor in business programs at both Fordham University and New York University (NYU). Monique first honed her skills managing clients, national field teams, and campaigns for CosmoGIRL! magazine at Hearst Corporation, where her love affair with leveraging media and platforms for good first began.
Monique has addressed many audiences, sharing her expertise and facilitation skills with hundreds of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. She was a featured speaker on the official 2018 programs at both South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). She has also been touted by The Network Journal, broadcasted on C-Span, and appeared on several radio programs. Monique was a 2011 America’s Leaders of Change fellow, featured as “New Yorker of the Week” by the New York Amsterdam News, named a 2012 NV Magazine Mover & Shaker, a 2015 Woman of Influence by New York Business Journal and 2018 Council of Urban Professionals Catalyst awardee. An avid global citizen, Monique was selected for a 2019 U.S. State Department delegation to Argentina with the American Council of Young Political Leaders and was invited to travel to Israel in 2014 as part of an American Israel Education Foundation delegation of Northeast leaders. She has also performed mission work in South Africa, studied the immigrant experience in France, and in 2013 she chaperoned youth on an educational tour throughout China.
Monique is overly committed to giving back. She was the founding Director of the Leadership Council for WorldofMoney.org, a nonprofit that teaches kids financial literacy, a founding officer of the New York Urban League Young Professionals, and a former youth advisor and officer of the Mid-Manhattan Branch of the NAACP. She has also held many elected and appointed offices within her local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Monique currently serves on the board of directors for the Symphony Orchestra of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) and EarthShare, a national environmental nonprofit, and is a leader within Walmart’s Black and African American associate resource group. For her good deeds, Monique has been recognized by Brown Memorial Baptist Church and is a recipient of the NANBPWC, Inc.’s. Distinguished Woman Award and Toyota’s Green Initiative Award.
