Building a Better Future: Spotlight on Social Impact Champions
At CDW, empowering communities is core to our company culture. Our commitment to making a lasting, meaningful difference is underpinned by our foundational beliefs that everyone should have equitable opportunities and be able to experience the unlimited possibilities that technology unlocks. As a leader in the technology sector, we believe it’s our responsibility to do what we can to make this reality by:
Providing access to technology | Supporting education initiatives
Building a workforce reflective of our world
With a focus on digital equity, we continue to drive meaningful progress across the strategic imperatives of our global Social Impact program by engaging our coworkers, empowering our communities and elevating our impact.
We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on two invaluable members of our Social Impact team, Taylor Amerman, Director, and Brandon Ruffin, Program Manager, of Global Social Impact at CDW. Through their experiences, we gain insight into their role and the impactful moments that have left a lasting impression.
Taylor Amerman
"Volunteering helps me keep a healthy perspective on my life. It makes me more grateful, humble, patient, generous, and empathetic. I gain new knowledge, get out of my comfort zone, and practice new skills from volunteering."
What’s been your favorite part of being part of the Social Impact team and the progress made?
The highlight of being on the Social Impact team is empowering our coworkers to make tangible differences in their communities. I love sharing about our matching gift program to amplify their contributions, helping them engage in volunteer opportunities, and supporting them through meaningful nonprofit board service. It's rewarding to see the direct impact of these initiatives.
What causes or organizations are you most passionate about supporting?
I am completing my 9th year of service on the Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA) Board of Directors. Among the many services they provide, I am most passionate about their addiction recovery services and restorative justice work. I have been a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters and a Court Appointed Special Advocate for CASA of the River Region for many years. My favorite volunteer commitment I have is to teach 3rd-5th grade handbells every Wednesday evening.
How do you feel volunteering contributes to your personal growth and development?
Volunteering has been instrumental in broadening my perspective and nurturing my core values of empathy and patience. I gain new knowledge, get out of my comfort zone, and practice new skills from volunteering. For example, I serve on the Finance Committee of VOA which has enhanced my analytical skills. I have also learned a lot more about the justice system from serving as a CASA volunteer.
Can you share a memorable experience you've had while volunteering?
The most rewarding moments come from witnessing the achievements of those I've supported. That might be a senior in high school playing challenging music that I taught how to read music in 3rd grade. It’s one of my Little Sisters graduating from high school and starting college. It’s a healthy baby that is born after their mother received treatment for her addiction. It’s a mentee of mine getting a new job, a promotion, or another amazing life accomplishment.
Do you have any tips for someone who's new to volunteering and wants to get started?
For those new at volunteering, I recommend starting with a friend or coworker. It takes courage to try something new. Going with someone else makes the experience more enjoyable and you can create meaningful memories together.
How has CDW supported you?
CDW supports me by trusting and empowering me to volunteer with organizations that matter most to me. I am grateful for the flexibility I have to attend board meetings, attend court hearings, and be present for the children that I support.
Brandon Ruffin
"Volunteer work can truly be a form of self-care that allows you to nourish your mind and body while assisting others."
What’s been your favorite part of being part of the Social Impact team and the progress made?
My favorite aspect of being part of the Social Impact team is the great connections I make with members of my community daily. In my role, I support the creation of sustainable and equitable impact in the communities where our coworkers live and work. It brings me great pride and joy to be able to work with so many organizations across my hometown of Chicago, specifically.
We have made great strides as a company in the Social Impact space in recent years and continue to empower communities across the globe. The steady increase of passion and involvement from all our coworkers motivates me!
I am also excited to continue driving impact through our strategic focus of digital equity. This is an area where CDW can make a distinct impact, given who we are and what we do.
What causes or organizations are you most passionate about supporting?
A few causes that I am passionate about personally are youth empowerment, justice system reform, and human rights.
How do you feel volunteering contributes to your personal growth and development?
When one volunteers their time for a cause or organization it is usually immediately apparent how their volunteerism contributes to the cause. However, many rarely consider how valuable volunteer work can be for the individual volunteering. Passion-driven volunteerism allows you to develop important interpersonal skills such as empathy and listening to understand. Skills-based volunteerism allows you to hone expertise. Volunteer work can truly be a form of self-care that nourishes your mind and body while assisting others.
Can you share a memorable experience you've had while volunteering?
I am eternally grateful for the many wonderful memories I have made while volunteering alongside others. My favorite recent memory is when we hosted students from our nonprofit partner, All Star Code, at the CDW Chicago office. This event was the culmination of a summer full of CDW coworkers volunteering to lead the Summer Intensive workshops offered by All Star Code.
During this event, Fellows participating in CDW’s Legacy Excellence Program connected with the All Star Code students. It was a day full of professional and personal development for everyone involved. I love working with the youth and helping them build skills necessary for a successful future. Many people helped me when I was younger and now, I love that I am able to do the same for others.
Do you have any tips for someone who's new to volunteering and wants to get started?
My best advice is to just get started! There is a volunteer opportunity for everyone out there, no matter your skills, background, or abilities. Everyone has time to give, and time is truly valuable.
Consider what causes you are passionate about and find organizations that align with these causes. This will lead to the most impactful volunteer opportunities, in my opinion.
How has CDW supported you?
CDW supports all coworkers to give back by using their Social Impact benefits – 8 hours of paid volunteer time off and the matching gifts program. In addition to these great benefits, CDW supports me to be my authentic self. Our Social Impact team values integrity, humility, transparency, and equity. These are important things to consider when interacting with members of communities and nonprofit organizations. I can embody these values because of support from CDW leadership and specifically my manager Taylor Amerman!
– CDW Coworkers
Read more about our Social Impact.
At CDW, empowering communities is core to our company culture. Our commitment to making a lasting, meaningful difference is underpinned by our foundational beliefs that everyone should have equitable opportunities and be able to experience the unlimited possibilities that technology unlocks. As a leader in the technology sector, we believe it’s our responsibility to do what we can to make this reality by:
Providing access to technology | Supporting education initiatives
Building a workforce reflective of our world
With a focus on digital equity, we continue to drive meaningful progress across the strategic imperatives of our global Social Impact program by engaging our coworkers, empowering our communities and elevating our impact.
We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on two invaluable members of our Social Impact team, Taylor Amerman, Director, and Brandon Ruffin, Program Manager, of Global Social Impact at CDW. Through their experiences, we gain insight into their role and the impactful moments that have left a lasting impression.
Taylor Amerman
"Volunteering helps me keep a healthy perspective on my life. It makes me more grateful, humble, patient, generous, and empathetic. I gain new knowledge, get out of my comfort zone, and practice new skills from volunteering."
What’s been your favorite part of being part of the Social Impact team and the progress made?
The highlight of being on the Social Impact team is empowering our coworkers to make tangible differences in their communities. I love sharing about our matching gift program to amplify their contributions, helping them engage in volunteer opportunities, and supporting them through meaningful nonprofit board service. It's rewarding to see the direct impact of these initiatives.
What causes or organizations are you most passionate about supporting?
I am completing my 9th year of service on the Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA) Board of Directors. Among the many services they provide, I am most passionate about their addiction recovery services and restorative justice work. I have been a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters and a Court Appointed Special Advocate for CASA of the River Region for many years. My favorite volunteer commitment I have is to teach 3rd-5th grade handbells every Wednesday evening.
How do you feel volunteering contributes to your personal growth and development?
Volunteering has been instrumental in broadening my perspective and nurturing my core values of empathy and patience. I gain new knowledge, get out of my comfort zone, and practice new skills from volunteering. For example, I serve on the Finance Committee of VOA which has enhanced my analytical skills. I have also learned a lot more about the justice system from serving as a CASA volunteer.
Can you share a memorable experience you've had while volunteering?
The most rewarding moments come from witnessing the achievements of those I've supported. That might be a senior in high school playing challenging music that I taught how to read music in 3rd grade. It’s one of my Little Sisters graduating from high school and starting college. It’s a healthy baby that is born after their mother received treatment for her addiction. It’s a mentee of mine getting a new job, a promotion, or another amazing life accomplishment.
Do you have any tips for someone who's new to volunteering and wants to get started?
For those new at volunteering, I recommend starting with a friend or coworker. It takes courage to try something new. Going with someone else makes the experience more enjoyable and you can create meaningful memories together.
How has CDW supported you?
CDW supports me by trusting and empowering me to volunteer with organizations that matter most to me. I am grateful for the flexibility I have to attend board meetings, attend court hearings, and be present for the children that I support.
Brandon Ruffin
"Volunteer work can truly be a form of self-care that allows you to nourish your mind and body while assisting others."
What’s been your favorite part of being part of the Social Impact team and the progress made?
My favorite aspect of being part of the Social Impact team is the great connections I make with members of my community daily. In my role, I support the creation of sustainable and equitable impact in the communities where our coworkers live and work. It brings me great pride and joy to be able to work with so many organizations across my hometown of Chicago, specifically.
We have made great strides as a company in the Social Impact space in recent years and continue to empower communities across the globe. The steady increase of passion and involvement from all our coworkers motivates me!
I am also excited to continue driving impact through our strategic focus of digital equity. This is an area where CDW can make a distinct impact, given who we are and what we do.
What causes or organizations are you most passionate about supporting?
A few causes that I am passionate about personally are youth empowerment, justice system reform, and human rights.
How do you feel volunteering contributes to your personal growth and development?
When one volunteers their time for a cause or organization it is usually immediately apparent how their volunteerism contributes to the cause. However, many rarely consider how valuable volunteer work can be for the individual volunteering. Passion-driven volunteerism allows you to develop important interpersonal skills such as empathy and listening to understand. Skills-based volunteerism allows you to hone expertise. Volunteer work can truly be a form of self-care that nourishes your mind and body while assisting others.
Can you share a memorable experience you've had while volunteering?
I am eternally grateful for the many wonderful memories I have made while volunteering alongside others. My favorite recent memory is when we hosted students from our nonprofit partner, All Star Code, at the CDW Chicago office. This event was the culmination of a summer full of CDW coworkers volunteering to lead the Summer Intensive workshops offered by All Star Code.
During this event, Fellows participating in CDW’s Legacy Excellence Program connected with the All Star Code students. It was a day full of professional and personal development for everyone involved. I love working with the youth and helping them build skills necessary for a successful future. Many people helped me when I was younger and now, I love that I am able to do the same for others.
Do you have any tips for someone who's new to volunteering and wants to get started?
My best advice is to just get started! There is a volunteer opportunity for everyone out there, no matter your skills, background, or abilities. Everyone has time to give, and time is truly valuable.
Consider what causes you are passionate about and find organizations that align with these causes. This will lead to the most impactful volunteer opportunities, in my opinion.
How has CDW supported you?
CDW supports all coworkers to give back by using their Social Impact benefits – 8 hours of paid volunteer time off and the matching gifts program. In addition to these great benefits, CDW supports me to be my authentic self. Our Social Impact team values integrity, humility, transparency, and equity. These are important things to consider when interacting with members of communities and nonprofit organizations. I can embody these values because of support from CDW leadership and specifically my manager Taylor Amerman!
– CDW Coworkers
Read more about our Social Impact.
