Category: Foundation
GIVING TUESDAY – Better Together
Published December 8, 2025 by pgalums in
Giving Tuesday is a global charitable movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. Giving Tuesday was created as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good.
Join the movement and give. There are many ways to give, whether it is some of your time or a donation to your local charity. Or you can consider giving to The P&G Alumni Foundation that is working to teach and create sustainable economic empowerment around the world.
Trained for Opportunities. Giving for Impact.
Published by pgalums in
The skills learned live on in the work of the P&G Alumni community around the world, who are using their P&G training to serve as Grant Champions for the non-profit organizations they are involved in. This community is turning the lessons that built our careers into opportunities that build sustainable economic empowerment futures for others around the world.
One example is the non profit ELIS in Italy with P&G Alum Grant Champion Virginia Filippi. Through a 2024 grant from the P&G Alumni Foundation, 15 young adults who have come in contact with the legal justice system have been trained with professional certification as industrial electrical installers, given life skills coaching, and peer-to-peer mentorship as part of Elis’ Project Second Chance. Previous participants saw nearly 100% reduction in recidivism, allowing them to create a sustainable life for themselves and their families. Over 6,000 people have been trained by this program so far.
This year was our highest grant year ever- $230,000 awarded from 12 Grants plus an additional $20,000 in Germany – with 260,000+ lives improved across 47 countries. Although we have come a long way, there is still much to be done. For every grant we make, 5 are waiting for funding, that’s 10,000 people not trained and 2,000 new businesses not started this year alone.
YEAR-END CHALLENGE!
We invite you to consider a new or extended gift to the Foundation. Help us fund a full year of grants – our goal is $275,000. Your support inspires others to get involved and creates a ripple effect of positive change. It’s with true gratitude to P&G Alum David Taylor that every dollar donated to the Alumni Foundation will be 100% MATCHED! Your donation of $25 becomes $50, $100 becomes $200, $1,000 becomes $2,000 and so on up to $100,000!
Building Pathways to Employment: Training for Opportunity. Giving for Impact.
Published November 19, 2025 by pgalums in
The PGA Italia Foundation is officially launching to bring the P&G spirit of capability and compassion to life across Italy. The Foundation’s mission is simple but powerful: to professionally train people in need and help them enter the job market, creating sustainable economic empowerment and lasting social impact.
Through this initiative, P&G Alumni are applying the superpowers learned at P&G — strategic thinking, root problem solving, brand building, and behavior change — to help nonprofits thrive, expand their reach, and create long-term opportunities for those they serve.
Our journey begins: Changing Lives, One Job at a Time!
We are thrilled to share the exciting first steps the P&GA Italia Foundation is taking to fulfill our core mission: helping individuals facing social vulnerability find a firm footing in the workforce and build brighter futures.
The Pilot Test with NEXT and SAVET
We launched our very first pilot project in collaboration with NEXT, an association renowned for its incredible work in integrating vulnerable talents.We proudly note that NEXT is a trusted partner, having been funded by P&G Italia for three consecutive years under their social responsibility projects. We partnered with SAVET, a leading company in industrial and urban green space maintenance, introduced by our Board Member, Federico Minoli.
Our role was that of a strategic connector between the company and the association. NEXT directly covered the training costs, and our team of PG Alumni – Daniela Bottarelli and Txema Maequiegui – generously dedicated their time and expertise as volunteers, guiding the participants through the training. As a result, out of 10 people involved, 5 have already been hired and our collaboration with NEXT continues to secure new opportunities for the others.
Project approved with DOLE S.P.A.
Our first officially approved project is kicking off with a giant in the fruit and vegetable sector: DOLE s.p.a., again alongside the NEXT association.
We will be training skilled Warehouse Workers and the program is scheduled to start in January and will last for one month. Our Grant ( 20.000€/ 23.000 USD ) will cover the entire training cost, providing participants with both theoretical instruction and valuable on-the-job experience. We will involve about 10 participants, and our ambition is for 5 of them to be hired by Dole immediately and the other within one year: This partnership was made possible by Cinzia Angeli, who has a direct connection with the General Manager, Giusto Curti, a former P&G manager. Volunteers at the Heart are Daniela and Txema who will once again participate directly in the in-class training. The long-term goal is to replicate this successful model at the company’s other warehouses across Central Italy!
Project to be approved : EmpowerHer proposed by ELIS
EmpowerHer ,proposed by Elis association, is a project designed to provide tools for women’s personal and professional empowerment, developed in honour of Francie Peppier. The initiative focuses on digital skills training to enhance employability in the Customer Care sector. The program is targeted at 15 women, with an employability goal of 80%, and is expected to be funded (USD 25,000) through the generous contributions of John Pepper and Federico Minoli. We selected ELIS, a high-profile association that has previously won a P&G Alumni award. Virginia Filippi is our tireless Champion (advocate and key contact).
Pillars of Trust and Support
We are incredibly honored to have received the support of two P&G pillars: John Pepper and Toni Belloni. We thank them wholeheartedly for their trust and their inspiring words and we want to quote few lines of their letters
” The establishment of the P&G Alumni Foundation in Italy give me pride and emotions (…) Many years have passed, and we still are all very attached to our true alma mater, and joined by a professional experience that has been transformational for our lives as well. So good!!!” Toni Belloni
“To have all these purpose-driven groups of people coming together in a cause of improving life for people—an extension of P&G’s purpose—is an inspiration.” John Pepper
It is just the beginning; there is so much more to come!
Better Together: P&G Alumni Foundation’s 2024-25 Impact Report
Published November 11, 2025 by pgalums in
THANK YOU to the many donors who generously supported the Foundation and the people we serve. We are excited and grateful to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the P&G Alumni Foundation and announce record-breaking donations raised and grants awarded.
With our theme “Better Together” in this report, please enjoy life-changing stories and the many smiles of our P&G alumni grant champions and grant beneficiaries – with 260,000+ lives improved across 47 countries! Click the Alumni Foundation’s 2024-25 Impact Report image and link below to enjoy success stories, exciting new ways alums have gotten involved, and our financial picture.
With a sense of gratitude for the skills learned and lifelong friendships made at P&G, alums are paying it forward. Together, we are harnessing the power of the Global P&G Alumni Network to give charitably and apply our expertise to help drive economic empowerment for generations to come.
We hope you share our excitement, and you will help us do even more in the years to come. We are better together!!!
P&G Alumni Foundation Elects New Board Members
Published November 3, 2025 by pgalums in
With all the current needs in the world there is no better time than right now to get involved with the P&G Alumni Foundation! The P&G Alumni Foundation awarded $230,000 in grants this year – more than ever before.
Across all grant years, we multiply the impact of our 86 alumni grant champions who follow their passions and work with nonprofits in 47 countries. Together, we are a force for good multiplied! Our total of 138 grants have improved lives for 260,000+ people in communities now and for generations to come.
Recently, the Foundation elected two new board members. They each bring great passion and philanthropic experience to their roles and are aligned to an innovative strategy to support our continued growth. We are fortunate to have their energy and talent to help leverage our shared values to invest together and create opportunities. We are excited to expand their role in the Foundation.
Janet Butler | Ghana, Africa
Janet is a Mechanical Engineer who worked for over 23 years for Procter & Gamble (P&G) in both the United States and Nigeria. She has clocked many “firsts” in her career and is most proud of having been the first Plant Manager for Procter & Gamble Nigeria Ltd.
Janet left P&G in 2000 and moved to Ghana with her family to establish permanent residency. She has had a number of contract Executive roles in Ghana, including Managing Director (CEO) for Pioneer Aluminum Factory, the oldest indigenous company on the Ghana Stock Exchange, and Chief Officer (VP) of Shared Services for Ghana Telecom, the incumbent telecom provider in Ghana. Janet was also CEO of Teligent Wireless Ltd. a Ghanaian-owned company that provides state-of-the-art communications solutions to corporate entities and small and medium-sized enterprises in West Africa.
She is a founding member and 1st President of the Governing Council (Board) of United Way Ghana.
In October 2010, she took on the newly established role of Vice President, Africa Region, United Way Worldwide, responsible for the growth and sustainability of United Way organizations on the African continent.
Janet retired from her position at United Way Worldwide in March 2023. She continues to lend her expertise through Board membership, executive coaching, and strategic advice.
Janet is a member of the Governing Council of United Way Ghana, Board member of GDI Africa, Advisory Board member of LandTours & Avis Ghana and Advisory Board Member of the Kokrobitey Institute.
Janet already been an active part of the Foundation, serving as the alumni Grant Champion for United Way Ghana – championing efforts to break the chains of human trafficking. Janet also served as a founding committee member of the P&G Alumni Women’s Leadership Forum, and in 2024, served as a speaker on the Women on Boards – Champions of Change webinar hosted by the P&G Alumni Network.
Gina Drosos | Texas and Georgia, USA
Virginia C. Drosos is an accomplished CEO, board director, and transformational leader with more than three decades of experience spanning global consumer, healthcare, and retail industries. She currently serves on the Boards of International Flavors & Fragrances (NYSE: IFF), where she is a member of the Compensation, Audit, and Innovation Committees, and the United States Golf Association (USGA), where she chairs the Leadership and Talent Development Committee and the USGA Foundation, where she serves on the Finance, Audit & Risk and Handicap Operating Committees. She has also served on the Boards of Foot Locker, Inc., Signet Jewelers Ltd., Akron Children’s Hospital, American Financial Group (NYSE: AFG), and Cosmetic Executive Women, where she chaired the CEW Foundation – Cancer & Careers.
From 2017 to 2024, Ms. Drosos was the Chief Executive Officer of Signet Jewelers Ltd., the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry. She led a sweeping strategic, digital, and cultural transformation that delivered a 540% Total Shareholder Return post-COVID, more than five times the retail industry average. During her tenure, Signet increased revenue by over $1 billion, expanded market share by nearly 40%, and earned recognition as a Certified™ Great Place to Work® for five consecutive years, including honors from Fortune and Forbes as one of the Best Workplaces in Retail™ and America’s Best Employers for Women.
Prior to Signet, Ms. Drosos served as CEO of Assurex Health, where she grew the company’s GeneSight® test twelvefold and led its successful strategic sale to Myriad Genetics, recognized as Ohio’s Venture Exit of the Year (2016).
She spent 25 years at The Procter & Gamble Company, culminating as Group President, Global Beauty, where she led a $12 billion portfolio and built multibillion-dollar brands that redefined beauty categories worldwide.
Gina has previously been involved with the foundation as she was a featured speaker in 2024 for the Foundation’s (Re)Connect & Inspire series for Leadership Circle donors, and became a Foundation Trustee Advisor in 2025.
Gratitude, Growth, 4Good – P&G Alums
Fueled by a sense of gratitude for the skills learned and friends made at P&G, The P&G Alumni Foundation pays it forward. Our grant champions and 300+ volunteers worldwide share their time and talent to empower sustainable employment and bright futures for people in need around the world. This changes lives, communities, and generations.
Grant Champions: Purpose in Action Across the Americas
Published September 23, 2025 by pgalums in
Grant Champions: Purpose in Action Across the Americas
Welcome to the final installment in our series celebrating P&G Alumni Foundation Grant Champions—alumni using their leadership, expertise, and compassion to drive meaningful, sustainable change. Across the Americas, these Champions are turning purpose into practice—lifting lives through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.
Nourishing Lives | Freestore Foodbank & Cincinnati COOKS!
Champion: Mike Kremzar
With 35 years at P&G in senior Product Supply and R&D roles, Mike Kremzar helped launch Cincinnati COOKS! in 2000—a culinary workforce program providing second chances through job training. He continues to serve on its advisory board, helping guide strategic growth.
“What I learned at P&G about purpose and execution is what I bring to Freestore.” – Mike Kremzar
Mike is one of many P&G alums supporting Freestore, including David Taylor, Sue Baggott, Mike Collette, and others.
Breaking the Cycle | Cincinnati Youth Collaborative
Champion: John Pepper
Former P&G CEO John Pepper co-founded Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC) in 1987 to address educational inequities. Since then, CYC has helped more than 180,000 students stay in school and succeed.
“A child’s future can be redefined with a modicum of support.” – John Pepper
John remains an active Advisory Board Member, continuing to champion youth opportunity.
Backing Honduran Entrepreneurs | Adelante Foundation, Honduras
Champion: Robert Johnson
Former P&G Sales leader Robert Johnson supports Adelante Foundation, which provides microloans and training to women entrepreneurs in Honduras.
“Adelante believes in the strength and energy of Honduran women.” – Robert Johnson
A $20,000 grant is helping women like Iris grow sustainable businesses—and hope.
From Poverty to Progress | Cincinnati Works
Champion: Dan Fleming
After 17 years at P&G in Finance and Product Supply, Dan Fleming now brings structure and strategy to Cincinnati Works, which connects people in poverty directly to employment opportunities.
“That connection with job seekers makes my efforts meaningful.” – Dan Fleming
He serves as a volunteer, donor, and Board Member—deepening impact at every level.
Empowering Through Work | Mercy Neighborhood Ministries, USA
Champion: Margaret Szempruch
A 25-year P&G Brand Management alum, Margaret Szempruch served as Board Member and Education Chair for Mercy Neighborhood Ministries—helping strengthen workforce development programs for underserved women.
“Our grants supported training, smartboards, and gap assistance to help women build independence.” – Margaret Szempruch
Her leadership helped expand reach and raise job placement rates.
Skills That Last | Beyond Relief, Haiti
Champion: David Kuntz
David Kuntz and his wife Anita founded Beyond Relief to teach young Haitians trades like welding and carpentry. David brings 35 years of P&G Product Supply experience and continues to mentor local teams on the ground.
“Beyond Relief isn’t about handouts—it’s about hands up.” – David Kuntz
Purpose in Action, Impact in Numbers
Across this four-part series, we’ve highlighted over 30 remarkable P&G Alumni Grant Champions who’ve brought purpose, performance, and compassion into their post-P&G lives. Their collective impact includes:
- Educating thousands of students—including 800+ girls in Sierra Leone
- Funding entrepreneurs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America
- Expanding workforce programs that improve economic mobility
- Volunteering, governing, and mentoring to scale grassroots impact
These stories remind us that a single Champion—or a small group—can spark transformation when purpose meets action.
Join the Movement
Want to become a Grant Champion or support one?
Learn how the P&G Alumni Foundation can help amplify your impact through grants and storytelling.
Together, we’re proving that the P&G spirit lives on—through lives transformed, businesses built, and communities uplifted.
Grant Champions: From Purpose to Impact
Published September 15, 2025 by pgalums in
Grant Champions: From Purpose to Impact
In this third chapter of our Grant Champion series, we celebrate P&G Alumni who are delivering real, measurable impact across Africa. Whether it’s planting coconut trees in Sierra Leone, growing businesses in Uganda, or mentoring young leaders in Rwanda, these champions are transforming lives by combining operational excellence with a heart for service. Their leadership—rooted in P&G principles—is creating lasting change for individuals, families, and communities.
Health and Hope | Arts to End Genocide, Mali
Champion: Jim Bisbee
After 24 years at P&G, Jim Bisbee brings his talents to Arts to End Genocide, where he serves as Board President. From training local leaders to writing grants, Jim’s efforts have helped open a free children’s clinic (serving 11,000+ youth) and deliver shoes to 3,700+ children.
“We’re small, but mighty. The mission is enormous—but so is the reward.” – Jim Bisbee
This impact is also a family affair—his daughter Lisa, also a P&G alum, supports branding and design.
Building Community Resilience | United Way Ghana
Champion: Janet Butler
Janet Butler, a 28-year P&G Engineering alum, was been a cornerstone of United Way Ghana for nearly two decades. As a Governance Council member, she supported education, health, and economic stability programs.
“It’s about building not just systems—but a movement of active citizen leadership.” – Janet Butler
United Way Ghana has become a beacon of locally-led, sustainable development.
Sweet Success | Partners Worldwide, Eswatini
Champion: Jim Louwsma
Via its partnership with Partners Worldwide, P&G alum Jim Louwsma helped AfricaWorks Swaziland (AWS) distribute 756 beehives to 378 farmers, producing 11,250+ kilograms of honey in their first harvest—generating enough revenue to fund 750 more hives next year.
“It’s about income, resilience, and long-term scalability.” – Jim Louwsma
Jim also guided AWP through a leadership transition, ensuring future sustainability.
From Maize to Miracles | Just Earth, Kenya
Champion: Alex Lloyd Davies
With 16 years in P&G Brand Management and CBD, Alex supports Just Earth, which is transforming smallholder farms through sustainable agriculture.
“I’ve met people who turned scrappy maize fields into towering 12-foot crops.” – Alex Lloyd Davies
Through farm schools and business training, these families are growing futures as well as food.
Dancing for Change | World Dance for Humanity, Rwanda
Champion: Betsy Stivers
Betsy Stivers, a 20+ year alum in Manufacturing and Product Supply, leads the Business Committee for World Dance for Humanity, supporting 25+ women’s cooperatives across Rwanda.
“Our multi-pillar approach—from leadership training to livestock—makes a real difference.” – Betsy Stivers
She helps mentor entrepreneurs, strengthen business systems, and sponsor students.
Girls’ Education & Coconut Trees | Sherbro Foundation, Sierra Leone
Champion: Arlene Golembiewski
After 30 years in P&G Product Supply, Arlene founded Sherbro Foundation to empower girls through education—and fund it through fruit trees.
“We planted 4,500 coconut trees. They now fund scholarships for 800+ girls.” – Arlene Golembiewski
A bold vision turned into 2,000+ scholarships and a sustainable model for community-led education.
Stay tuned for Part 4, where we close out our series by highlighting Grant Champions making waves across North and South America—continuing to embody the P&G legacy of service, innovation, and impact.
Grant Champions: Creating Pathways to Dignity and Opportunity
Published September 10, 2025 by pgalums in
In this second installment of our series, we shine a light on P&G Alumni who are transforming lives across Europe. Through mentorship, strategic leadership, and unwavering purpose, these Grant Champions are delivering sustainable impact—equipping young people, empowering women, and uplifting underserved communities. They embody the spirit of the P&G Alumni Foundation: purpose in action.
Unlocking Potential |Associazione Centro ELIS, Italy
Champion: Virginia Filippi
Former P&G Consumer Relations and Sales leader Virginia Filippi has turned her expertise into a powerful force for vocational training. As Chairperson of the Board of CEDAL, part of the ELIS network, she has helped grow the organization’s team from 110 to 500—nearly half of them women.
“I wanted to return the skills I gained over 12 years at P&G.” – Virginia Filippi
Together with alums Patrizia Gabellini and Luigi De Costanzo, Virginia is helping young Italians build meaningful, sustainable careers.
Empowering the Visually Impaired | Trust to Achieve, Switzerland
Champion: Amaury Marchandise
Amaury Marchandise, a 20-year veteran of P&G CBD, leads Trust to Achieve, a nonprofit unlocking professional opportunities for the visually impaired. Since 2019, he’s served as President—creating a vibrant network of 50+ blind and visually impaired professionals.
“VIPs – Visually Impaired Persons – are an untapped talent pool. We’re bridging the gap between ability and opportunity.” – Amaury Marchandise
With support from Thibault Trancart, a blind P&G Brand Manager and TtA board member, the organization is reshaping what workplace inclusion truly means.
Restoring Lives | Nuovo Orizzonti, Italy
Champions: Enrico D’Onofrio & Marinella Rivitti
P&G alums Enrico D’Onofrio and Marinella Rivitti are guiding young Italians recovering from addiction back toward hope. Through Nuovo Orizzonti, they’ve applied their P&G skills in finance, marketing, and strategic development—while serving as active Board members and donors.
“It’s about creating opportunities where there was once only a disadvantage.” – Enrico D’Onofrio
Their work is helping rebuild lives—and futures—through compassion, structure, and the power of purpose.
Creating Bright Futures | Young Enterprise, United Kingdom
Champion: Kevin Williams
P&G Alum Kevin Williams has been active in YE’s Company Programme in Surrey for over 2 decades. Young Enterprise (YE) is the UK’s leading enterprise education charity, creating a connected world of young people, business volunteers and educators inspiring each other to succeed through enterprise. Kevin is an active volunteer serving as a business advisor and a current member of the YE Surrey Board. Kevin is instrumental in overseeing the programme in Surrey and active in the recruitment of many P&Ger’s (employees & alumni) as business advisers.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll head to Africa and the Middle East, spotlighting more Grant Champions harnessing their P&G experiences to ignite change and empower communities worldwide.
Grant Champions: Igniting Impact Through Gratitude Driven Leadership
Published September 2, 2025 by pgalums in
The P&G Alumni Foundation celebrates a powerful network of changemakers—Grant Champions—whose passion, expertise, and P&G values have translated into transformative social impact around the world. These alums not only sponsor our grants; they roll up their sleeves, mentoring, fundraising, leading, and amplifying the missions of grassroots organizations, making a tangible difference. The P&G Alumni Foundation is proud to have 86 Grant Champions across our history; they are our Foundation Heroes. We will highlight a handful of Grant Champions in this four-part series to share their amazing work.
We begin with stories of impact across Asia—from Nepal to Thailand, India to Bhutan—where P&G alums are transforming lives through enterprise, dignity, and health equity.
Freedom Through Work | Aruna Project, India
Champion: Maddie Bell
A former P&G Brand Manager, Maddie now drives brand strategy for Aruna, a social enterprise helping survivors of sex trafficking in India find freedom through dignified employment. With fellow P&G alums Tom Rockwood, Steve Simpson, Dan Price, and Kathleen Glover, Maddie helped boost Aruna’s brand reach and impact.
“The most compelling metric? An 85% sustained freedom rate—meaning the majority of women never return to trafficking.” – Maddie Bell
Rare Diseases, Real Solutions | ZYL Caring Center, China
Champion: Cheryl Gui
With 20 years at P&G, Cheryl Gui now uplifts China’s rare disease community. As ZYL’s Honorary Vice Chair, she leads volunteer efforts and public engagement—including a 2024 choir performance in Guangzhou’s busiest metro station.
“ZYL is a magic team. Their tireless work replaces despair with dignity.” – Cheryl Gui
Cheryl has secured $5,000+ in funding and engaged 200+ volunteers for ZYL’s programs in mental health and vocational support.
Farming for the Future | iDE, Nepal
Champion: Linda Porter-Cox
A longtime P&G leader, Linda now supports iDE’s mission to empower rural farmers—especially women—with sustainable farming practices.
“The impact goes far beyond income. Women and their children now have pathways to opportunity.” – Linda Porter-Cox
Linda’s supported grant has already increased annual income by $658 for over 2,000 beneficiaries.
Business as a Force for Good | JoyCorps, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Myanmar
Champion: Henry Ho
With 19 years at P&G, Henry Ho brings his Product Supply and CBD expertise to JoyCorps’ board, championing entrepreneurship in Thailand’s marginalized regions.
“Redemptive businesses offer lasting transformation.” – Henry Ho
Foundation grants are fueling dozens of ventures and sustainable job creation in the Golden Triangle.
Sparking Entrepreneurial Growth | Loden Foundation, Bhutan
Champion: Gabriela Franco
Gabriela France spent 5 years at P&G in Brand Management, working mostly in Latin America. She has used this experience to help the Loden Foundation train over 150 entrepreneurs in Bhutan, host a Global Entrepreneurship Week, and launch an interest-free loan program for underserved founders—including women-led businesses in remote areas.
“We’re helping unlock ideas that drive local change.” – Dorji Tashi, Loden Foundation
Look out for Part 2, where we’ll spotlight Grant Champions making waves across Europe—carrying forward the P&G legacy of leadership, service, and purpose.
City Gospel Mission: 100 Years of Hope, Healing, and New Beginnings
Published August 25, 2025 by pgalums in
💌 City Gospel Mission: 100 Years of Hope, Healing, and New Beginnings
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Despair—One Life at a Time
In the heart of Cincinnati, a quiet revolution of hope is happening. For 100 years, City Gospel Mission has been a place where men, women, and families facing unimaginable challenges find not only shelter and food—but dignity, purpose, and a path forward. P&G Alumni Foundation is proud to partner with City Gospel Mission with their 2024 Grant Award. Here is how the partnership is paying it forward to generations to come.
Take Jonathan, for example.
“I was living in Las Vegas when my back gave out. No insurance. No income. I was basically crippled for two years. I moved to Cincinnati, living with my mom—just trying to survive on her Social Security. I wanted to work again, but I didn’t think anyone would hire me after being out for so long.”
That’s when Jonathan found JobsPlus, City Gospel Mission’s workforce readiness program. Through classes, resume help, interview coaching, and job fairs, Jonathan found more than just a job—he found hope.
“Now I’m working again. I can help my mom instead of the other way around. It feels like we’re doing pretty good. JobsPlus brought me back up again.”
Or meet Alvester, who lost his wife—his high school sweetheart of 30 years—and spiraled into homelessness and addiction.
“When she passed away, I lost everything—my home, my dignity. I went to rehab, and they told me about JobsPlus. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.”
With the help of mentors and staff who truly care, Alvester not only found a job—he’s been promoted, is training others, and even got his driver’s license back.
“They were on my side every step of the way. It’s not just about jobs. It’s about second chances, support, and believing in someone when they can’t believe in themselves.”
🔹 The Legacy of Service
Founded in 1924 by James N. Gamble of Procter & Gamble, City Gospel Mission has grown from a single downtown location to a $14 million organization transforming thousands of lives each year.
In the last two decades, they have completed 10 mergers and acquisitions, built new facilities, and launched game-changing programs like Whiz Kids (tutoring), Step Forward (recovery through running), and JobsPlus, now in its 30th year.
They are not just meeting needs—they are breaking generational cycles of poverty and despair.
🔹 Powered by People Who Care
None of this would be possible without a dedicated team of P&G alumni and the donations to the P&G Alumni Foundation:
- Barry Baker and Alumni Grant Champion, former Section Manager at P&G, is now the Executive VP and Chief Administrative Officer after 19 years of service.
- Chris Heiert, P&G retiree and former SVP of Olay, founded the Step Forward running program, empowering addiction recovery residents through training and races.
- In 2023, over 30 P&G staff and alumni volunteered regularly—as mentors, tutors, meal servers, and classroom teachers.
Thank you for standing with the P&G Alumni Foundation and City Gospel Mission—and for being part of this century-long journey of hope.
World Dance for Humanity: A Movement Changing Lives
Published August 12, 2025 by pgalums in
🌍 World Dance for Humanity: A Movement Changing Lives 🌍
At World Dance for Humanity (WD4H), they connect communities across the globe through the transformative power of movement—and deliver real support where it matters most. With every dance class and every generous donation, they bring hope and sustainable change to underserved communities, both locally and in developing countries like Rwanda.
WD4H, with the recent P&G Alumni Foundation Grant, is not just funding programs—it is changing lives.
🌟 Meet Our P&G Champion: Betsy Stivers
A cornerstone of this impact is Betsy Stivers, a dedicated P&G alumna whose deep belief in opportunity, education, and human dignity shines through her tireless commitment to WD4H. Betsy has been a long-time sponsor of students in Rwanda, most notably supporting Jovy Kakwezi through his high school and college education. Her involvement has extended far beyond financial support—she has been a mentor, advocate, and voice for the underserved. Through Betsy’s sponsorship and partnership, WD4H has been able to nurture future leaders and strengthen the local cooperative ecosystem. Her example shows how one person’s generosity and leadership can ripple across communities and generations.
💡 From Trauma to Triumph: Odette’s Story
Odette, a genocide survivor and mother of three, once lived with unimaginable pain and poverty. She lost family members—and her arm—during the Rwandan genocide. “I was that mother who would spend the whole day moving from house to house begging for food,” she recalls.
Everything changed when she joined the Abishyizehamwe Cooperative, a bakery business launched with P&G Alumni Foundation support. The co-op gave her a renewed sense of purpose, dignity, and a source of income. “Now, I’m not begging—I’m sharing food with others. I bought a piece of land. I even got a prosthesis. My life is full of meaning again.”
“Thanks to your help, I am not who I was. I am who I am meant to be.” – Odette
🚴♂️ From Student to Leader: Jovy’s Journey
Meet Jovy Kakwezi, a former sponsored student who is now our Business Coordinator in Rwanda. After receiving high school and college support from donor Betsy Stiver, Jovy has become a powerful force in the co-ops.
“I never knew I could manage businesses, but now I’m confident. My income supports me and my siblings. This job has given me peace, purpose, and pride,” Jovy says. With his leadership, our co-op businesses are growing stronger every day.
🎁 Your Generosity at Work
Here are examples of how the P&G Alumni Foundation Grant is making a life-changing difference:
- 📘 $40 – Textbook for a student
- 🐐 $70 – Goat for a family
- 🚲 $150 – Bicycle for a business
- 🎓 $450 – One year of high school education
- 🐄 $1,000 – Cow for a cooperative
Each contribution supports the multi-pillar approach: education, livestock, healthcare, leadership training, and business startups.
📊 Grant Results: Measurable & Meaningful
WD4H has launched 10 businesses and 3 improvement projects through past P&G grants. With oversight from our Business Committee and newly appointed Coordinator, Jovy, we now monitor 18 businesses. Each one reports key results, showing consistent revenue and increasing co-op member confidence.
🌱 Looking Ahead
In 2025, we’re seeking renewed support to:
- Expand Business Training
- Fund our Business Coordinator role
- Support 4 new business students
- Scale the reach and sustainability of our cooperatives
As one of our team members said, “We are not just helping people survive. We are helping them thrive.”
Celebrating Visionary Leadership and Global Impact
Published July 29, 2025 by pgalums in
Celebrating Visionary Leadership and Global Impact
At the 2025 P&G Alumni Global Reunion in Berlin, two outstanding members of the P&G Alumni Foundation Board were honored for their inspiring contributions to their communities and the world. These awards largely reflect service beyond their work with P&G alumni, celebrating not just achievement – but purpose-driven leadership that reflects the very best of the P&G Alumni community.
🌟 Deb Kielty – Community Service Award
Deb Kielty received the Community Service Award, recognizing a lifetime of dedication to advancing global opportunity and cross-sector collaboration. While alums are familiar with Deb’s work on the Alumni Foundation, her community service spans 30+ years. A former P&G Vice President, Deb later led the World Trade Center Institute, a non-profit focused on empowering global leaders with ideas and connections to drive growth and global good. She and her WTCI team hosted over 7,000 international professionals exchanging best practices and engaged over 3,500 firms. Deb co-founded WTCI’s Women Spanning the Globe Leadership Conference now in its 20th year, and is passionate about leveraging diversity and gender-balanced teams to drive innovation, economic empowerment and global good.
Deb has also served on many non-profit boards, including as President of Families with Children from China, Johns Hopkins Jhpiego Affiliate dedicated to maternal/family health care in low resource countries, BOS Women and Children Homeless Shelter, Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs, and the University of Maryland Center for International Business Education. In 2019, Deb was honored by U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski for her dedication to advancing women’s global leadership.
🌱 Aliyu Mohammed Ali – Early Achievement Award
🌍 Aliyu Mohammed Ali, PGAF Officer, CEO & Co-Founder of Ehfaaz, received the Early Achievement Award for his transformative leadership in sustainable innovation. In just six years, his Dubai-based company has reimagined the circular economy – turning CPG industry waste into compost, animal feed, and industrial cleaning products. Aliyu is redefining how the Middle East and Africa approach waste by building one of the region’s first full-stack circular economy platforms.
Ehfaaz has been featured in global media and showcased at COP27, COP28 and COP29 where Aliyu served as a featured speaker. In an industry slow to embrace innovation, Aliyu is leading with bold solutions while mentoring the next generation of changemakers and championing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
True to its name – “Ehfaaz,” meaning to protect – the company reflects Aliyu’s mission to safeguard our planet’s resources while creating economic opportunity.
Deb and Aliyu represent the very best of the P&G Alumni community: visionary leaders who use their P&G skills and values to make a difference post P&G. Their achievements remind us how alumni everywhere are working with gratitude and purpose to build a better world.
We’re proud to celebrate two extraordinary P&G alumni recognized at the Global Conference in Berlin for their leadership and positive impact.
Chamos Empowering the Next Generation in Venezuela Through Digital Education
Published July 22, 2025 by pgalums in
At Chamos – the mission is simple yet vital: to enhance the well-being of underprivileged children and youth through education, health programs, and the empowerment of local partners. In a country where the school dropout rate spikes after middle school, they are focused on giving young students the tools to change their futures.
Thanks to a transformative grant from the P&G Alumni Foundation, they are equipping students aged 10–13 with essential digital literacy skills—a gateway to further education and employability. Through this support:
📍 Two schools will be fully equipped with computer labs.
💻 240 students annually will gain digital competencies.
👩🏫 Four teachers will receive training in a new digital literacy curriculum.
🌍 Communities will benefit from improved access to digital tools and learning outcomes.
The power of this partnership goes beyond hardware and training. The P&G name carries trust. In our past collaboration—with P&G’s donation of water purification sachets—they gained credibility and visibility that led to $88K in additional funding. This new endorsement is already amplifying our reach, helping us recruit 30 volunteers and six teachers from the Universidad Metropolitana STEM network.
And we’re not stopping there.
Together, Chamos and the partnership of the P&G Alumni Foundation , are building a future where young people in Venezuela are not left behind but lifted up—with skills, hope, and a clear path forward.
P&G Alumni Global Conference 2025
Published May 12, 2025 by pgalums in
Keep an eye out for the P&G Alumni Foundation at the Berlin2025 Conference!
We’re excited to connect with many of you in person—and we hope you’ll join us for a spectacular Night of Gratitude Party on Saturday evening after the closing session. Hosted by Honorary Chairs David Taylor, Ute Hagen, and Jeff Schomburger, the evening promises great food, signature cocktails (thanks to alum Bob Kunze-Concewitz and Campari), and music to dance the night away with your fellow alums!
Bring a guest! Extra tickets for the Night of Gratitude Party are available here.
Our Second Global “Alum-to-Alum” Auction!
Bid on exclusive experiences offered by fellow alums—with net proceeds going toward grants programs that help those in need. The online auction will go live on June 12 and will accept bids until June 30. The experiences span the globe and already include curated team-building experiences in Zurich and Berlin, bourbon tasting in Kentucky, one-of-a-kind art from Italy, craft beer tasting, and more.
Do you have tickets, tours, vacation home, or a unique experience to contribute to the on-line auction? Take a look at this link to see donation ideas that can help us raise money to support life-changing grants and improve lives for generations to come!
ONLINE AUCTION – Donate an Item
Empower Livelihoods & Multiply Your Impact
P&G Alumni Foundation Elects New Board Members
Published January 23, 2025 by pgalums in
With all the current needs in the world, there is no better time than right now to get involved with the P&G Alumni Foundation!
The P&G Alumni Foundation awarded $230,000 in grants this year—more than ever before. Across all grant years, we multiply the impact of our 80+ alumni grant champions who follow their passions and work with nonprofits in 45 countries. Together, we are a force for good multiplied! Our total of 134 grants have improved the lives of 230,000 people in communities now and for generations to come.
Recently, the Foundation elected two new board members. They each bring great passion and philanthropic experience to their roles and are aligned with an innovative strategy to support our continued growth. We are fortunate to have their energy and talent to help leverage our shared values to invest together and create opportunities.
Meet The New Board Members
Cinzia Gaeta retired from P&G in 2021, having worked in the legal department for 34 years, with her last assignment as VP Legal Counsel Southern Europe. Cinzia has a wealth of expertise having served as a member of the Italian Advertising Jury, Advertiser Union Legal Commission, Ministry of Equal Opportunities, and a Lecturer at Pisa University, Sole 24 Ore Business School, and LUMSA University. Cinzia graduated in Law at La Sapienza University in Rome.
Since retirement, Cinzia has taken on the role of Head of Human Resources & Legal Affairs at Susan G. Komen Italia APS, BoD member at Seniores Italia ODV, P&G Alumni Italia, and Metasociale Onlus.
Cinzia has significant Board experience having served on the BoD for Procter & Gamble, Italia, Fater S.p.A (P&G joint venture), Fameccanica (P&G joint venture) and Procter & Gamble Producto de Consumo Espana.
The P&G Alumni Foundation is thrilled to have Cinzia join the Board and bring her strong depth and breadth of Board expertise.
Randall Smith started volunteering for the Foundation on the Advancement Committee after retiring this year from Procter & Gamble. He brings over 15 years of experience from the Patron Development Committee of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
He is a global brand-builder, having worked in the US, Europe and Asia. During his 20 years at P&G in Cincinnati, he worked in BBIC and helped lead many of P&G’s most successful campaigns. His marketing programs at P&G have received 3 Emmys, over 15 Effies and over 50 Cannes Lions including 2 Grand Prix. He was a member of the Multicultural and Inclusive Marketing Lead team and the Brand Mastery Society.
Randall graduated from The College of the University of Chicago with degrees in economics and Near Eastern languages and civilizations. He earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with a concentration in marketing.
The Foundation is excited to have Randall assume an expanded role on the Board.
Growth and Gratitude Matched!! Join the collective might of P&G alumni by donating today!
Published November 27, 2024 by pgalums in
As alums, most of us would agree that we share a common sense of gratitude for skills learned and friends made at P&G. At the P&G Alumni Foundation, this gratitude drives us to pay it forward. We enjoy coming together to harness the power of the P&G Alumni Network to create a global force for good—giving grants and applying our collective experience to help people in need thrive economically.
It’s with true gratitude to P&G Alums Chip and Juliet Bergh that every dollar donated to the Alumni Foundation will be 100% MATCHED through the end of 2024. Your donation of $25 becomes $50, $100 becomes $200, $1,000 becomes $2,000, and so on up to $200,000!
Donating is a way to continue P&G’s mission of improving lives in the places we live, work, and serve. If you are able to add the P&G Alumni Foundation to your current giving circle, please DONATE TODAY and GET MATCHED!
lf donating in Germany and seeking a German tax deduction click German Förderverein.
Herbert Schmitz (1936–2024) - Leadership Lessons from a Giant.
Published November 26, 2024 by pgalums in
Herbert Schmitz was an extraordinary leader who left an enduring legacy at P&G. Retiring in 2001 as President and CEO of Procter & Gamble CEEMEA (Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa), Herbert’s impact on P&G and its people will resonate for years.
There is a tremendous amount to celebrate and learn from when looking at Herbert’s career – contributions to the business and legacy in terms of the values he instilled in generations of young people.
Herbert had one of the most remarkable, global careers, joining P&G in Germany in 1966 and holding leadership positions across the USA, Austria, Scandinavia, Mexico, France, the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe. Perhaps his most notable contribution was spearheading P&G’s expansion into Central and Eastern Europe, recognizing the region’s potential.
I first met Herbert in 1987 in Paris, where he was the outgoing General Manager, and began working with him in 1995. At a time of personal doubt after turning down two assignments, Herbert reached out: “I’m offering you an assignment in Eastern Europe—based in Moscow. You’ll start as Marketing Director and become General Manager. This will be crucial for P&G and for rekindling your passion for the company.” The rest is history, with Maria and me cherishing our Moscow years as one of life’s highlights.
Herbert was a giant in every sense—his presence unmistakable, his intellect immense, his heart even bigger. While he kept discussions short and to the point, with questions like, “How much have we shipped today?” or “What have you done for the company today?” and the classic, “Should I worry when I see you?”, Herbert’s mind was razor-sharp and strategic. Behind his sometimes gruff exterior was a scholar, holding both a Master’s and Ph.D. in Economics from top universities in Germany, Austria, and France.
Most remarkable was Herbert’s deep care for people. He took personal responsibility for others’ careers, even at junior levels. During the Russian crisis, he didn’t just consider numbers; he cared about people. Herbert and John Pepper were instrumental in keeping P&G in Russia during the 1998–1999 economic collapse when many competitors exited—a brilliant strategic decision that still strengthens P&G in the region.
Herbert’s legacy lives on through the values he embodied:
- Transparency – Do as you say, say what you do, and keep it simple—“Shipments are strategic.”
- Courage and Ownership – Take personal responsibility; if you don’t, how can you expect others to?
- Care for People – Take care of your people, and they will take care of the business.
- Perseverance – Work hard but enjoy the journey.
- Humility – Herbert let results speak for themselves; he never bragged.
Over nearly 40 years of knowing Herbert, I understood he had Only two great love stories: his wife, Monica, his partner since university, and the P&G company and its people.
Rest in peace, Herbert. You will be remembered and missed forever.
Stassi Anastassov
P&G Alumni Foundation’s 2023-24 Impact Report
Published November 6, 2024 by pgalums in
THANK YOU to the many donors who generously supported the Foundation and the people we serve. We are excited and grateful to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the P&G Alumni Foundation and announce record-breaking donations raised and grants awarded.
With our theme “Together in Growth & Gratitude” in this report, please enjoy life-changing stories and the many smiles of our P&G alumni grant champions and grant beneficiaries—with 223,000+ lives improved across 42 countries! Click the Alumni Foundation’s 2023-24 Impact Report image and link below to enjoy success stories, exciting new ways alums have gotten involved, and our financial picture.
With a sense of gratitude for the skills learned and lifelong friendships made at P&G, alums are paying it forward. Together we are harnessing the power of the Global P&G Alumni Network to give charitably and apply our expertise to help drive economic empowerment for generations to come. We hope you share our excitement, and you will help us do even more in years to come.
Cincinnati Mayor’s Proclamation: P&G Alumni Foundation Day
Published October 28, 2024 by pgalums in
We are thrilled to thank P&G Alum and Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval for proclaiming October 3 P&G Alumni Foundation Day in Cincinnati!
Want to know more about the Alumni Foundation?
With a sense of gratitude for skills learned and friends made at P&G, the Alumni Foundation harnesses the power of our alumni network to pay it forward and empower people around the globe. We are a non-profit established to give charitably as the philanthropic arm of the P&G Alumni Network. The Foundation applies and multiplies P&G alumni expertise to help people in need thrive economically. Through strategic grant-making to charitable organizations with active P&G alumni involvement, we empower people around the globe to build bright, sustainable futures through jobs, vocational training, and new business start-ups.
If you would like to donate, click the link below. For information on donating through Donor Advised Funds or other methods, contact Sarah Woods at swoods@pgalums.com.
Vineyard Fun Fundraising – Announcing a 4X Match
Published September 16, 2024 by pgalums in
With all the current needs in the world, there is no better time than right now to get involved with the P&G Alumni Foundation!
The P&G Alumni Foundation awarded $215,000 in grants this year—more than ever before. Across all grant years, we multiply the impact of our 76 alumni grant champions who follow their passions and work with nonprofits in 42 countries. Together, we are a force for good multiplied! Our total of 122 grants have improved lives for 223,000+ people in communities now and for generations to come.
Recently, the Foundation elected two new board members. They each bring great passion and philanthropic experience to their roles and are aligned to an innovative strategy to support our continued growth. We are fortunate to have their energy and talent to help leverage our shared values to invest together and create opportunities:
Dr. Janet Reid
Janet B. Reid, Ph.D. is CEO of BRBS World, LLC, a private management consulting consortium that specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She and the consortium serve forward-leaning clients whose success is dependent upon building world-class leaders. She has extensive board experience and a long track record of leadership in business and civic affairs.
Dr. Reid spent 10 years at P&G – starting off in R&D in 1980 with a doctorate in Bio-Inorganic Chemistry from Howard University in Washington D.C. With the encouragement of P&G CEO John Smale, Dr. Reid also held positions in Brand Management — ultimately succumbing to her entrepreneurial spirit to found her first company.
Dr. Reid has a long history of board leadership – including as Chair of The Ohio State University Board, Chair of Xavier University Board, Vice Chair of The Mercy Health System and Director positions at the Red Cross, YWCA and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of Bon Secours Mercy Health, a $10 billion healthcare system. Dr. Reid has received numerous business and civic awards including E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year, Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year, and was recently named a “2023 Great Living Cincinnatian”.
Janet has already been an active supporter of the foundation serving as and Advisor to the Board for 5+ years. The Foundation is excited for her to take on an expanded role on the Board and the Governance Committee.
Maria Taricco
Maria is currently retired and lives with her husband in London. With a BS in Biology from Royal Holloway in London, Maria accepted a position with P&G to help launch the Portugal subsidiary in 1990. She led the Market Research department and market entry strategies – working at P&G for 4 years based first in Portugal – and then transferring to Sweden to lead the Nordic Europe market entry strategies. She then spent 8 years in brand design and communications – including 4+ years at Design Bridge in London and Milan – serving as key Account Manager. Upon meeting her Italian husband, Maria moved to Milan where she worked for Robilant Associati for the next 4 years, a Milan based brand consultancy. For the past 10 years Maria has collaborated on a free-lance basis with a Portuguese travel publication called Convida in editorial input and translation to English.
Maria began her volunteer service with the Foundation 10+ years ago, assisting in the early Feasibility & Planning Study. Most recently, Maria has served on the Mar/Comm committee, taking on a leadership role with a key focus on social media content. She is also co-chairing the emerging Ambassadors/Marketing sub-committee. The Foundation is excited for her expanded role on the Board.
Fueled by a sense of gratitude for the skills learned and friends made at P&G, The P&G Alumni Foundation pays it forward. Our grant champions and 250+ volunteers worldwide share their time and talent to empower sustainable employment and bright futures for people in need around the world.
This changes lives, communities, and generations.
Gratitude, Growth, 4Good—P&G Alums
Join us. Learn More.
Vineyard Fun Fundraising – Announcing a 4X Match
Published August 23, 2024 by pgalums in
A magical night! The Vineyard Experience on July 27 was hosted by Limerick Lane Cellars owner & alum Karen Francis DeGolia, the P&G Alumni Foundation, and the P&G Alumni San Francisco Bay Area Chapter at the beautiful Limerick Lane vineyard. Honorary Guest Hosts included Chip Bergh, retired President and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., and Tarang Amin, Chairman and CEO at e.l.f. Beauty. Enjoy the video below that shares the beautiful setting, special moments and ….
Breaking news from Sonoma California at our second annual Vineyard Experience. It is with huge excitement and deep gratitude to Chip & Juliet Bergh that we announced that … every dollar donated to the Alumni Foundation will be 100% MATCHED through the end of 2024 up to $200,000!
The Bergh Match inspired a first gift at the event. SynFiny Advisors is donating $25,000 as a second match. Many thanks to SynFiny & CEO Jeff Wuest kicking things off well!
QUADRUPLE your donation now! Your donation of $100 becomes $400 with the two matches. The first $25,000 in donations have the 4X match, and the next donations up to $200,000 will be doubled!
As alums, most of us would agree that we share a common sense of gratitude for skills learned and friends made at P&G. At the P&G Alumni Foundation, this gratitude is what drives us to pay it forward. We enjoy coming together to harness the power of the P&G Alumni Network to create a global force for good—giving grants and applying our collective experience to help people in need thrive economically.
“P&G is really like family. … I am happy to support the P&G Alumni Foundation and encourage others to join me. Together, we lift up others who are in need to new sustainable employment.”
– Chip Bergh
Our grants lift up hundreds of thousands of individuals and their families. While we have come a long way, there is still much to be done. For every grant we make, there are four more waiting for funding. Also, an Alumni Foundation grant serves as a trusted credential and multiplier for further fundraising by award recipients. One recipient told us of an 8:1 multiplier from one $20,000 award!
Donating is a way to continue P&G’s mission of improving lives in the places we live, work and serve. If you are able to add the P&G Alumni Foundation to your current giving circle, please DONATE TODAY and GET MATCHED!
Special thank you to
- Chip & Juliet Bergh for this amazing matching gift that will sustain grants for a year and to Chip for serving as an Honorary Guest Co-Host.
- Tarang Amin for serving as an Honorary Guest Co-Host and for a generous donation that just came in post our fun fundraiser from the Tarang & Hirni Amin Family.
- SynFiny Advisors for being the first to step up with a major matching gift of $25,000
- Karen Francis DeGolia for sharing her beautiful vineyard setting with us, donating all the wine for the event, and arranging an exceptional dinner perfectly paired with wines from the estate.
- Limerick Lane Cellars for hosting us for the Rocky Knoll tour, dinner in the 1910 historic vineyard, poolside receptions, and lovely Farmhouse accommodations.
- Our Event Team – Deb Kielty, Shantini Munthree, Ranu Gupta, Julie Lumgair, Diane Chen, and Sarah Woods
- All who attended
- All who purchased wine in support of the P&G Alumni Foundation
If you would still like to purchase wine in support of the Alumni Foundation, please go to limericklanewines.com or club@limericklanewines.com for assistance and email pgalumfoundation@limericklanewines.com with your order number to give credit for the proceeds. Additional thanks to Karen and Limerick Lane for donating 10% of the proceeds from wine sales to the P&G Alumni Foundation.
Foundation: Empowering Transformation with Tikkun Farm!
Published August 6, 2024 by pgalums in
Let’s celebrate the incredible work of Tikkun Farm, offering meaningful work and spiritual practices that address trauma in individuals and communities. Founded by Greg York, alongside dedicated alumni Barbara Fillion and Becky Savage, Tikkun Farm is making a profound impact on the lives of youth in Mt. Healthy.
Sponsoring Alumni Greg York leads various volunteer groups and coordinates farm maintenance and building management. His leadership, alongside Barbara and Becky’s advocacy and support, has been instrumental in Tikkun Farm’s growth and success. ?
Through Tikkun Farm’s job training program, participants gain essential skills in carpentry, electrical, agriculture, and culinary arts, alongside valuable life skills like accountability and respect. Greg’s experience at P&G has played a pivotal role in shaping Tikkun Farm’s vision and approach, highlighting the importance of strong leadership and management skills.
In 2023-2024, Tikkun Farm will expand its training program, combining trauma-informed care experiences with technical skills training in Environmental Care, Building Trades, and Culinary Arts. Participants receive hands-on training addressing stressors and improving their chances of success.
With the most recent PGAF grant we are proud to support Tikkun Farm to expand the training program from 50 to 90 participants in 2024. Funds will support salaries, equipment, farming tools, seeds, starter plants, and certification costs, ensuring the program’s success and impact.
Though born from tragedy, Tikkun Farm’s job training program is a beacon of hope, honoring the memory of individuals like Monie by providing opportunities for transformation and empowerment. Monie, a young man who found solace and support at Tikkun Farm after facing homelessness and challenges in his home environment, tragically lost his life to gun violence. His story motivates Tikkun Farm to continue their vital work, ensuring that others like Monie have access to support, skills, and hope for a brighter future. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
Celebrating Women's Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship
Published May 15, 2024 by pgalums in
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible women of Friends of Batahola (FOB) who are rewriting the story of empowerment in Managua, Nicaragua. Through dedication, resilience, and a shared vision for change these women are transforming their lives and communities one business at a time.
Among these remarkable individuals stands Ana, a courageous mother and caregiver whose journey into entrepreneurship began with the unwavering support of FOB and the Cultural Center of Batahola Norte (CCBN). Despite facing numerous challenges, Ana’s determination knows no bounds as she balances household chores, caring for her children, and preparing for her business—a true testament to her resilience and commitment to creating a better future for her family.
Ana’s story epitomizes the transformative power of entrepreneurship supported by FOB. With the mission to provide art, cultural, and educational opportunities for the most vulnerable in Managua, FOB is changing lives. The P&G Alumni Foundation is proud to partner alongside sponsoring alum Dave Stickel to empower women like Ana to break the cycle of poverty and unemployment.
The project’s objective is clear: to meet the need for sustainable and stable incomes for women and their families. Through entrepreneurial training, personal development workshops, and an ‘Entrepreneurship Fair,’ Ana and 24 other women will receive the support and mentorship they need to start their own businesses.
But Ana’s journey is just one chapter in FOB’s larger narrative of impact and empowerment. Together, we can create a brighter future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Join us in celebrating Ana, FOB, and the transformative power of women’s entrepreneurship in building stronger, more resilient communities.
Celebrating the Power of Women's Empowerment
Published April 16, 2024 by pgalums in
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible women of Arts to End Genocide (AtEG) who are rewriting the story of empowerment in Mali. Through dedication, resilience, and a shared vision for change, these women are transforming their lives and communities one stitch at a time.
Among these remarkable individuals stands Fati Maiga, a true inspiration and leader within the AtEG family. From her humble beginnings as a midwife to becoming a skilled seamstress and entrepreneur, Fati’s journey embodies the spirit of resilience and determination.
But Fati’s story is just one chapter in AtEG’s larger narrative of impact and empowerment. Thanks to the generous support of the PGAF grant, AtEG is expanding its reach to train 180 women in soap-making, braiding/plaiting, dying, milk processing, henna, and pottery. Trainees will be residents of Faladie as well as the IDP camp in Zantiguila. The camp is for those displaced by terrorists and made to live in a camp built over an active garbage dump. The women involved will not only gain valuable skills but also improve living conditions for more than 1000 members of the community.
The PGAF would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsoring alum, James Bisbee, who spent 24 years at P&G in PSO in the U.S. James’s commitment to empowering women and communities is creating the ability to create lasting change. The PGAF is honored to support his work with Arts to End Genocide.
As we celebrate Fati, James, and all the extraordinary women of AtEG, let’s reaffirm our commitment to supporting women’s empowerment and creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all. Together, we can build a future where every woman has the opportunity to shine and succeed. ?
The P&G Alumni Foundation's 2024 Grant Cycle Opens April 1st 2024
Published March 28, 2024 by pgalums in
Now in our 19th year of awarding grants to charitable organizations with significant P&G Alumni involvement, the P&G Alumni Foundation has given 122 grants totaling nearly $2 million spanning 5 continents and 42 countries.
We are calling all charitable organizations whose efforts align with the Foundation’s mission of economic empowerment, and where a P&G Alum is actively and meaningfully involved. We are now in our 19th year of grant-making, and we invite you to apply between Monday, April 1st and Friday, May 11th.
The Foundation invests in global programming that contributes toward real employment, financial independence, and the economic well-being of those served. The core areas supported are:
- Job skills development & vocational training
- Business-related skills education & training
- Entrepreneurial or business ventures viable in local communities
Review Eligibility Requirements, Vetting Procedures, and Submission Details here.
Learn more about our 2023 Grant Recipients here.
For general application or content questions contact: Sue Wilke
For system or technology questions contact: Patrick Hartnett
About the P&G Alumni Foundation:
The P&G Alumni Foundation, the charitable arm of the P&G Alumni Network, has a mission of creating opportunities for those less fortunate – a mission grounded in the shared values that unite us as Alumni. Through strategic grant-making, the Foundation improves the quality of life worldwide by economically empowering individuals in need to achieve greater financial independence and economic well-being for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Bringing its mission to life, the Foundation invests in programs and projects that contribute toward real and sustainable employment. What makes us unique is that a P&G Alumni sponsor must be actively and meaningfully involved with the charitable organization making a grant request. Learn more or donate by visiting our website.
Give with the heart of a champion!
Published February 27, 2024 by pgalums in
Announcing International Women’s Day “Heart of a Champion” Campaign!
The P&G Alumni Foundation, together with the Women’s Leadership Forum, is proud to announce the launch of our 2024 International Women’s Day campaign “Give with the Heart of a Champion.”
Donations will support economic empowerment initiatives that help people in need, many of them women, achieve greater financial independence and be champions of change for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Thanks to the generosity of the P&G Fund for Gender Equality, all donations will be matched (up to $50,000). Give today and double your impact!
P&G alums, like you, are known to have the hearts of champions, a winning mindset, a competitive spirit, and a desire to make the world better. So open up your heart and donate to our International Women’s Day campaign! ”Give with the Heart of a Champion.”
Gifts of any size make a difference. $25 becomes $50. $50 becomes $100. Be a champion for change!
First Ever “Alum-Alum” Global Auction! LAST CALL! BIDDING ENDS NOV 27th!
Published November 17, 2023 by pgalums in
The experiences span the globe:
- “San Francisco Treat” with Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh
- “Magnificent Milan Aperol/Negroni and Duomo” with Campari CEO Bob Kunze-Concewtiz
- “Viva Mexico and Don Julio” with Diageo CMO Jay Sethi
- “Luxury Cruise on Seabourn” with special pre-trip briefing from Seabourn CEO Natalya Leahy
- “Dubai Desert Dunes and Valuable IMEA Insights” with Mohamed Samir
- “Coffee and Conversation” with John Pepper
- “Dynamic David Taylor” 1:1 or with a Group Meetup
- “Miami Nice” including Tours of the Design District/Wynwood/Little Havana with Influencer Gina Lam and Dinner with Jorge Montoya
- “Life Inspiration Coaching” with the P&G Alumni Coaching Program sponsored by the Women’s Leadership Forum (Lou Ann Eckert-Lynch, Heidi Piper, and more)
P&G Alumni – Improving Lives Now and for Generations to Come
Published September 5, 2023 by pgalums in
P&G Alums and Foundation grant champions, Ben Chapman and Steve Baggott are unlocking potential in the nonprofit organizations they help lead. Like so many P&G alumni, they are improving lives now and for generations to come.
Ben Chapman – Cooperative for Education Grant Champion

Cooperative for Education grant champion, Ben Chapman, explains why he championed a grant: “CoEd has had tremendous success over the past 25 years in accomplishing its mission by focusing on breaking the cycle of poverty in Guatemala through education. These are children who often are the only ones in the history of their families who have graduated from high school or even the 6th grade, changing the trajectory for their entire family.”
The $20,000 grant from the P&G Alumni Foundation has helped people like Diego. Rarely do you see someone get the opportunity to return home and give back to the community that raised them, but Diego, at age 28, is doing just that! During his studies at Hacienda María, Diego took advantage of the textbooks and computers provided by Cooperative for Education (CoEd). Today, Diego teaches technology classes in the same Computer Center where he once studied!

Steve Baggott – Breakthrough Cincinnati Grant Champion

Steve Baggott utilizes his 32 years of P&G expertise to support Breakthrough Cincinnati, an agency that energizes underrepresented aspirational students to enter college with confidence. BTC is dedicated to addressing the academic gap experienced by underrepresented local students that, when coupled with the system’s educational inequities, can limit their opportunities for college and prosperity. BTC is transforming the community to advance education, equity, and economic mobility.
The $15,000 Alumni Foundation grant has helped people like Bijin: “Breakthrough is such a positive bubble. It’s such a positive environment where everyone has a growth mindset and the belief that we can be better. I still feel the impact of Breakthrough every day when I’m here at college.”

Champions of Economic Empowerment Across the Globe
Published August 21, 2023 by pgalums in
With your help, grant champions Marie-Laure Vaganay and Jim Louwsma are unlocking the potential of those served by the nonprofit organizations they help lead. Like so many P&G alumni, they are working to improve lives now and for generations to come.
Marie-Laure Vaganay – Life Project 4 Youth Grant Champion
Life Project 4 Youth’s goal is to relieve as many youths as possible from extreme poverty, thanks to an innovative and proven successful entrepreneurial approach. LP4Y’s grant champion, Marie-Laure Vaganay, explains why she championed this grant: “As a P&G Alum, the least I can do is provide LP4Y with time, funds, and talents as a result of my P&G career. Their relentless efforts have never been more relevant than in today’s world.”
The $20,000 grant from the P&G Alumni Foundation has helped people like Jiselle. “I am personally grateful for LP4Y. They provided guidance, encouragement, openness, and the opportunity to be a productive member of society. On top of that, I am grateful for myself and each of us working to make our dreams come true. Believe in the power of YOU.”
Jim Louwsma – Partners Worldwide Grant Champion
Jim Louwsma leverages his 2+ decades of time in P&G Sales at Partners Worldwide. He is grateful for the opportunity to work with PW as it works to link small-scale, marginalized farmers to viable markets that can lift them and their families out of poverty: “It is one of the few partner organizations in the country equipping these farmers with the skills, resources, and access to local and regional markets—including major regional supermarket chains—for lasting generational emergence out of poverty.”
The $20,000 Alumni Foundation grant to Partners WW has helped people like Grace. “I am grateful to Partners Worldwide and Africa Works for introducing me to beekeeping, as this has resulted in my orchard fruit trees increasing yield, quality, income, and pollination”. Grace has been able to use the additional proceeds from the honey to buy food and clothes and pay school fees.
Visit our website to learn more about how these grants are changing lives!
Champions of Economic Empowerment Across the Globe
Published August 9, 2023 by pgalums in
The P&G Alumni Foundation Ambassadors represent a diverse and passionate network of P&G alums spanning various cities worldwide. Bound by a shared belief in the talent and collective power of the P&G Alumni Network to create a global force for good, these Ambassadors play a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s mission of improving lives by giving charitably and championing causes that help people in need economically thrive. With 215 Ambassadors in 120 different cities, the program offers a unique platform for P&G alumni to give back and stay connected within the wider 25,000+ strong P&G Alumni Network.
Ambassadors like Mary Kallio Brady, Akihiro Ueda, and Ayman Amed are shining examples of the passion and dedication exhibited by this group.
Mary, a Social Media Ambassador from the US, expressed how working with an amazing team and reconnecting with fellow P&G Alumni has brought the Foundation’s mission to life for her.
Akihiro, living in Australia, joined as an Ambassador to support the Foundation’s work on children’s education.
Ayman, who lives in Qatar, had a desire to be part of a worthy cause and make a positive difference in the world. Becoming an Ambassador feels like a great fit!
Through the active involvement of Ambassadors, the Foundation has grown significantly in awareness, reach, and partnerships. Dedicated Ambassadors generated above-industry benchmarks for follower growth and engagement on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
As the P&G Alumni Foundation continues to grow, we extend profound GRATITUDE to each Ambassador for their unwavering dedication and commitment. Their collective efforts not only empower dreams but also leave a lasting legacy of positive change across the globe. P&G Alumni Foundation Ambassadors stand together, making a tremendous difference in the lives they touch.
Published July 26, 2023 by pgalums in
P&G Alumni in Portugal recently celebrated renewed connections, enriched lives, and philanthropic spirit at a set of events over three days in Lisbon.
The three-day event was led by P&G Alumni Foundation Board member, Enrico D’Onofrio, with the kickoff being held at P&G Portugal Headquarters on May 5, 2023, where Alums joined General Manager Claudia Lourenco and P&G Portugal employees. A panel event followed at NOVA Business School, Chaired by P&G Alum Andrew Harrison. P&G Alumni panelists Mohan C. Mohan, Luisa Delgado, Ana Marques, and Deb Kielty spoke to 150 MBA students about shared values and business lesson.
The next evening, Alumni joined together with a focus on helping those in need. The event featured special remarks by Paulo Romeiro, President of P&G Alumni Portugal, Hugo Figueiredo, past P&G Alum Portugal President, Deb Kielty, Chair of the P&G Alumni Foundation. Facilitating the evening’s activities from Alum Pedro Pina.
One of the highlights of the event was a discussion by retired P&G Alum Mohan C. Mohan. He’s a key driver in the establishment of the Foundation and a beloved leader in the development of P&G Portugal’s business. Over 120 P&G Portugal Alums raised money for both a local Portugal charity, Coracoes com Coroa, and for the Foundation’s work to support the work of organizations sponsored by P&G alum grant champions throughout the world.
Mohan shared his philosophy of “Love All, Hate None” his belief and inspiration from his new book Reflections at 80. As Alum Samir Hawwa noted in Reflections,” Mohan’s deep sense of being an enormously privileged person leads to his burning commitment to giving back to society and to serving humanity.” Proceeds from the sale of his book will be donated to help fund grants and futures.
Published July 19, 2023 by pgalums in
There’s Still Time to Double Your Donation!
Published April 14, 2023 by pgalums in
Your gift to the P&G Alumni Foundation will be doubled by The P&G Fund for Gender Equality. They will match all donations (up to $50,000). This is a great time to make your first or new contribution.
Your $50 becomes $100 to support loans used to start pharmacies, expand tire and recycling businesses or purchase cows for a new farm. Listen to Fama Francisco, P&G’s Executive Sponsor for Gender Equality, as we spotlight the great work of the Loden Foundation and Grant Champion Gaby Franco. Gaby is another one of our unsung heroes, helping people in Bhutan acquire loans through the Loden Foundation and reach their goals of owning their own businesses.
Your support of the P&G Alumni Foundation will make more dreams become reality for those in need around the world. For those who are first time donors, using our credit card donation process is quick and easy. Just click on the link below.
About the P&G Alumni Foundation:
The P&G Alumni Foundation, the charitable arm of the P&G Alumni Network, has a mission of creating opportunities for those less fortunate—a mission grounded in the shared values that unite us as Alumni. Through strategic grant-making, the Foundation improves the quality of life around the world by economically empowering individuals in need to achieve greater financial independence and economic well-being for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Bringing its mission to life, the Foundation invests in programs and projects that contribute toward real and sustainable employment. What makes us unique is that a P&G Alumni sponsor must be actively and meaningfully involved with the charitable organization making a grant request. Learn more or donate by visiting: pgalumnifoundation.org.
The P&G Alumni Foundation’s 2023 Grant Cycle Opens April 3, 2023
Published March 26, 2023 by pgalums in
Calling all charitable organizations whose efforts align with the Foundation’s mission of economic empowerment, and where a P&G Alum is actively and meaningfully involved. We are now in our 19th year of grant-making, and we invite you to apply between April 3 and May 13, 2023
The Foundation invests in programming across the globe that contributes toward real employment, financial independence, and the economic well-being of those served. The core areas supported are:
- Job skills development & vocational training
- Business-related skills education & training
- Entrepreneurial or business ventures viable in local communities
The P&G Alumni Foundation has economically empowered hundreds of thousands of individuals around the world and has awarded over 112 grants totaling almost $1.8 million spanning 40 countries on 5 continents!
Grant requests undergo a strategic and thorough review against their ability to deliver measurable results and strong impact. Uniquely, grants are also evaluated against the involvement and significant contributions of the P&G Alum(s) championing the grant. Our Grants Committee will review all applications and notify you of our decisions. Average individual grant awards are expected in the $10,000 – $25,000 range.
- Review Eligibility Requirements, Vetting Procedures & Submission Details
- Learn more about our 2022 Grant Recipients
- For general application or content questions contact: Sue Wilke, suewilke44@gmail.com
- For system or technology questions contact: Patrick Hartnett, hartnettpm@hotmail.com
About the P&G Alumni Foundation:
The P&G Alumni Foundation, the charitable arm of the P&G Alumni Network, has a mission of creating opportunities for those less fortunate—a mission grounded in the shared values that unite us as Alumni. Through strategic grant-making, the Foundation improves the quality of life around the world by economically empowering individuals in need to achieve greater financial independence and economic well-being for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Bringing its mission to life, the Foundation invests in programs and projects that contribute toward real and sustainable employment. What makes us unique is that a P&G Alumni sponsor must be actively and meaningfully involved with the charitable organization making a grant request. Learn more or donate by visiting: pgalumnifoundation.org.
Share a Shout Out to Your Unsung Hero
Published March 17, 2023 by pgalums in
Have you seen the buzz on social media as alums honor their Unsung Heroes? Do you have someone you’d like to recognize?
Join the celebration by making a tribute donation to the P&G Alumni Foundation in honor of your unsung hero. Even better, The P&G Fund for Gender Equality will double all donations (up to $50,000).
With donations like this, the Alumni Foundation can make more dreams become a reality—creating new, sustainable paths to prosperity for those in need around the world. Join us and Fama Francisco, P&G’s Executive Sponsor for Gender Equality, as we spotlight the great work of Cooperative for Education and help people thrive.
2022 P&G Alumni Foundation Grant Recipients
Published January 27, 2023 by pgalums in
Ten agencies worldwide received $200,000
for life-changing grants.
Thanks to record donations made by you, our alumni, ten charitable agencies received a total of $200,000 in grants ranging from $15,000-$25,000 in November 2022! Our dedicated Alumni Grant Champions write recommendations and help ensure the funds achieve maximum benefit. On behalf of the P&G Alumni Foundation Board, we wish to thank our donors, grant champions, and volunteers. You are unsung heroes bringing our shared values to life around the world.
From business training, micro-loans, access to higher education, computer skills, beekeeping, and improved farming methods, our grants provide funding to train and provide employment opportunities to thousands. Through the efforts of the grantees, our funds will provide jobs and employment for over 1,700, job-related skills training for almost 2,000 people, and create more than 800 new business ventures impacting some 12,000 family and community members.
To learn about the grant recipients and their projects please click on the pictures below. The links will take you to the P&G Alumni Foundation website with individual profiles for each grant recipient.
Our impact continues to expand and the stories of those who have benefited are inspiring. Thanks to you, the P&G Alumni Foundation has given 112 grants totaling $1.78 million, spanning 40+ countries on five continents. More importantly, we have helped hundreds of thousands of individuals around the world create a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities.
With a committed global board of 15 talented leaders, 185+ Ambassadors, 120 grant champions, close to 400 donors, and thousands of talented alums around the world, we are able to do even more! Thank you for your continued support.
You Can Help Families Rise Out of Poverty!
Published June 16, 2022 by pgalums in
There’s still time for the P&G Fund for Gender Equality to match your gift to the P&G Alumni Foundation!
Your $500 becomes $1,000 with the match!
This will provide two honeybee hives and access to markets so rural families raise their income.
P&G Alumni Foundation: 2021 Grant Award Winners!
Published March 2, 2022 by pgalums in
P&G Alumni Foundation: 2021 Grant Award Winners!
P&G Alumni Foundation Raffle Winners!
Published February 8, 2022 by pgalums in
P&G Alumni Foundation Raffle Winners!
P&G Alumni Foundation 2021 Grant Recipients
Published February 4, 2022 by pgalums in
P&G Alumni Foundation 2021 Grant Recipients
















