Giving back is part of our mission at Blue Shield of California. One way we do this is by capping our income at two percent of revenue, returning the difference to our customers and the communities we serve. We also encourage our employees to support causes close to their hearts, backing them through our employee volunteer and giving programs.
In 2023, 96 percent of Blue Shield employees contributed to nonprofit causes they care about. One such employee is Sarah Miller, vice president of Enterprise Strategy and Innovation, who serves on the board of the East Bay Agency for Children. We recently sat down with Sarah to talk about what drives her to make a difference as a nonprofit board member.
“The East Bay Agency for Children (EBAC) is an organization devoted to supporting resiliency, love, and care for families in East Bay who have been affected by systemic racism, may be living in poverty, and have multiple adverse childhood experiences. EBAC’s family resource centers provide not only health-related services, but also support for obtaining social services, after school programs and more.” -Sarah Miller
Sarah’s journey to making a difference
Before joining Blue Shield, Sarah was already deeply involved with EBAC, drawn to its mission of nurturing resilience and providing essential services to underserved families.
"Being part of EBAC has allowed me to help address the root causes of many community issues directly. A highlight for me was leading the annual gala – we not only raised over $200,000 but also brought people closer to the mission, fostering deeper connections and support.”
Q: How does Blue Shield support your role with EBAC?
“Blue Shield has been incredibly supportive, offering a 2:1 match for my donations, which triples the impact during our weeks of Giving. Beyond financial support, the company has sponsored events and backed my volunteer commitments, allowing me to dedicate time to EBAC’s board and its initiatives.”
Q: Any advice you would give to others looking to get involved?
“Whether you have a lot of time or a little, there are no shortage of nonprofits and ways to get involved!
The best place to start is to think about what causes speak to your heart. For me, EBAC was a natural fit because they are devoted to making a difference early and thoroughly; preventing many of the challenges that come from adverse childhood experiences.“
Join us in making a difference
Sarah’s story is just one of many at Blue Shield where our people are making significant contributions to their communities. We encourage our people to explore how they can also make an impact. Whether through board service, volunteering or giving, there are numerous opportunities to contribute.
If you are seeking a career that aligns with giving back to the community, we invite you to consider joining Blue Shield. Explore our open positions and learn more about our commitments here.
Together, we can make a profound impact on our communities, support our members and contribute to a healthier planet. Join us in standing for what’s right.
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The broader impact of our support Beyond volunteering and giving, Blue Shield encourages board service as an avenue for professional and personal growth. We partner with BoardSource to prepare interested employees for board roles, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to serve effectively. This initiative not only supports our communities but also fosters leadership and development. |
