In 2013, after leaving Arnold, Solve Next hired me as a Project Director on a team that helped Genentech develop their Signature Giving Program, a multi-year philanthropic commitment to a cause that resonated with a company’s culture and values. It's goal was to help South San Francisco teachers and schools deliver inspiring science experiences.
The Process
Blitz
I helped plan and execute the Genentech Blitz - a gathering of 36 teachers, scientists, curators, education professionals, designers, communicators, administrators, corporate professionals, architects, strategists, musicians, non-pro t leaders, artists, and corporate philanthropists. Brought together to imagine original, clever, and practical solutions to a single challenge: How might Genentech help young people—in our own backyard—have amazing, inspiring, science experiences?
Strategic Planning
Post blitz, our team worked with Genentech to take the best ideas generated at the blitz and synthesize them into material that could be used in a strategic proposal for Genentech's Executive Committee. Activities included: incorporating feedback, creating storyboards, identifying strategic partnerships, generating budget estimates, and developing timelines & milestones.
Outcome
The three year Strategic Plan advanced Genentech’s corporate giving strategy in the following ways:
Provide a clear focal point for giving programs
Reinforce values and culture, internally and externally
Strengthen reputation as corporate citizen in the Bay Area and beyond
Support meaningful, continuous employee engagement
Help with community relationships
Read about Future Lab and the programs Genentech provides on a local level to students and teachers in South San Francisco.
