Impact
Our team gave mock interviews to support The Doe Fund. Read more about their mission below.
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At Actualize, we recognize the domino effect of our actions. Everything we do and every decision we make affects our employees, our clients, and our colleagues in the industry. We set our focus on our people first because we recognize that happy and passionate employees fuel excellent client service and innovation.
From our professional positions as industry thought leaders and practitioners to our roles as parents and friends, we know that change happens when we lead and set a positive example. Here are some of the many ways we strive to improve our community. |
Environmental
Through our work with the GSE's, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Development, we are strategically placed to help uplift the housing needs of various communities. Our virtual workforce helps reduce emissions from commuting and paper waste. We have worked together with the Environmental Protection Agency and continue to consider the weight of our operational decisions on the environment.
Social
Many companies view corporate social responsibility as a box to check off; while monetary donations are undoubtedly helpful and necessary, we want to personally cultivate change and see the impact of our time, energy, and assistance. Therefore, we focus on hands-on giving at Actualize to immerse ourselves in the communities to which we belong and provide curated, thoughtful help to the causes we are passionate about.
Childhood Cancer Research
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Cancer doesn’t discriminate. Unfortunately, most everyone has been affected by a difficult diagnosis, whether through a parent, child, friend, or pet. Our COO lost two friends to childhood cancer inspiring the many fundraisers and initiatives we host. To keep a healthy competitive spirit, we often tie our fundraising to a wellness goal. A favorite companywide activity is participating in Alex’s Lemonade Stand’s Million Mile, challenging our teams to see who can bike, swim, run, or walk the most miles while also pledging money to the cause.
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Second Chances
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Mistakes shouldn’t define our lives; at Actualize, we foster second chances by supporting The Doe Fund, an organization that provides housing, educational opportunities, and career training to formerly incarcerated men trying to re-enter the workforce.
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While one of our employee-favorite events is holding mock interviews to help program participants prepare for real-life job searching, we also partner with them regularly to ensure they have the supplies and support they need for a functioning program. In the past, we have sewn scarves for participants, donated laptops and headsets for their virtual courses, purchased business clothing for potential job opportunities, and contributed to their holiday gift program.
Local Community Outreach
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With so many of our employees located in the Northern Virginia area, we are familiar with the high cost of living that makes it hard for some families to live comfortably.
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We have partnered with local organization Cornerstones for over 10 years to give back to those facing poverty in our local community and support the various needs of their operations. We pack monthly lunches, donate hot meals, host wellness fairs for kids, and participate in the many clothing and housewarming drives they hold.
Wellbeing
In 2010, our culture went through a major overhaul; while the first few years of our operations focused on becoming operationally stable, which came at a price – our turnover was high. After implementing wellness-based values to cure her own burnout, our COO Kerry Wekelo developed 9 main culture-shifting principles that took our turnover from 33% to less than 4% since 2016.
These results were so astounding that she developed a service offering to help other organizations transform their culture, complete with two books, Culture Infusion and Gratitude Infusion, that serve as case studies. Shifting our focus to wellness was the impetus behind Actualize Consulting winning various culture awards. We have been named a Top Workplace by the Washington Post for three years in a row, a Top Company Culture by Entrepreneur Magazine, a Best and Brightest Company ELITE winner, and Great Place to Work-Certified.
To keep our culture functioning at its highest capacity, we infuse wellness into all areas of our organization. We operate from a foundation of gratitude and mutual respect to ensure our employees feel uplifted and supported. We put our people first because we know that an organization is only as good as the people who represent it. Year round, we integrate mindfulness in our communication practices and social events. Our people have a say in the events and socials we organize, and they participate in the operating decisions of the firm. When we fuel our team’s passions, value their input, enhance their work/life balance, and encourage mental wellbeing, everyone wins.
These results were so astounding that she developed a service offering to help other organizations transform their culture, complete with two books, Culture Infusion and Gratitude Infusion, that serve as case studies. Shifting our focus to wellness was the impetus behind Actualize Consulting winning various culture awards. We have been named a Top Workplace by the Washington Post for three years in a row, a Top Company Culture by Entrepreneur Magazine, a Best and Brightest Company ELITE winner, and Great Place to Work-Certified.
To keep our culture functioning at its highest capacity, we infuse wellness into all areas of our organization. We operate from a foundation of gratitude and mutual respect to ensure our employees feel uplifted and supported. We put our people first because we know that an organization is only as good as the people who represent it. Year round, we integrate mindfulness in our communication practices and social events. Our people have a say in the events and socials we organize, and they participate in the operating decisions of the firm. When we fuel our team’s passions, value their input, enhance their work/life balance, and encourage mental wellbeing, everyone wins.
