2012 Pillar Award Finalist: Bob Saada, managing partner of the Lake Erie Market, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Bob Saada, managing partner of the Lake Erie Market, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

On a national level, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP upholds a national community service philosophy that includes four tenets: responsible business, diversity and inclusion, community engagement and environmental stewardship.
And under the leadership of managing partner Bob Saada, the PwC office in Cleveland helps bolster all of these tenets. Yet to make the biggest impact in its local communities, PwC Cleveland has specifically focused on two of them: diversity and inclusion and community engagement.
The office’s partnerships with two community organizations, St. Martin de Porres High School and Esperanza, are a perfect example of how PwC Cleveland is making an impact in these areas.
Over the years, PwC Cleveland has made significant contributions to Saint Martin’s through its Corporate Work Study Program — in which PwC Partners and staff mentor students and model behavior within a workplace setting.
Yet, the firm has also looked for ways to become more involved with the students. The firm recently announced a new partnership with Saint Martin’s called “Students Today. Leaders Tomorrow,” designed to include annual touch points and two biannual events. This new program gives the students even more opportunities to engage with PwC staff around personal and professional development.
PwC Cleveland has also begun a new partnership with Esperanza, a not-for-profit organization focused on enhancing educational and economic opportunities for Hispanic children in Greater Cleveland.
With the goal of helping decrease the dropout trend of Hispanic’s in the region, PwC Cleveland decided to partner with Esperanza for a “Youth Executive Mentoring Program.” The program pairs PwC professional staff with Hispanic youth who are beginning college.
Throughout their college experience, PwC staff members act as the student’s mentors, coaches and role models so that they overcome obstacles and successfully graduate. Launched in April 2012, the program also includes book scholarships and PwC internship opportunities.
 
How to reach: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, (216) 875-3000 or www.pwc.com