Last week, M&T Bank hosted YWCA Delaware’s Investor’s Cabinet Reception, “It’s Up to Us – The Importance of Engaging in Our Communities.” The event is aimed at inspiring a new generation of leaders to make a difference in their communities and create quality of life for the state’s residents.
Nick Lambrow, president of the Delaware Region for M&T Bank, welcomed attendees and set the tone for the afternoon’s discussion. “One of our core beliefs is that the well-being of the bank is dependent on the well-being of the communities we serve,” Lambrow said. “It is every one of us in this room that can make a difference.”
Carla Markell, Delaware’s First Lady, delivered the event’s keynote address, and spoke about her personal experience volunteering and focused on making a strong impact on a young person’s life through one-on-one mentoring and support.
“Our job is to recognize if there is something we can do to help people feel part of a healthy culture and community. I think it is a really amazing gift if we can help young people who are struggling with how they can fit into a world they may not have grown up in or are comfortable with,” Markell said.
“Every child deserves someone who will advocate for them. All people can play a role with helping to be a part of the solution whether mentoring a child, teaching someone a new skill, helping nonprofits raise money or volunteering in some other way,” she concluded. Speaking of the Delaware community, Markell said, “I believe so deeply that this community is a community in which if you ask you shall receive. It might take a little while, but if you keep at it, it will happen because there is so much heart where we live.”
The YWCA Delaware’s CEO, Michelle Basham, closed the event by encouraging attendees to get involved with their community. “We all try to do what we can in small ways, big ways, and in between,” she said.
