Global management consulting firm North Highland launches its social impact platform – Economic Empowerment – under the direction of newly-hired Global Head of  Philanthropy, Dianne Bernez.  

The intent of the Economic Empowerment initiative is to address the root cause of economic disparity, enabling at-risk individuals and families to become economically stable. In partnership with an array of civic, community and business organizations, the new social impact platform will deliver strategies and programs that support long-term financial stability, such as work skill development, in the communities where firm consultants live and work across the globe. The localized community aspect of the program will allow consultants to take advantage of the networks and resources they know.

"Through Economic Empowerment, we will leverage our business leadership skills and consulting expertise to help solve problems in the communities in which we work and live by stopping poverty before it starts," said North Highland CEO Dan Reardon. "Our goal is to create long-term economic empowerment by helping at-risk individuals develop the skills required to break the cycle of poverty. I can't think of a better person to lead this charge than Dianne Bernez."

With more than 25 years of experience building, launching and driving impactful public relations, marketing communications, brand and employee communications programs, Bernez has held senior communications positions at companies such as ING Americas, AT&T and – most recently – Equifax. At Equifax, she was senior vice president of communications. Additionally, she has managed community affairs' activation programs, is active in the community and has served on a number of nonprofit boards.

"I am excited to be joining a team that shares my passion for and commitment to Economic Empowerment," said Bernez. "Our intention is to get to the heart of economic disparity, find solutions that work and deliver an impactful new philanthropic approach focused on transformative initiatives that will align civic, community and business partnerships."

In 2016, North Highland is running Economic Empowerment pilot programs at its offices in Atlanta, London, Los Angeles, Philadelphia/Basking Ridge and Portland. Its consultants will support projects that tackle financial stability, family sustaining employment and housing. Based on learnings from these pilots, North Highland will build a unified firm strategy that will be localized in each of its 23 communities where consultants live and work across the globe.