The Big Cheese Reads Gala is held annually each spring to celebrate our work in the Boston Public Schools, but it’s also a great opportunity to recognize our sponsors who make that work possible. At this year’s gala, we are excited to honor Jim MacDonald, President of Workplace Investing at Fidelity Investments. Please read as Mr. MacDonald, a four-time Big Cheese Reader, shares his experiences with The Big Cheese Reads and Boston Partners in Education.
As president of Fidelity’s Workplace Investing (WI) company, I spend a lot of time speaking to clients about the benefits of helping their employees save and invest for a secure retirement. It’s our commitment to service quality and a clear and consistent strategy that make Fidelity a leader in our field.
Along with many other Fidelity employees from across the country, I also a share a deep commitment to give back to the communities in which we work. I can say with confidence that we have a special place in our hearts for Boston, Fidelity’s home since our founding in 1946. So what better way to invest in the city we love than mentoring Boston’s future leaders?
“Do the best you can in life and make sure you like what you do. It makes a big difference,” said Jim MacDonald during a Big Cheese Reading at the Jackson Mann K-8 School. The Jackson Mann will be celebrated at The Big Cheese Reads Gala this year.
My wife and daughter are both educators, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact that spending time in the classroom can have on students. So I’m particularly proud of Fidelity’s longstanding relationship with Boston Partners in Education (Boston Partners). Founded in 1966, Boston Partners seeks to enhance the academic achievement and personal growth for all of Boston’s public school students by providing them with focused, individualized in-school volunteer support.
Fidelity volunteers have supported Boston Partners in a variety of ways to help give students the support and encouragement they need to succeed. For over three years, I’ve had the pleasure of participating in The Big Cheese Reads, Boston Partners’ signature sponsorship initiative. As a Big Cheese Reader, I’ve enjoyed reading in the classroom and sharing advice with middle school students.
During a recent visit to the Jackson Mann K-8 School in Allston, I spoke with a large classroom about my role at Fidelity and my early career as a computer programmer. To my delight, I found that many students were interested in technology and computer gaming and may explore careers in software development. If hearing about my personal experience makes an impact on just one student, then I believe the visit has been a success.
Andy Tuite, Principal of Jackson Mann K-8 School told me, “We get a lot of sports figures who come through our school, but it’s important for kids to get to know business leaders in our community too. They are the ones making things happen daily across our city.”
In recognition of Fidelity’s role in helping to close the achievement gap, I am honored to accept an award to celebrate our longstanding partnership with Boston Partners in Education and our commitment to supporting local education.
Please join me at The Big Cheese Reads Gala on April 30, or consider becoming a volunteer academic mentor or a Big Cheese Reader… it’s an investment with a priceless return.
NEW! Watch a video of Fidelity leaders as they reflect on their experiences with The Big Cheese Reads.