Laura Coy was always destined for her corporate philanthropy role at William Blair. She was just a child when her father, head of John Deere’s philanthropy department, introduced her to the field. “I grew up around the notion that companies can both do well and do good.”

Her career began in the nonprofit world, where she worked for a variety of organizations, including the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. “My experience as both a fundraiser and a grant-maker enables me to help nonprofits as a corporate philanthropist.”

Coy’s official title at William Blair is Head of Philanthropy, Strategy, and ESG Integration. As such she is responsible for overseeing the company’s community engagement and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration. “I help families, foundations, companies, and colleagues initiate high-impact philanthropy and ESG strategies focused on innovation and shared value,” she says.

Coy explains that she and her team “leverage best practices as a company to help clients who have foundations, charitable entities, and programs maximize their giving. At the end of the day, we want a broad network of corporations and families to engage in high-impact philanthropy.”

Her team also oversees William Blair’s signature Global Community Partners program. Each partnership is employee-led and creates impact in the communities where they live and work. The company supports charitable giving and volunteerism for its employees in a variety of other ways, including providing matching gifts, paid days for volunteering, and incentives to serve on boards and committees.

When aligning herself with an organization, Coy is understandably selective. One such organization is the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.

“We’re living in a world that needs better communication and insights shared about humanitarianism. The Museum upholds those goals in its programming about the Holocaust and many other public programs and exhibitions focusing on tolerance and inclusion. It brings its mission to life through two distinct perspectives: honoring the past and transforming the future in thoughtful and innovative ways.”

Lori Fagenholz, the Holocaust Museum’s Associate Director of Development notes, “We are very fortunate to have Laura as a member of the Museum’s family, Women’s Leadership Committee, and as an ambassador to the community. She embodies the Museum’s mission and believes that learning the history of the Holocaust and the lessons that can be applied to our world today transcend all religious and ethnic boundaries.”

Coy is looking forward to the Women’s Leadership Committee’s biggest fundraiser, “The Soirée” on September 8 at the Chicago Botanic Garden. “The Soirée is a meaningful event with great friends, handcrafted cocktails, fabulous food, and the famous signature donut wall,” explains Fagenholz. The highly anticipated event raises funds to support the Museum’s award-winning exhibits, programs, and special projects.

Coy’s impact in the corporate philanthropic world and at the Museum can be felt far and wide—her father would be proud.

For more information, visit ihm.ec/soiree.