We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 William Blair Cares Awards, an annual recognition program celebrating employee-led and -inspired volunteerism. Built on William Blair’s culture of employee-led engagement and our firm commitment to colleagues, clients, and communities, this initiative recognizes the personal volunteer efforts of an individual in each department. Nominations are submitted by peers, highlighting colleagues who go above and beyond to support causes they are passionate about.
This year’s recipients exemplify the spirit of giving back through their dedication to various causes, enriching the communities they serve. Their involvement spans initiatives that promote financial empowerment, education, youth development, animal welfare, and community support. Each recipient’s efforts demonstrate how an individual can create meaningful change:
Basheer Hassan (Investment Banking), Board Member and Volunteer with Chi-Care
“I’m extremely humbled to be recognized by my colleagues at William Blair. Our firm truly cares about our communities through its various initiatives. The opportunity to volunteer with Chi-Care has helped me realize that being thankful starts with giving back to those in need. Food, water, and other living essentials are basic human rights, and I’m proud to work at William Blair, where these values are supported.”
Beth Pekol Porto (Institutional Sales, Trading, and Research), Board Member of Chicago Financial Women's Alliance, Volunteer at The Friendship Center, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago Supporter
“I’m so grateful for this award and even more grateful to work at a company that prioritizes community engagement. Over the years, William Blair’s Community Partner program has introduced me to several organizations that support our community. I recently met up with a student I tutored from grades 4 to 6 through Midtown Educational Foundation (our then community partner). She just finished her first year at the University of Illinois! I also witnessed firsthand how recent partners ShowerUp and Chi-Care help our houseless communities. I introduced Chi-Care to my department via organized snack bag packing events. As a board member of the Chicago Financial Women’s Alliance, an alliance with other financial services firms, I have always been proud of William Blair’s dedication to our communities. We stand out.”
Jennifer Viglucci (Private Wealth Management), Secretary, Executive Committee Member, Chair of Governance, and Board Member for The Maryland SPCA
“I am sincerely honored to receive this award from my colleagues. This recognition truly reflects William Blair’s commitment to our firm’s core values and creating a meaningful, positive impact in the communities we serve. My service as a board member of The Maryland SPCA has been an enriching experience that has deepened my understanding of the intersection between animal welfare and community well-being. The mission of The Maryland SPCA - to improve the lives of pets and people in the community - has inspired me to contribute to a cause I am deeply passionate about. Ultimately, volunteerism is a humbling reminder of the difference we can make when we work together towards a shared goal.”
Seema Outarsingh (Investment Management), Volunteer with Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund
“It is truly an honor to be named one of the William Blair Cares Awards recipients. I am deeply proud to represent an organization that champions the importance of community engagement. I also feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of a team that actively encourages volunteerism and service. One of the most rewarding aspects of my volunteer work has been my involvement with the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Foundation (DMSF). DMSF plays a vital role in supporting students from under-resourced backgrounds by providing access to high-quality educational opportunities and the tools to unlock their potential to succeed in high school and beyond. Serving on the DMSF Education Committee has been both humbling and transformative. I am inspired by the resilience and tenacity of these students, many of whom rise above significant challenges with incredible grace and determination. Through DMSF, the trajectory of these students’ lives changes in meaningful and lasting ways. To contribute to that journey, even in a small way, is an experience I will always cherish.”
Uday Balan (Strategic Resources), Volunteer with Chicago Kalakshetra
“I’m truly grateful for the recognition and pride of being part of a company that not only genuinely cares about its various communities, but also sincerely values employees' contributions to support its mission. Volunteering with the incredible team at Chicago Kalakshetra allows me to help organize various celebrations throughout the year that promote the unifying values central to our community.”
At William Blair, our mission to engage with and support our communities has been central to our identity for over ninety years. The continued growth of the William Blair Cares Awards program reinforces this by celebrating the extraordinary efforts of our colleagues and encouraging a culture of volunteerism and collaboration.
Congratulations to this year’s William Blair Cares Awards recipients! Thank you for your unwavering commitment to making a difference. Your efforts exemplify the values we strive to live by every day.