We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 William Blair Cares Awards, our annual program recognizing the exceptional volunteer efforts and impact of our colleagues across the firm.
Rooted in William Blair’s culture of engagement and our commitment to colleagues, clients, and communities, the William Blair Cares Awards empowers employees to nominate a colleague to be recognized for the work they are doing to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
This year’s recipients embody the spirit of giving back through their dedication to a wide range of causes, including food access, youth development and education, animal welfare, and broader community support. Their efforts demonstrate how individual action can drive tangible change and strengthen the communities where we live and work.
Niki Greendyke (Private Wealth Management)
Supporting PAWS Chicago
“I deeply admire the incredible dedication of the staff and volunteers who pour so much care, effort, and compassion into everything we do. Their commitment ensures that every cat and dog at our Medical Center and Adoption Center receives exceptional care and the best possible chance to find their perfect, forever home.
"Volunteering at PAWS Chicago in Dog Town every Saturday has become my form of therapy. It’s a place where I’ve built incredible friendships, both with fellow volunteers and with the animals themselves, and where I’ve had the privilege of helping so many deserving dogs find their forever homes. Being able to socialize with the animals, especially the shy and fearful dogs, and watching them slowly come out of their shells is profoundly meaningful to me. There are certain dogs whose journeys have left a lasting imprint on my heart, dogs I will never forget.”
Carolyn Kaiser (Workplace and Real Estate Management)
Supporting Fuel Movement Community Center
“I admire Fuel Movement’s unwavering commitment to serving the community with compassion and dignity. Even in the face of funding challenges, the organization continues to meet critical needs and create meaningful, lasting impact for families in the North Lawndale community.
"What I value most is the opportunity to build relationships with community members and see the direct impact the center has on families and the neighborhood.”
Maria Malek (Investment Banking)
Supporting Wrap Up UK
“Wrap Up UK has helped so many people stay warm during the winter months. One thing that continues to surprise me is that each year, we expect the need for coats to decrease—but in reality, it doesn’t seem to change.
"I really connect with the initiative’s slogan, “Warm a Heart, Give a Coat.” It captures the idea that such a simple act (donating a coat) can have a meaningful impact on someone’s life. Over the years, we’ve witnessed incredible generosity, including people, and even children, taking the coat off their own back to donate to the cause.”
Matt Packard (Institutional Sales, Trading, and Research)
Supporting The Play Ball Foundation
“The Play Ball Foundation funds middle school sports programs in Gateway Communities throughout Massachusetts. They work to address the opportunity gap by creating school-based leagues for middle schoolers who would otherwise lack opportunities to play.
"I think sports are a wonderful way for children to gain important life skills such as team building, working together, managing success and failure, and a whole lot more, and this organization makes it so that underprivileged kids are given this vital outlet.”
Christina Singleton (Investment Management)
Supporting WITS Chicago
“The organization offers a wide range of reading for children. It is not about targeted reading, but more reading for enjoyment with a trusted adult to help guide through the book. With consistent attendance and time, the program provides a natural progression towards mentorship. The relationship that develops between the children and the volunteers over time creates a space to hold the students accountable for their schoolwork, offer encouragement when needed, and, best of all, someone to share their accomplishments and breakthroughs.
"I look forward to seeing my student each week! She truly is a joy in my week, and she looks forward to giving me reports on her homework and test scores. More important than the books we read, the interactions we have are meaningful for both of us.”
Congratulations, again, to this year’s William Blair Cares Award recipients! Thank you for your dedication to our firm’s mission of engaging in our communities.