The Hitachi Foundation’s Yoshiyama Business in Society Fellowship: An Inside Look with Haviland Rummel By: Shikha Dalal

The Hitachi Foundation is an independent nonprofit philanthropic organization whose purpose is to enhance the well-being of economically isolated people in the United States, especially by exploring the value and limits of good corporate citizenship.  The Hitachi Foundation selected two business students for the First Yoshiyama Business in Society Fellowship.  An inside look with one of two selected students Haviland Rummel, from George Washington University, gives us yet another opportunity to see what young FLiPs are doing to immerse themselves in this emerging industry. 

Future Leaders in Philanthropy (FLiP): Tell us a bit about your story, including your background and your interest in the philanthropic field.

Haviland Rummel (HR): I have been working and volunteering in the philanthropic/nonprofit world since high school. I grew up in Chicago and worked at a nonprofit focusing on family services and also volunteered internationally for an organization combating homelessness and poverty. After college I became interested in the way that business impacts society and the real changes and results that can come from engaging and empowering stakeholders in creating a more sustainable global economy. I decided to go to business school to get a better grasp on the business world, develop my business skills, and learn how to integrate socially responsible business solutions into the core strategy of a corporation. I am currently about to start my second year at the George Washington University School of Business.

FLiP: How did you first learn about the Yoshiyama Business in Society Fellowship, and what made you want to apply?

HR: I first learned about The Hitachi Foundation at the Net Impact annual conference.  A colleague told me about the work the Foundation was doing and then I specifically heard about the Fellowship through the George Washington University Net Impact chapter. The Hitachi Foundation has three main programs - the Business and Communities Grants Program, the Hitachi Community Action Partnership and the Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community. Together, these programs provide a powerful approach to enhance the well-being of economically and socially isolated people throughout the United States. I was attracted to the mission of the foundation and also the dedication and commitment of the staff.  The Hitachi Foundation is unique in that it concentrates on changing business practices to create greater societal value. The Foundation also facilitates efforts by employees at Hitachi Group Companies around the country to engage in their local communities and begin to help address local priorities and needs.

FLiP: Can you describe what special projects you are working on that will advance the role of business in society and the overall broader mission of the Foundation?

HR: This is a very exciting time to be working at The Hitachi Foundation as we are in the strategic planning process for 2009 to 2013. During my internship at Hitachi I will have the opportunity to attend the board retreat, which serves as the strategic planning meeting.  I am currently working on a research project for the Business and Communities Grants Program. I’m looking at employer practices and opportunities that advance low-income workers, identifying ways to find those businesses that have developed sustainable approaches and help other business leaders to discover and adopt those approaches.  I have also reviewed and ranked proposals from potential grantees to the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, one of our partnership initiatives that aims to develop advancement opportunities for low-income individuals. After the retreat I will begin working on the Yoshiyama Awards, which honor young leaders who are making real changes in their communities.

FLiP: What are the overall goals of the fellowship, and what challenges have you experienced thus far? 

HR: The goal of the fellowship is to provide a hands-on opportunity for emerging leaders dedicated to using the tools of a business school education for the betterment of society.  Two fellows were chosen to contribute to the Foundation and gain experience in managing the complexities of integrating CSR strategy within a large, global company. The biggest challenge I have seen so far is identifying the best opportunities that will create the greatest amount of change and value in society.   

FLiP: What do you personally hope to accomplish by completing this fellowship program? Have you thought ahead about how you plan to use this experience in terms of your larger career goals? 

HR: This Fellowship is a huge learning opportunity for me. I hope to gain a better understanding of what approaches businesses are taking to become better corporate citizens and what strategies are actually making a difference. After completing the fellowship, I will better understand the day-to-day operations of a corporate foundation and the planning involved in creating an effective strategy and managing partnerships. I plan on pursuing a career in corporate social responsibility and I know that this experience will equip me with the tools and analytical thinking I need to make a difference in the field.