From bustling cities to remote towns, Aramark employees around the world make an impression on their communities every day, connecting with local nonprofits, addressing food insecurity, promoting sustainability initiatives, and so much more.
In celebration of Global Volunteer Month (April), Aramark is highlighting outstanding volunteers from across the company. Thousands of miles apart from each other, the collective impact of Aramark’s international volunteer leaders knows no boundaries.
“I’m in awe at the global impact we have, as a company, thanks to our incredible volunteers from around the world,” said Jami Leveen, Aramark Vice President of Community Partnerships. “I extend my gratitude to each one of them for embracing and promoting the spirit of Aramark Building Community (ABC).”
Claire Moran, Director of Communications and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Ireland
Claire Moran, who has been with Aramark since 2022, has organized and volunteered for a variety of ABC projects and is especially excited about Aramark Ireland’s plans for Aramark Building Community Day (ABC Day), the company’s global day of service, in May.
For Moran, getting early input from volunteers ensures that they stay engaged throughout the entire process, from planning to completion. This ABC Day, the business in Ireland is expanding the number of activities taking place and teams will address homelessness, food poverty, environmental issues, and will help children with special needs.
"I genuinely enjoy helping people – simply put, it makes me happy!”. Being able to make a bigger difference and have a broader impact through Aramark makes me incredibly proud,” said Moran.
Having an opportunity to give back at work is invaluable to Moran.
“Not all businesses do that. Aramark values what we do in the community. The company advocates for employees to come together to make change for people and the planet,” said Moran.
At the end of the day, it’s about coming together to create change.
“We all may be doing service projects individually, but we’re a part of a team and have an incredible collective impact because of the Aramark’s emphasis on volunteerism.”
Maria Francisca Hernández Scianca, Head of Sustainability, Chile
Six years ago, Francisca Hernandez Scianca began work with Aramark as the Head of Sustainability for the company’s operations in Latin America.
She found more than a new job. She found alignment.
Today, Scianca is the volunteer project leader for the company’s operations in Chile and helps Argentina and Mexico for ABC Day.
“What I like best about volunteering with Aramark are the lit-up faces of children and teachers when we transform an area,” she said, “and the faces of the community members when we clean up a beach or the Mapocho, the main river flowing through Santiago.”
Aramark also influences Scianca’s volunteerism outside of work. She currently is collecting household items for victims of the February 2024 wildfires that destroyed more than 1,100 homes in Chile.
“We are helping two families as they rebuild their lives,” she said. “A lot of people lost everything. It’s going to take some time.”
Volunteering is rewarding, but not everyone sees that at first. Scianca aims to change that.
“I consider it a personal challenge to involve other people who don’t necessarily have the spirit of volunteerism,” she said. “What motivates me is to involve more people in our activities every time because I believe it will change their lives.”
Ramona Wilder, Sustainability Manager, Aramark Canada
Ramona Wilder, Sustainability Manager at a University in Ottawa, Canada, is a leader in giving back.
For the last several years, Wilder and her peers have worked with a local nonprofit, the Parkdale Community Food Access Area.
In 2023, they helped at one of Parkdale’s community grocery shopping programs, where Aramark bought, prepared, and packaged meals for people in the neighborhood.
Wilder shared her favorite part of the experience. “We got to sit down and eat with our neighbors. It’s incredibly important to give back.”
Additionally, Wilder helps her community by supporting and utilizing Aramark’s culinary talent.
“At the Odawa Native Friendship Center, we provided 400 holiday meal kits, including culturally appropriate options like wild rice,” Wilder noted.
Addressing food security and helping food assistance organizations—many of which are struggling to meet demand—is important to Wilder.
“I like to see good things happen in my community. It uplifts my spirit when we can alleviate hunger for even one day. For some, that one day can be a great opportunity.”
Each of these volunteers will lead service projects on ABC Day, May 2, 2024.
