Community

The Power of Impact

Leadership and Impact Go Hand-in-Hand
Anne Huntington Sharma

Anne Huntington Sharma

3 Min Read

There has been a rise in discussion, both in personal and professional circles, about the concept of “impact” be it through philanthropy, community service, corporate social responsibility, time and other methods that define this topic. These conversations have been inspiring and indicative of a cultural shift that further blends aspects of home and work life. 

I currently hold leadership positions on various community and industry councils and boards for a multitude of reasons all of which are rooted in the ethos of impact by giving back. I feel the intrinsic value of aiding my community to be a better place, thrive on interacting with individuals who share similar passions and see first hand the positive impactful results. Some of the biggest returns I’ve gained great personal and professional insight and meaning through these experiences. Below are ways you can take your involvement to the next level and embrace the power of impact.

Be a Voice

Whether chatting with colleagues at the water cooler, or posting on Instagram, we are inundated with opportunities to communicate positive messages about the issues that matter most to us. Use platforms that you feel most comfortable with to educate your communities. It can be as simple as bringing up a recent news story or report, or inviting someone to check out an exhibit or volunteer at an event for the organizations you support. Starting a conversation can be the spark needed to get more people involved and make an even stronger impact. Without a voice, nothing will be heard – let people know what is important to you.

Build Communities

In 2012 I had the privilege of joining New York City’s Coalition for the Homeless’ Art Advisory Board that raises awareness and funds through the annual fundraiser called ARTWALKNY. Through this organization, I’ve helped raise millions of dollars that directly impact the lives of New York City’s homeless while building a sense of community with like-minded leaders. Together we tackle the issues and provide positive change. I took this relationship further and saw an opportunity to expand the community fighting homelessness when I began partnerships at Huntington Learning Center and teamed up with the Coalition for their yearly back-to-school supply drive. Now in our third year as a partner for the Coalitions “Project: Back to School”, multiple Huntington Learning Centers open their doors to serve as collection centers to help collect over 5,000 backpacks full of the tools students need to succeed in the classroom.

Influence the Culture

Community development, volunteer hours and event appearances have all become a part of my personal and professional routine. I am energized by participating and engaging with others who value and recognize the power of giving back. Impact takes on a variety of forms and is an individual process to identify which methods are most rewarding. The more that we can help build actions of impact into the habits of others, the greater influence we can have on building cultures of inclusion of philanthropy. In your own business, you can organize a company give-back day, or offer to match donations to your employees’ charities of choice. Empowering others around the initiatives they’re most passionate about will help produce a culture of giving back and empathy.

Impact comes in many forms, which means that there are countless opportunities out there to get involved. Decide what moves you, and let your passions be your guide.  

Author(s)

  • Anne Huntington Sharma

    President and Board Member, Huntington Learning Center

    https://huntingtonhelps.com/

    Anne Huntington Sharma is the President and a Board Member of Huntington Learning Center, the nation's leading tutoring and test prep provider. Anne oversees business strategy and growth initiatives, including partnerships, marketing, digital and technological transformation, and franchise development.  Anne is involved in the arts as a collector, producer, philanthropist, curator, and founder of AMH Industries, a creative agency for contemporary art and culture. She is an associate producer on the Emmy-nominated HBO documentary, 'The Price of Everything’ and an associate producer on the documentary ‘The Art of Making It’. To date, Anne has curated more than 30 exhibits across the country and raised over $30 million for various philanthropic causes. Additionally, Anne is active with arts, education, and business organizations. She is a board member for the Learning Disabilities Association of America, Art Advisory Board member for NYC’s Coalition for the Homeless, member of the Women’s Franchise Committee for the International Franchise Association, member of the International Director’s Council at the Guggenheim Museum, and a founding member of the Future Leadership Council at the Whitney Museum. For her service, Anne has been recognized by SmartCEO, Apollo Magazine, and Moves Magazine. She has also been honored as a Woman of Wonder by Franchise Dictionary Magazine, named to the NJBIZ Education Top 50 list, as well as the NJBIZ 40 under 40. Most recently, Anne was named one of NJBIZ’s Best 50 Women in Business and was awarded the Silver distinction for the American Business Awards, Maverick category. Anne received her BA from Colgate University.