Giving With Heart: Philanthropy at Work
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving” (St. Teresa of Calcutta).
“I Thirst”: Using Our Gifts to Quench Christ’s Thirst
In a message by Pope St. John Paul II for Lent 1993, the great pope called the Church to reflect on Jesus’ words, “I thirst” (John 19:28) and “Give me a drink” (John 4:7). In these words, he wrote, ‘we hear a cry from the poor, especially those who did not have access to clean water’. In a subsequent letter to the Missionaries of Charity, St. Teresa of Calcutta (then simply known as Mother Teresa) elaborated on this message:
“‘I thirst’ is something much deeper than Jesus just saying ‘I love you.’ Until you know deep inside that Jesus thirsts for you — you can’t begin to know who He wants to be [for] you. Or who He wants you to be for Him.”
This Lent, Catholic Women in Business invites you to reflect with us on how Jesus thirsts for each one of us and how we can quench His thirst — through prayer, through sacrifice, through loving His children who are most in need (and there are so many this Lent in particular!). In our content this season, we’ll be exploring how, as Catholic professionals, we can begin to understand “who He wants to be” for us, “who He wants [us] to be for Him,” and how we can share His great love for us all with everyone we encounter.
“Where do you work?”
“I am a retail store and philanthropy manager for Kendra Scott!”
“Wow, a jewelry company ... That seems so fun!”
“You have no idea.”
This is the typical conversation I have with anyone and everyone who finds out I spend my days talking about and selling sparkling jewelry. Ever since I was a little girl, I spent my days dreaming of working in a jewelry store and dressing up for the day decked out in diamonds. Dreams do come true, and prayers are answered. But, would you believe me if I told you the diamonds were just the icing on the cake, and the real honor is being able to work for an organization that allows me to put the greater good of others first?
A Journey
My career has taken me to a variety of unique places. For years, I worked as a marketing director for a bridal accessories company that shuttled me around the U.S. and granted me the opportunities to work with designers, notable magazine publications, and some of the industry’s most prominent members.
While I was grateful for this experience and the many career accomplishment boxes I could check off my list, something was still missing. I felt an ache and a desire for more, and I wanted to show up for God in a way that I hadn't before.
That summer, I embarked on a novena journey that began in familiar territory and led me to something completely new. I am a big believer in novenas and the power they hold. Having done many of these special prayers, I decided to add something unique to this set of intentions. In addition to praying a nine-day series of prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I made a pilgrimage to nine churches and left copies of this prayer for others. I began that novena with the desire for God to deliver me to something new, and I ended up with so much more. That week, Kendra Scott offered me a job, and a new journey began.
Giving Back Changes the Heart
Over the last few years of working in both the retail and philanthropy sides of the business, I have seen what giving back does to the heart. I have made numerous contacts and forged deep relationships that go far beyond a single “give back” event at my store. It has been great exposing my team to the power of working for a cause greater than themselves.
In the spring of 2020, at the height of the lockdown, I found myself asking, “What’s next?” There had to be more I could do, even if I was quarantined at home. I started thinking about the aspects of my current role that I loved and how I could build upon them next. I realized that the elements of my job that meant the most weren't the shiny objects that clients purchased but the positive impact I could make with someone who was having a bad day or the local family with a child going through his next round of chemotherapy. It was then that I understood that the point of our careers is to help other people and that even in the most mundane workday, we can find a way to give.
If you find yourself looking for more in your career or a more profound reason to exist, consider that when you open your heart to give, the opportunities will appear. If you are a CEO, you set the vision and the pace for workplace generosity. Alternatively, if you are looking to start a new job, investigate how your prospective employer gives. The truly great companies are the ones that look out for their employees’ welfare and goodwill in benefits plans, fair wages, 401k plans — and more. They are the ones that empower their associates to make decisions from their heart and to always choose what is right, even when it may cause the company to lose. The lesson I have learned from my time at Kendra Scott thus far is something I will take with me wherever God leads me next.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength … ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31).
Companies with heart are aligned with the philosophy that everyone deserves just treatment. If you are looking for ways to give back on an individual basis or through your current role at work, there is a list of ideas below. When you add the element of doing good for others into your day-to-day role, it becomes an act of service. Your company shouldn’t be only about increasing sales and doing the work. It should also be about encouraging a legacy of hope and helping to change our world for the better.
“Whatever you do, work from your heart, as for the Lord and not for others” (Colossians 3:23).
10 Ways to Incorporate Philanthropy Into Your Work
Offer small notes of appreciation for co-workers and staff.
Reflect on the good, and celebrate your wins.
Say, “Thank you.” Express your gratitude aloud and often. The spirit of thanksgiving is contagious! Be a living example and reflection of the good God has placed within you.
Having a difficult day? Offer it up to God for someone going through a tough time. Write a post-it note with that person’s name on it at the start of your day, and as each moment of desolation arises, think of that individual and offer the moment up for him or her.
Volunteer as an organization. When a team gathers together for a good cause outside of the workplace, it will continue to pay dividends back at the office.
Consider mentorship by starting an internship program.
Pick a monthly charity, and host “give back” events, such as dinners or wine-tastings.
Provide pro-bono services to local non-profit organizations.
Create a philanthropic committee to spearhead new ideas.
Support local church organizations by offering prayer hours or study groups.
Marissa Marguerite Lenon resides in Los Angeles, where she works as the philanthropy and retail manager for Kendra Scott Jewelry. She currently serves as the Los Angeles chapter president for Young Catholic Professionals. She also facilitates marketing, branding, and writing for Seeking Excellence, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Connect with Marissa on Instagram @bellemarissa_xoxo, or send her an email at marissa@thosewhoseek.org.