Melissa Broers (second from left) played a critical role in shaping the Aspen Medical Foundation’s social impact report. Melissa is pictured with (L-R) Aspen Medical CEO Craig Fitzgerald, Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Aspen Medical Foundation Director Amelda Keys, Aspen Medical Founder and Executive Chair Glenn Keys and Aspen Medical Foundation Chair Sian Keys. Photo: Aspen Medical.
“This generation of workers knows that companies cannot just keep taking and taking.”
They’re strong words, but for Melissa Broers, the message they deliver is more important than ever. With a background in HR, she is one of many ethically minded professionals who have turned their skills into a career helping others.
Melissa wants to see more businesses shift in favour of ethical, transparent practices that work towards some form of social good. More companies that don’t see profit as the be-all-and-end-all.
It will require a widespread and authentic change in how many operations run.
No significant change is made without effort, and helping guide this transition is a relatively new role that is rapidly gaining traction in organisations of all sizes.
Melissa has worked with global health provider Aspen Medical since 2012. She was appointed as the dedicated social impact manager for the Canberra-based company in mid-2022 and says it’s an incredible position to work in.
“Aspen Medical’s dedication to helping others has been evident throughout my entire career with them,” she says.
“Not only in delivering healthcare, which in itself is a great reason to want to come to work but also in the local community.
“There’s so much going on in our world – climate change, social injustice, certain groups being marginalised … People stay with us because we are authentically making a difference in communities outside of our contracted work.”
Social impact managers work to implement, improve and promote the positive effects an organisation has on its employees, the environment and wider communities.
In short, they help make businesses a force for good.
Melissa helps manage the Aspen Medical Foundation, which has funded 57 philanthropic programs, 31 health scholarships and $1.7 million in donations since 2008. Photo: Aspen Medical.
A lot goes into Melissa’s job. She is tasked with the day-to-day management of the organisation’s health charity, Aspen Medical Foundation, and works on a global scale to support employees’ volunteer and fundraising initiatives.
Melissa has organised several major fundraisers herself over the last 13 years, including June for Joel, which raised $10,000 for a colleague who became a C5 quadriplegic after falling from a balcony.
“Aspen Medical employees worldwide participated in walks and runs to support Joel, enabling him to receive treatment in the US that would help him stand and walk again,” she says.
“Another colleague, Emily Pinzon, and I were encouraged to fundraise for the launch of The Farm in Galong, a women and children’s rehabilitation centre about an hour from Canberra.”
Melissa and Emily sold bacon and egg rolls to colleagues in the mornings and hosted a gala dinner, which together raised more than $35,000 for the cause.
Certification does exist for companies making a positive impact, with assessment by the internationally recognised nonprofit B Lab. Aspen Medical has been certified as a Benefit Corporation (B Corp) by B Lab since 2016.
Melissa says roles like hers are vital for any business looking to embody a high level of ethical practices that “just make sense”.
“These audits are tough … You have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk,” she says.
“All companies should be employing social impact managers. We play a crucial role in helping businesses navigate and implement strategies that ensure they not only thrive financially, but also contribute positively to society.”
For more information, visit Aspen Medical.
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