Our Partnership with Andersen
While the school year is coming to a close, Housing Up is already gearing up for our annual Back to School Drive. Over the years, our community partner, Andersen, has generously donated backpacks, school supplies, holiday gifts, and bikes to the kids in our communities. We interviewed Lillian Irby, Andersen’s Human Resources Manager, about their community partnership with Housing Up. Check out the interview below:
Lillian Irby
Human Resources Manager, Andersen
Hi Lillian, thanks for chatting with us! To start, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello, thank you for having me! My name is Lillian Irby, and I am the HR Manager for Andersen’s Metro DC Human Resource team. I have been with Andersen for 6 years and have been in Human Resources and Administration for over 15 years. I was born and raised in Washington, DC. I received my Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Morgan State University and my Master of Business Administration degree from Trinity Washington University. I co-lead the Philanthropy Committee in our Metro DC office. Our committee organizes volunteer events and donation drives for our office. I’ve always enjoyed giving back to the community and this was a great way to get involved.
Why did you and Andersen decide to get involved with Housing Up?
Our Philanthropy Committee was looking of charities to partner with that made an impact on the community. We were impressed by Housing Up’s mission and work in the community and wanted to support your efforts.
What does Andersen’s partnership with Housing Up look like? What has been your favorite part?
Our office has organized donation drives to support Housing Up’s Back to School and Holiday Toy Drives. We have also donated children’s bikes that were assembled by our team during their team building week. My favorite part of partnering with Housing Up is knowing that our efforts are appreciated and that our donations are going to those in need.
What would you tell an organization or individual who is considering joining Housing Up as a community partner or volunteer?
I would say to do it! Housing Up is a great organization that has helped many people transform their lives. It’s a team effort between the organization and the community. Every little bit helps, and you never know how your efforts will make a positive impact on others who are in need.
“Community” has been Housing Up’s guiding word this year. What does community mean to you?
To me, the word “community” means a group of people who share the same story. That shared story can be anything from their identity, where they are from, where they currently live or a shared experience. Community can be a beautiful thing as it let’s people know that they are not alone in their story and that there are others in the world who not only share their story but can empathize with it.