On November 13, 2019 we will honor Anna Bard with the Building Bridges Award at Girl Legacy, Community Bridges’ Annual Celebration.
Anna attended the McColl Graduate School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte with the help of a fellowship. While still working at the Red Cross and pursuing her MBA, Anna spoke with a classmate who encouraged her to apply for a job doing International Cash Management in Wachovia’s Investment Bank, even though she knew nothing about banks beyond cashing a check. She got the job. She later transitioned into Wachovia’s Community Affairs department, which satisfied her desire to stay connected to her nonprofit roots. Anna’s manager encouraged her to own being a woman in business, to never let anyone take away her power, even if she felt like she was “faking it until she made it”. She would make it, she was told, as long as she worked hard and believed that she could. And she did.
Wachovia was bought by Wells Fargo in 2008 and Anna had another supportive manager who suggested she look at an opening to manage Community Affairs in the Mid-Atlantic. Taking a risk was the only way she would be able to grow and learn more. Again, he saw her potential and gave a kind nudge. She became Wells Fargo’s Senior Vice President of Community Affairs for MD, VA, and DC – a position she still holds today.
Anna brought hands-on experience, an understanding of the nonprofit sector, a willingness to listen and a desire to build relationships up, down and outside of the company. Since 2009 she’s used those skills to become known as a leader in the philanthropic community. Anna and her team oversee a $9 million philanthropic budget, and although Wells Fargo’s focus areas are extremely broad, Anna loves learning about organizations that help students reach their greatest potential. She’s all about scaling proven interventions, providing access to the vibrant cultural sector, and providing tools to people who may need a second or third chance. Anna values her community of philanthropists and is a member of Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers, as well as its former Treasurer of the Board. She’s also a proud Board Member of DC Central Kitchen.
Read more about Anna on Riveting Women’s website here.