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"Paola has been a tireless advocate for underserved communities and has made it her mission to create access and opportunities for those who need it most."
That's what the American Bankers Association is saying about its 2023 George Bailey Distinguished Service Award winner.
Paola Fernandez, senior vice president of community development for Centreville Bank in West Warwick, RI, will receive the honor at the ABA's Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn., in October.
The ABA Foundation selects the winner after reviewing nominations submitted by banks of all sizes across the country.
Fernandez, who joined Centreville Bank in 2018 and was tasked with developing a formal and strategic approach to community giving, "successfully launched the institution's long-term philanthropic program and has since directed multi-million-dollar investments to underserved communities from the bank's charitable foundation," per the ABA.
"One of her key accomplishments has been the support and enhancement of student scholarship programs and investment in community programs that support the success of school-age children through Centreville Bank," says the ABA in a statement.
"Her commitment to education and this program has enabled countless students to pursue their academic dreams."
Selected Grant News Headlines
A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.
Foundation: Jim Joseph Foundation
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The impact of philanthropy in London: A legacy of giving | London Daily News.From historical figures to modern-day benefactors, philanthropy has played a crucial role in addressing social challenges...more
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Spotlight
Together TV, the Channel that Helps You Channel Your Inner Good
Caroline Diehl is a serial social entrepreneur in the impact media space. She is Executive Chair and Founder of the UK’s only charitable and co-operatively owned national broadcast television channel Together TV, the leading broadcaster for social change runs a national TV channel in the UK and digital platform which helps people find inspiration to do good in their lives and communities.
