Finding Fulfillment Outside the Office
Barron Collier Companies’ team members, like so many professionals in today’s turbulent environment, seek opportunities outside the office to find meaningful connections in the Naples, Florida, and greater Southwest Florida communities. “Having an employer who encourages me to get involved and discover how I can make a difference, gives me greater respect for the company at large,” states Michelle Mambuca, Social Media and Marketing Coordinator for Barron Collier Companies. “They truly stand by their mission of Building Community. Creating Value. Committed to Excellence. I love being a part of that.”
Barron Collier Companies’ employees are affiliated with over 80 different 501(c)3 philanthropy organizations in Collier County. A new Volunteer Time Off (VTO) policy allows each employee up to 24 hours a year for community-related service activities. Many employees are involved in more than one nonprofit organization. Ashley McNamara, Human Resources PR Manager, spends her time volunteering with Valerie’s House and Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, among others. She says, “I have been a Naples group leader for Valerie’s House for almost five years and immediately felt a connection because of my own loss as a child. 
I volunteer with Valerie’s House because I want to be part of an organization that helps reach and support families to heal together and form those connections through their own grief stories. I feel similarly with Naples Therapeutic Riding Center. Their equine-assisted therapeutic riding program makes an impact in the lives of children and adults and I like being a part of that.”
Brad Boaz, outgoing Chief Financial Officer, has been with Barron Collier Companies for more than 25 years and during that time found fulfillment in volunteering with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County. His passion for helping young victims of abuse, advocating for them and their families, and finding legal support and education for those involved moved him to become the current Board Chair for CAC. He believes in early intervention to improve lives and stop the cycle of abuse. CAC is able to help over 1,200 households every year.
Michelle Mambuca formed a deeper bond with young women through her involvement with Wellfit Girls. Wellfit Girls is committed to providing unique and meaningful leadership, fitness, and empowerment programs for teen girls in Collier and Lee counties. “I love using my professional skills to help this very important nonprofit,” comments Michelle. “These teen girls are in their most critical years of self-development and learning, and as the chair of the marketing committee I feel honored to assist with meetings, event support, newsletters, and social media.”
Barron Collier Companies is proud to support all team members in their ongoing service and philanthropy volunteer efforts in Collier and Lee counties. By encouraging good citizenship and selfless acts of kindness, Barron Collier Companies hopes to instill the same values in its team members that Barron Gift Collier instilled in his own family and business over a century ago.
