VMware employee inspires others in Pittsburgh to get involved

When Oliver Nowak joined VMware as a senior systems engineer, he was thrilled to learn about their commitment to being “a force for good.”

“VMware feels strongly about empowering their employees to do something to give back,” Oliver says. A leader in cloud infrastructure and business mobility, the Palo Alto, California–based company gives their employees 40 hours of time annually to volunteer for any organization they choose.

Oliver chose World Vision. He had first volunteered at the humanitarian organization’s Pittsburgh Global Distribution Center while at his former company and was struck by images on the walls that showed children receiving corporate donated items—such as school supplies and clothing—that the warehouse had processed.

Now at VMware, Oliver stays committed to supporting World Vision. “It’s great to take advantage of the time the company gives me to do something in my own backyard that makes a difference globally,” he says.

“VMware feels strongly about empowering their employees to do something to give back.”

—Oliver Nowak, Senior Systems Engineer

Shortly after starting his new new job, Oliver recruited a small team of co-workers to volunteer together at the distribution center, where they worked side by side unpacking office equipment. “It was nice to get to speak to people outside the office, in real life,” he says.

Oliver appreciates that World Vision always explains how the items they’re helping to process will make an impact.

“They shared once that for most of the people receiving clothes, this is the first new item of clothing they’ve ever worn. They’ve always had to wear hand-me-downs. This is something new that they can own. That stuck with me,” he says.

Are you looking for a fun way to build team unity through volunteerism? World Vision has opportunities available across the U.S. – Appalachia; Chicago and Chicagoland; Greater New York; Hartford, Connecticut; North Texas; the Pacific Northwest; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Engage your organization and make a difference by volunteering with World Vision.