Andi Funk is Powering The Future for Women Everywhere
Andi Funk, Chief Financial Officer at EnerSys®, is no stranger to getting involved with the community. She is extremely engaged with multiple organizations that give back, and was recently recognized by Alvernia University with the Bernadine Legacy Award, an honor that recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in their professional careers while also serving as a leader and role model to women.
Andi also leads the PeaceTrust, a giving program at Safe Berks, an organization that provides a safe haven and ongoing support system for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Members of the Safe Berks PeaceTrust commit to giving at least $500 annually for five years to support the work of Safe Berks, and take pride in being staunch community advocates for Safe Berks. With these funds, Safe Berks starts new programs, hires staff, purchases resources and is better positioned to meet the needs of its often vulnerable community.
“We are incredibly grateful for Andi’s time and leadership to our PeaceTrust,” says Safe Berks CEO, Beth Garrigan. “Due to Andi’s dedication and support, we are able to weather the uncertainties of funding cycles and invest in programs proven to support domestic violence and sexual assault survivors right here in our own community.”
In recent years, Andi has been working to involve younger women, including her daughter, in charitable and volunteer efforts at Safe Berks by establishing a Junior Membership and a Link Membership part of the PeaceTrust. Respectively, these are memberships for young adults associated with existing PeaceTrust members.
Andi has also been working with the EnerSys Women in Leadership group to become more involved with Safe Berks and other organizations outside of EnerSys. “Women in Leadership was established to help women everywhere,” says Andi. “I’m happy we can make a difference for ladies within the company, but we also have a strong focus externally – like with Safe Berks – and we definitely take pride in that too.”
Additionally, Andi regularly works with organizations like the Caron Treatment Center, United Way of Berks County, Berks Business Education Coalition, the Reading Science Center and more. Andi believes that getting involved with these community groups is part of her responsibility as a corporate leader. “I have a personal sense of gratitude that we work for a company that makes a difference and cares,” says Andi. “And it goes beyond my personal preference: companies that embody that culture of ‘giving’ do well with other aspects. We attract and employ people of high integrity with good morals. I love to be surrounded by people that take pride and responsibility in giving back.”
Andi says that there’s a need for “anchor institutions” – institutions that pull people and communities together and help coordinate efforts to give back. “I’m so proud that EnerSys is an anchor institution in Reading, PA and in the other areas we operate,” says Andi.
As for how she does it all? “You make time for things that matter, and this really matters to me. I get as much out of it as the people we get to benefit,” says Andi. “But with working at EnerSys there are also a lot of synergies too… there’s a domino effect of people wanting to help. And I’m lucky that my colleagues are always eager to step up to the plate.”
For more information on how to get involved with Safe Berks, visit the Safe Berks website here: https://safeberks.org/get-involved/
