Community Leadership Insights from Nathan Willi, LDI XXX – PNC Bank
— Nathan Willi, LDI XXX PNC Bank“The opportunity to work alongside people from different backgrounds and industries to tackle meaningful issues for our region is what keeps me involved as a leader.”
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Name: Nathan Willi, LDI XXX
Title: Senior Investment Advisor
Organization: PNC Bank
Focus: Addressing food insecurity in the local community; advocating for K–12 education, specifically around decision education; and mentoring young students and young professionals, especially first-generation college students and people from marginalized communities.
Favorite Thing About the Region: The pride the people of Pittsburgh have in their community and their eagerness for new residents and visitors to love it too.
Q: What has been your proudest moment as a civic leader?
A: My proudest moment as a civic leader was the work LDI XXX did in the Allentown neighborhood during our community impact project. After working with community stakeholders and residents for 6 months to learn about their neighborhood, we developed strong relationships and presented a robust strategic plan to address key priorities. Since the end of the project, there has been an active Food Access Working Group established to discuss food insecurity and collaborate to create access to healthy and affordable food for the community. I am proud of the work that the group has accomplished, including securing $100,000 in funding for a project being led by 2 sisters, and business owners, in Allentown, which will help provide fresh food and educational programming for the community.
— Nathan Willi, LDI XXX“Being involved as a civic leader has given me numerous opportunities to give back in the local community.”
Q: Why do you care deeply about the success of this region?
A: I care about the success of the Southwestern PA region because I am raising a family here and believe in the great potential it has to offer residents. The Leadership Development Initiative, and my subsequent work with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, has provided me unique and valuable perspectives about the region, including learning about the challenges facing current and future generations. Not everyone is as fortunate as I have been, and I have always believed in the importance of sharing my gifts and blessings with those who are in the most need. Being involved as a civic leader has given me numerous opportunities to give back in the local community.
Q: Have you had a transformational “a-ha” moment during your leadership journey?
A: There have been a number of “a-ha” moments during my leadership journey but one in particular was associated with my participation in the Leadership Development Initiative program. Going into the program, I made the decision to engage and speak up at our retreat and monthly sessions, and as a result, I was given several opportunities that have opened many doors for me as a leader. It was a great reminder to not hold back and to be an active participant as a team member, and more often than not, that will lead to leadership opportunities in the future.
Connect with Nate Willi at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanwilli/
