corporate citizenship
} Emerson’s team in McKinney includes (back row, from left) Bartley de la Houssaye, Blaike Dumas, Sydney Wilkins, Archie Lakshmanan, Will Vaughn, Jim Griffin; (middle row; from left) Tim Hawkins, Ashely Sine, Terri Spriester, Justin Masias and Katie Pitlik; (front row, from left) students Bilaal Kahn and Andrew Simmons.
Creating a better world Emerson gives back to McKinney community
E
merson Electric Co. is known for developing pioneering industrial and technological solutions for businesses and consumers, but its principal values and causes go beyond any one product or service. The company’s purpose is “We drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter and more sustainable.” In short, Emerson wants to create a better world for the next generation. It is an ambitious effort, but one that is grounded in the company’s philosophy of global citizenship and in the five causes that guide its work: Planet, Humanity, Champion, Inclusion and Future. “At Emerson, we’re focused on creating a world that protects our resources, celebrates and empowers employees and community members of all backgrounds, and offers sustainable solutions to make lives easier,” said Terri Spriester, vice president of human resources for Emerson’s pressure management business in McKinney, Texas. “This commitment extends to our employees, customers, industries and communities, and it inspires us to give back to the areas where we live and work.” While Emerson operates across the globe, each Emerson office supports charitable efforts on a local level. Giving back to their
18 Collin County Leader • Premier Issue
} By Caryn Berardi
communities and championing local organizations, she said, is a critical component for driving meaningful and lasting change. Emerson philanthropy programs are focused on four areas: education, health and human services, culture and arts, and civic needs. In 2020, the company gave $24.5 million to more than 1,300 charities, nonprofits and educational institutions across the United States. This includes its commitment to equitable and quality education for children and young adults, particularly funding and supporting STEM education, with $16 million donated to STEM (science, technology engineering and math) initiatives over the past 10 years. Education is an important focus for Spriester and her team in McKinney. Emerson has been a community partner with the McKinney Education Foundation (MEF) since 2004, when it established an endowment fund for scholarships that is now valued over $400,000. MEF supports the students and teachers in the McKinney Independent School District (MISD) through scholarships and College Advisor programs that place college advisers in all three MISD high schools to help with the college application and scholarship process. It is an essential program that Emerson helps make possible, said Ashley Sine, executive director for MEF. (continued on page 27)
~ Terri Spriester, vice president, human resources, Emerson’s pressure management business
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