Cancer and Careers will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2021. As we look ahead to acknowledging this milestone (especially in light of the world around us), we find ourselves in even greater appreciation of the champions who have stood by us since the very beginning.
One of those earliest believers was Liz Kaplow, founder and CEO of Kaplow Communications. Liz was there for us when the organization was just a seed of an idea. And she has been a powerful advocate ever since. When I first met Liz, I remember being so impressed with her ease, her approachability and her willingness to help—not to mention her sharp mind and enthusiasm. Liz was the first person to make a donation to CAC as part of her holiday greetings, which—beyond the financial support—also served to raise awareness for what we do, to her whole community. Beyond her personal commitment, Liz’s company also provides invaluable pro-bono PR support, including for our biggest event of the year, Beauty with Benefits. She is dedicated to helping us expand our reach and communicate our mission. I asked Liz to spend a few minutes reminiscing about our roots, sharing her experiences with CAC and putting into words why giving back is so important to her.
What is your origin story with Cancer and Careers? How and why did you first get involved?
Years ago, I met the president of CEW, the indomitable Carlotta Jacobson. She told me a story that resonated deeply—how 5 out of 40 of the organization’s board members had recently been diagnosed with cancer. She said a lightbulb went off as she wondered what workplaces were doing for women facing this difficult diagnosis. How could employers provide meaningful support and guide women [and men] post-diagnosis, so they could continue to thrive at work? Nothing like this had ever been done before, but Carlotta put the challenge into action by creating Cancer and Careers. I was completely won over by her passion and her determination. Kaplow pledged to provide pro bono communications support and we have been there ever since.
What does it feel like to have helped something grow from an idea to a nationally recognized organization?
It’s been incredibly gratifying to partner with CAC on the communications front, and I’m proud that our agency has played a part in helping the organization evolve. It has been fulfilling to see the beauty industry come together around CAC’s mission.
You and your company have been a partner to Cancer and Careers for close to 20 years. Is there a project, experience or milestone that stands out to you?
I think CAC’s mission really crystallized for me during the Beauty of Giving luncheons. Each year, the speakers tell their personal stories, and it is always incredibly moving, mostly because it illustrates how CAC acts as a trusted partner in the workplace. Survivors say that post-diagnosis, what they want most is a return to normalcy—to return to work, and CAC helps make that happen. It makes me so proud to be part of an organization that is actively changing lives.
Including your own business, why do you think the beauty industry has been so inclined towards philanthropy and giving back?
The beauty industry is high touch—helping women and men look and feel their best. I believe that’s why people who have a lot of heart gravitate to the business. And within their brands and person by person, it has become a culture of giving that lifts us all. It’s a deeply generous community.
The work world is evolving—faster in 2020 than ever before. As an employer, a female entrepreneur/executive, and someone who cares deeply about what you do every day, what are some positive work-related changes that you see, now or in the future?
Clearly, the way we’re working right now is creating huge challenges. Our employees are feeling stressed and isolated, and mental health and wellbeing are big concerns. Because we’re all so reliant on screens, we don’t have the luxury of being able to pick up the subtle cues from our employees. We need to pay close attention to our leadership. But, without question, there is a silver lining—the pandemic has fostered deeper understanding and has made the workplace more human in many ways. As managers we’re seeing our employees’ lives close up and understanding them as whole people, not just workers. If ever there was a time for human leadership, it is now.
Philanthropy takes many forms. Your support of CAC is 365 degrees, since it encompasses in-kind work, your expertise, and program funding. What advice do you have for the next generation of philanthropists and their investment in organizations like CAC?
Seek out organizations that speak to your heart. You want to care so much about the cause that you give your whole self to it. Also take a look at the people who are leading the organization. If they have substance, an ability to get results and drive action, success will follow. That’s absolutely what I saw with CAC so many years ago from Carlotta to Rebecca Nellis to the entire team and CAC Board of Directors. That mission, passion and desire to make the lives for people with cancer in the workplace better remains today.