Birmingham Museum of Art: Wells Fargo is a longtime supporter of the BMA. Why do you support the Museum and arts and culture opportunities?
Paula Beck: One of the primary ways that Wells Fargo remains connected to our communities is through our commitment to supporting the arts. Our team members across Birmingham are actively involved in the arts community—I just watched a team member in a local production of “The Color Purple” in February and was blown away by her performance!
The Birmingham Museum’s new Culture Case Race outreach program is a great example of how bringing the arts into the classroom can expand and enrich student learning experiences. It’s also a great way to introduce the Museum and its resources to new audiences of all ages.
BMA: These are exciting times for Birmingham. How do you view your role in strengthening our community?
PB: You’re exactly right; these are exciting times for the city! It’s great to work for a company that shares my passion for community outreach and volunteerism. Part of what makes my job so great is that I get to see firsthand how Wells Fargo helps our communities grow and prosper through our philanthropic giving, which includes both financial and human capital resources to nonprofit organizations.
At Wells Fargo, we believe that building strong communities is an ongoing commitment, especially when it comes to volunteerism. When our communities are strong and vibrant, everyone benefits.
BMA: What’s next for Wells Fargo?
PB: Our team members are gearing up for the American Bankers Association’s annual Teach Children to Save campaign, which began on March 15. Each spring, we teach free and fun money management classes to people in different stages of life—from elementary school children to seniors. Too often talking about money is seen as something that is uncomfortable. By starting these conversations early, we can help introduce our kids to the concept of financial education and get them excited about learning skills that will ultimately be vital to their success as adults.
Additionally, on April 21, hundreds of team members, families and friends will roll up their sleeves for Wells Fargo’s annual Community Service Super Saturday. On this day, volunteers across Birmingham and the Southeast will take part in service projects ranging from Habitat for Humanity home builds to creating a community garden. We will again be out in the community in force, rolling up our sleeves to provide volunteer support to a number of nonprofits throughout Birmingham and the Southeast.