Women in CSR: Alison DaSilva, Cone Communications

Welcome to our series of interviews with leading female CSR practitioners where we are learning about what inspires these women and how they found their way to careers in sustainability. Read the rest of the series here.

TriplePundit: Briefly describe your role and responsibilities, and how many years you have been in the business.

Alison DaSilva: As executive vice president of Cone Communications’ Research & Insights group, I am responsible for identifying and tracking CSR trends to keep our clients on the leading edge. I love to fill the information gaps with our proprietary research on stakeholder expectations, attitudes and behaviors related to companies’ CSR efforts. During my 15-year tenure at Cone, I have led the development of more than 35 studies, including our most recent 2013 Cone Communications/Echo Global CSR Study, which examined consumer expectations of companies in ten countries.

I apply these insights into action through strategic counsel for Cone clients such as NARS Cosmetics, Neiman Marcus, Walgreens, Target, American Cancer Society and Sodexo. I also serve as a regular contact for media and as a speaker at leading CSR conferences.

3p: How has the sustainability program evolved at your company?

AD: When I started at Cone 15 years ago, the agency was a pioneer in creating cause-related corporate programs, which included philanthropy, volunteerism, marketing and partnerships. Organically and through key hires, we quickly expanded our expertise to include CSR reporting and strategy development. In 2005, we were one of the first communications agencies to formalize a dedicated CSR discipline. Today, we continue to lead the industry through our ability to integrate three areas of dedicated, deep subject-matter expertise, including social impact, sustainable business practices and engagement and communications. Above all, we’re laser-focused on helping organizations go beyond purpose to show return for their business, their brand and our society.

Continue reading the orginal interview with Alison DaSilva on TriplePundit >>

Original source TriplePundit.