Encouraging Others to Volunteer, Leading by Example

Celso Doria remembers his mother volunteering with her church in Brazil at an early age, but says that he became more interested in volunteering after joining the firm. “The importance senior management gave to the act of volunteering inspired me to get more involved as I have progressed with Morgan Stanley,” says Doria, a Managing Director in Morgan Stanley’s São Paulo office who serves on the Council of the Morgan Stanley Volunteering Committee and is a member of the Board of United Way Brazil. As the Head of Technology for the Americas Institutional Brand Offices, as well as Head of Technology for the São Paulo office, Doria emphasizes the importance of volunteering to his colleagues and encourages others to give back to their community.

What does volunteering mean to you?
It is really about giving back. When you realize that there are a lot of people out there who have been less fortunate with regard to having a family or food every day, it hits you in such a way that you want to do something to make someone feel good and extend solidarity and mutual love.

How do you encourage others to volunteer?
Leading by example. Inviting my entire family to join me. Inviting not only my department at Morgan Stanley, but the office in general. I relay to them my own experiences, and how when you realize the impact that you cause with your simple presence, it is an overwhelming feeling that will encourage you to continue to give back by volunteering.

Why is philanthropic work so fulfilling for you?
Again, it is about giving back, recognizing that I was lucky to be born where I was born, while other people didn’t have the same luck. And the main thing is receiving the smiles of the people you help along the way. It is a strong feeling that you really can make the difference in someone’s life. It is priceless.

In your time with Morgan Stanley, what is your favorite volunteering experience?
Let me start by saying Giving Back is one of Morgan Stanley’s core values. It says it all. The firm is truly committed to having a positive impact in the communities where we operate. Of the many volunteering activities I have done, to me, any activity that helps unprivileged children really touches my heart. One good memory that I have was a volunteer event where we took a group of unprivileged children to watch a play and then for ice cream afterwards. For many of them, it was their first time having an experience like this and the brightness in their eyes is hard to forget.

What message or advice would you give to those who want to get involved in volunteering?
Join us. You will love it!!!

For more information about the Morgan Stanley’s dedication to service, please visit our site and follow the #MSGivesBack hashtag to stay up-to-date on the impact our people are making in their communities around the world. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in more than 43 countries, the Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.