Alex and Ani’s Charity by Design leader a natural

CROWN JEWEL: Nicki C. Maher serves as vice president of Alex and Ani’s Charity by Design division, where she leads a team of eight that covers areas including brand communications, partner relations and other areas. “I always knew that I was meant to be a leader,” she said. / PBN PHOTO/FRANK MULLIN
CROWN JEWEL: Nicki C. Maher serves as vice president of Alex and Ani’s Charity by Design division, where she leads a team of eight that covers areas including brand communications, partner relations and other areas. “I always knew that I was meant to be a leader,” she said. / PBN PHOTO/FRANK MULLIN

When Nicki C. Maher first met with Carolyn Rafaelian, founder and creative director (and currently interim CEO) of ecofriendly lifestyle brand Alex and Ani LLC back in the spring 2010, the two spent time swapping personal views on philanthropy life in general.
But, this was so much more than just a casual chat.
“There was most definitely a strong synergy between the two of us,” Maher recalled.
Turns out the feeling was mutual. Just a week later, Maher was hired to take Rafaelian’s vision – to make the dreams of charitable organizations come true through innovative and creative design – and make it a reality.
The result, Charity by Design, has become an integral part of Alex and Ani.
As vice president of the division, Maher leads a team of eight that covers areas including brand communications, partner relations, employee engagement, operations, marketing and business development.
“Getting here was the most important part,” Maher said. “I found passion in watching others succeed, and I always knew that I was meant to be a leader of something big. Meeting Carolyn was my ‘tipping point.’ ”
Charity by Design’s customized charms seek to capture the essence of a charity, making it more accessible to the public while raising awareness and funds. The division has partnered with nearly 40 local, national and global organizations, such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Living Water International and Blessings in a Backpack.
Through its partnerships and additional support to more than 1,500 various nonprofits nationwide, Charity by Design has exceeded $9 million in donations since the division began. Alex and Ani employees have embraced Charity by Design with vigor as well, volunteering more than 1,000 hours to partners and nonprofits through the Charity by Design Employee Engagement Program.
Maher has been hard at work on a substantial project within the company’s Employee Engagement program, “GBTO” or “Give Back Time Off,” which will give each employee eight hours per quarter – separate from their vacation time – to use for volunteer work.
“This is a way to get each of our staff members involved,” Maher said. “Many times, as we are all busy within our work roles, we feel it’s tough to break away.”
Listening to those who work with her, it’s not a surprise to see that Maher was chosen for this honor.
“Nicki has helped me” professionally and personally, said Kara Turenne, employee engagement manager for Charity by Design. “Her strength of character is unrivaled, and she is always everyone’s biggest cheerleader. I consider myself lucky for being able to learn from a true leader.”
Coincidentally, Maher will soon have a Woman to Watch of her own; she and her husband, Jeff, are expecting their first child, a girl, this October.
“For me to feel the pull toward motherhood is just amazing,” Maher said. “Part of me used to fear what will happen if I’m pulled from my work, but now, my goal is to prove that I can be the most amazing mommy on the planet, while also continuing to do what I’m passionate about.”

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