In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we’re proud to spotlight one of our own leaders at Common Impact. Not just for this month, but for the changemaker she is every day. Rebecca Fontes, our Chief Partnerships Officer, brings decades of experience and a creative, collaborative spirit to her work, driving meaningful corporate-nonprofit partnerships.
In this conversation, we get a glimpse of the person behind the title and what fuels her leadership, how her background shapes her approach, and why the ripple effect of a single skills-based volunteer project keeps her inspired.
At Common Impact, our mission is to align business and social purpose by connecting talented professionals with nonprofits to solve real-world challenges. Rebecca leads this work and embodies it. Her insight, empathy, and commitment to impact are a few reasons why we’re excited to share her voice and insights with you.
It doesn’t have to be perfect to be remarkable.
We know your title, but tell us about you—who are you at work, and who are you when you close the laptop?
I thrive on collaboration and purpose. At Common Impact, I’m energized by building connections across teams, building new partnerships, solving problems creatively, and ensuring our work reflects our mission of uniting business and social purpose. I focus on leading with empathy, curiosity, and a sense of humor—even on the busiest days.
When I close the laptop, I shift gears to being a mom, wife, and friend. If I’m not helping my daughter with homework or an audition, I love spending time with family and friends doing anything really, but love exploring new things like restaurants, neighborhoods, and places or relaxing at the beach. I also try to carve out downtime with some snuggles from my dog Dunkin—it helps me better show up fully the next day.
How has your background shaped your approach to leadership and career?
My background has taught me the value of adaptability and really listening. Whether navigating different perspectives, industries, or dynamics, I’ve learned that strong leadership starts with understanding people’s motivations, goals, and challenges. I also carry a deep appreciation for different voices and viewpoints, which influences how I support teams, make decisions, and measure success.
What’s a recent moment that made you feel especially proud of working at Common Impact?
I’m somewhat new to Common Impact and I recently learned that our logo is a symbol of a ripple effect. It helped me see our work from another perspective and got me excited about the ripple effect just one skills-based volunteer project can create — opening the door to so many possibilities. I’m excited by the fact that the transformational impact of our programs live on through the strategies and tools nonprofits gain while volunteers walk away with new skills, fresh insights, and a renewed confidence in their abilities.
How would you explain skills-based volunteering to someone hearing about it for the first time?
If I were explaining skills-based volunteering to someone at a corporate company, I’d say it’s a powerful way for both companies and employees to make a real impact. Corporate employees share the same expertise they use every day at work. Whether it’s marketing, IT, finance, HR, or project management, those skills can help nonprofits solve critical business challenges.
What makes it special is that it’s a win-win. Volunteers gain leadership and professional development, grow their networks, and build their resumes while contributing to the success of a nonprofit. It truly expands your sense of purpose and fulfillment beyond your everyday job.
If I were explaining skills-based volunteering to someone working in the nonprofit sector, I’d say it’s like getting a team of pro bono consultants. Professionals like marketers, accountants, or data analysts use their skills to help your organization grow and operate more effectively.
It’s tailored support that aligns with your mission. A volunteer might help you build a digital marketing plan, improve your budgeting tools, or train your staff on new systems. You gain high-quality expertise at no cost, so your team can stay focused on what matters most. Plus, it helps build long-term capacity and sustainability. Not just a quick fix, but a lasting impact.
What’s a piece of advice you’ve carried with you throughout your career?
A quote inspired by Voltaire comes to mind, “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be remarkable.” This piece of advice stuck with me. Early on in my career, I wanted everything to be perfect all the time. I came to realize that something isn’t amazing because it’s flawless. Chasing perfection can keep you from appreciating what’s already excellent. It’s a reminder to share things with the world when they are meaningful and not to lose sight of that value.
Ready to learn more about skills-based volunteering? Reach out & stay connected
