In partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Urban Synergy, the Dream Big program targets youth facing socioeconomic disadvantages in London and Irvine, California. We continue to search for innovative ways to tap into human potential through our social science research, thought leadership and solutions to create more meaningful, fulfilling lives. And more than ever, we are committed to strengthening our communities’ social, emotional, and economic wellbeing.

Through our partnerships, we aim to uplift the youth to not only define passions but to help educate and instill the knowledge needed to compete in today’s job market and be better prepared for the future. We leverage the time and talent of WTW colleagues to empower those between the ages of 15-18. Our colleagues help to train and prepare the youth for the corporate world and help them to develop skills to build a foundation for their future careers.

Why did it start?
DreamBig@WTW evolved out of a women’s leadership program called The Next Three. Three women came together with a mission in mind to create a youth program where we can see real identifiable changes in our community.

What are the activities?
A crucial component of the Dream Big program is giving back. We’re committed to serving our communities and one example of how we do that is volunteering. In past events, our incredible mentees have provided services such as distributing donated food, assembling food boxes, and putting together necessities for distribution.

One fun thing the team achieved is setting a new record of assembling and distributing more than 250 hot meals and items to families in need.

“I took for granted that I have a hot meal every night – DreamBig mentee.”

What is the impact?
When we consider the impacts, we think about training. We think about guidance. We think about the mentor-led workshops and how the development of soft skills, such as interpersonal communication, time management, and problem solving skills are necessary pillars in the foundation in which one develops their career. We want to ensure our youth are gaining the skills and tools needed to navigate successful work experiences now and in the future.

What do you envision for the future of the DreamBig program?
We envision the program will grow to reach and impact additional cities and locations within the U.S. and to determine which cities the program works with in the near future such as New York City, Dallas, Atlanta and Detroit.

What makes you proud to be part of the DreamBig program?
The impact one individual, an initiative, or a program may have on a community through outreach, giving back, and propping up our youth. This embodies DreamBig’s core pillars and defines the approach we’re taking in investing in our youth. Helping them understand and tap into their potential is critical and can only better position us and our communities in the future.

As we grow in life and go through different stages, it is so rewarding to work for a company that grows with me; from being in the office full-time, to remote working and looking after my child, and then to hybrid working and having the perfect balance of home and office environments!

When I started at WTW, I was single and worked full-time in the office. I then got married, had a child and I was a bit concerned with how I was going to balance working in an office full-time and being a mom. A question I asked myself was, ‘Do I continue working or quit the job to raise my son?’ Thankfully, this wasn’t as decision I had to make as my team at WTW was supportive and helped me balance my work and personal life. Being a Business Support Specialist, WTW provided me with the necessary technical equipment and support which gave me the flexibility that I needed to work remotely and be at home with my son.

As my son got older, flexible working became even more important because I needed to be there for him on certain occasions, whether at school or at his myriad of sports games. Time flies, so I didn’t want to miss out on any of the special moments in his life. The most important thing in my life is family, and I believe it should come above all else. It’s critical, therefore, that my manager knows that which has been my experience at WTW.

When COVID hit, and schools were no longer in-person, there was no change to my work set up as I was already remote, so this was really beneficial for me. I was able to continue working comfortably, the same as I had been before the pandemic. Now that my WTW Work Flex is hybrid, and our offices are starting to open back up, I cherish seeing my colleagues in person and really enjoy going in. What I appreciate the most is that I am able to see what my diary is looking like, how busy I am that week then decide when works best for me to go into the office.

I feel very fortunate to work for an amazing company with such high regard for its colleagues’ work and personal lives. WTW has always provided me with the flexibility and tools I need to succeed in both and for that, I am very grateful.

Tell us about your role at WTW and a little bit about your current work style?

I am a Compensation Analyst for the Executive Compensation and Advisory Board team in the São Paulo, Brazil office. I provide general assistance to the team in terms of short and long-term incentive survey designs for executives and institutional research within the area. With the pandemic improving, my work style has become hybrid, where I go into the office occasionally but spend most of my time working from home. I consider this style of work to be great because I get to spend more time with my family and less time on transportation. These benefits allow me to increase my productivity and improve my overall wellbeing.

How do you find working within a globally recognized company?

It is a great pleasure to be part of a company of this size. Having the opportunity to learn, socialize and share knowledge with great professionals in the field always motivates to give my best.

How have you developed, whether professionally or individually, during your time at WTW?

I’ve been at WTW since October 2021 and ever since I joined the company, I’ve been able to improve my knowledge and my professional skills. Every day is a different learning experience with my teammates and my professional evolution has positively affected my personal life. My development continues every time I have new experiences with my colleagues and leaders, which means I can learn more every day. WTW provides us with the tools necessary to increase our intellectual capital and here in Brazil, I was able to take a Compensation Practices course that helped in my development as well.

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had at WTW.

As soon as I started, I was very warmly welcomed by my colleagues. My arrival was announced during an online meeting with directors and consultants in the area, which made me feel valued and at home right away. This helped me get comfortable with the team so that I could fulfill my work obligations in the best possible way.

What is the best piece of advice you would give a future WTW candidate?

Make the effort and dedication to be part of this company. Here you will be respected, you will have autonomy in the workplace, and you will be part of a company recognized worldwide for the quality of its delivery and its colleagues.

What is your role at WTW?

As a technology leader at WTW, I am responsible for driving innovative technology initiatives in India and bringing a seamless digital journey across the organization. My focus is to build, manage, and guide various teams focused on software engineering, application development, program delivery, testing, data, and analytics. I partner with technology leaders and product owners in India and other geographies on projects from inception to completion, to ensure success and deliver great outcomes.

Tell us about your personal journey as a woman in the technology industry.

I started my journey just like any other aspiring techie – one among many who were fascinated by its magic. As I moved ahead, I realized that many women were giving up on their careers too soon because they did not have enough support from their peers. Over the years, I have been presented with many equal opportunities. However, in the early days of my career, achieving certain goals as a woman seemed difficult due to a lack of inclusivity in the workplace. Since noticing this, I have always raised my voice and stood strong for what I believe in; to ensure a feeling of security and a sense of belonging for all. My past experiences are what make me so proud of the welcoming and inclusive culture at WTW. Unlike my previous employers, these values are embedded in everything we do. I believe that without supportive environments, organizations risk the loss of potential leaders.

How has WTW made you feel empowered throughout your career?

WTW has been like a cup of freshly brewed coffee. In the last two years, I have been empowered to make the right choices for myself and my team, leading to better service delivery. The trust my team has offered and the support I have received from my peers and leaders have helped bring out the best in me. The culture of collaboration, equal opportunities, and inclusivity has made me comfortable to request help when needed and ask questions. I consider myself fortunate to work for an organization that has such a great culture, and this has helped me broaden my thought process.

Describe the culture within the tech team at WTW.

Our team is driven by the One WTW principle – “When you get one of us, you get all of us”. We strive to break down barriers, advocate idea sharing and best practices, and motivate ourselves and each other to build capabilities for better business outcomes. WTW’s culture, reinforced by its values and principles, enables us to be as diverse yet as unified as possible. We advocate for a positive and supportive work environment that brings out the best in us and fosters an innovative and digital outlook.

Having close to twenty years of experience in the industry, what advice would you give to aspiring tech joiners?

Technology is like magic! It’s in everything that we do. So those who aspire to be in this industry will experience this magic firsthand. I urge all technology aspirants to have faith in themselves, take risks, fail fast, learn, and recover. You will always have a choice to go with the flow or try and make a positive difference. Your choices will help to build a world that will be relevant for us and future generations.

What was it like when you were growing up?

I grew up in the 60s in a small town in Oklahoma. Ever since I was aware of the world, I thought there was something unfinished about me; something was missing. As a child I could not accept that I was a girl – I was as tomboy as they come. Tomboys were expected to grow out of their boyish stage, but I never did. It wasn’t a stage for me, it was a reality. Small town customs told me being different was bad and, in that atmosphere, I didn’t realize acceptance was possible. I was so sheltered by my family that I didn’t know what homosexuality was until I was a teenager.

What challenges have you faced throughout your journey?

I thought I was just weird for not behaving like other girls my age, not realizing I was only parroting the social mores of the era. It didn’t occur to me that I might be one of those ‘different’ people. I always found reasons for not identifying myself as such because I was influenced by the prejudice of others. I didn’t mind being female exactly, but I had a hard time identifying with that gender. When I eventually married and had children – bowing to the pressure of social expectations – I was a good parent and loved my children, but I was a frankly unhappy spouse. Several years after the divorce I developed breast cancer, had surgery, and finally saw in the mirror what I always thought was right for me – not physically male, not automatically female, but the physical representation of male instinct and female intuition. I came to realize I was a Two-Spirit who glided fluidly between genders and hid my boyish proclivity for the sake of social order. I never should have had to hide it at all.

How have things changed for you over time?

The days of “he’s queer” or “she must be a dyke” are not entirely behind us now but the atmosphere and circumstances are so much more accepting than they used to be. People are finally beginning to understand that no one asks to be different, and no one should be punished for discovering that they are. When I first onboarded at WTW five years ago, I was asked what pronouns I preferred. I had never been given such an inclusive option before in any workplace, and I was delighted! Given the option at last, I originally preferred he/his/him but over time I realized that as a Two-Spirit, they/their was the more accurate. I think like a man, I laugh like a woman, and I express myself as a human being. I have worth. I have a right to claim that worth. We all do.

How has WTW made you feel welcomed to bring your true self to work every day?

I joined the WTW LGBT+ community and have never felt anything but welcomed at work. My colleagues make an effort to call me he/him or they/their, and even apologize if they slip up and use she/her. This is very kind of them, but I tell them that I am not offended as I accept both sides of my nature. The fact that they all try to make me comfortable means a great deal to me. I have never worked anywhere that is as inclusive as WTW is, and I have been working for many years in different occupations. In the WTW Denver office, a transwoman colleague told me she was a little hesitant before she first arrived at the office but realized on her first day that yes, she felt comfortable being her true self. Everywhere she looked, she saw things like little pride flags or rainbow-related items at workstations, bulletin boards with LGBT+ related event announcements – casual things at first glance, but they served to reassure her that she was in the right place.

Tell us a little bit about you.

My name is Ana Cristessa H. Nabuab. My colleagues call me AC. I am a Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst for the Global Document Production Team, supporting Health and Benefits for North America based in Manila, Philippines. After almost seven years into my career break and being a full-time mom, I decided to get back into the working world. WTW welcomed me with open arms and made me feel as though there had been no gap at all. I joined WTW as a contingent worker in September 2021 and was converted to a full-time colleague in December of the same year.

What was it like to join WTW after a career break?

To return to work after a career break was quite overwhelming. I had a lot of excitement and anxiety: it was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions!

I was a full-time mom for almost seven years and deciding to return to the corporate world was a real leap of faith for me, especially with not knowing what to expect and my fear of rejection.

I spent a long time looking for the perfect role, but then I got a phone call from WTW that made my heart jump, and I was offered the job as a QA Analyst. I enjoyed my time being a contingent worker. However, being converted to a full-time colleague meant achieving another career milestone for me.

Since joining, WTW has supported me in many ways. As a result, I have regained my self-confidence, eliminating all the fears that I had when I stepped back in to work.

How did you feel welcomed and supported by your colleagues when you joined WTW?

My colleagues at WTW welcomed me warmly. I was given all the support that I needed as I onboarded, complete with all the things that I needed to know about the company and the job role. In addition to this, there were a series of programs provided that embedded WTW’s company values that really resonated with me, not only as a WTW colleague, but also as an individual. It made me feel assured that there were a lot of opportunities for growth and development and that this is a great company to work for.

What is your favorite part about working at WTW?

My favorite part about working at WTW is how we, as colleagues, collaborate and work as a team to accomplish tasks. It has also made me realize that some things are much easier to accomplish when working as a team. I was shy at first, full of apprehension about myself; but in our team I am encouraged to speak out, participate and step out of my comfort zone. Everyone is encouraged to share their input and insight for every project. Day after day, I am encouraged to overcome my fears and be the best I can be. When I joined WTW, I was only able to meet my team virtually, but it was really fun, and it was great to be given the opportunity to work with a very hands-on, productive approach to tasks. As times are changing, I look forward to continuing to work and develop as a team in real life.

Do you feel WTW has an inclusive and diverse working environment?

The mere fact that I was given the chance to restart my career without judgment and was welcomed with open arms despite my long employment gap (which can be an issue for some companies), really gave me a sense of belonging. It gave me confidence that here at WTW, I am respected and valued, regardless of my age, my gender, my roles outside of work, or where I come from.

At WTW our teams are very diverse, allowing us to familiarize ourselves with many different cultures and to connect with colleagues all around the globe; I do not see or feel any biases at all. Here at WTW, our presence is more defined by our potential, what we can do and what we can contribute. For me, our diversity is what makes WTW a great place to work.

In what ways have you seen WTW live up to its company values?

We may have different personalities and perspectives, but our WTW values guide us to reach our goals and deliver quality output for our clients. Through collaboration and teamwork, we inspire each other to bring out the best ideas for every project assigned to us. Our work is fuelled with respect because we are encouraged to share and listen proactively. We are also provided with opportunities for professional development for us to always strive and commit to excellence because we value our clients’ trust, more than anything.

What I appreciate the most about being a WTW colleague is that the company values the importance of work-life balance. I feel like I am able separate my personal time and work with great encouragement from my superiors. We always look out for each other. Because of this, it makes me proud to be a part of WTW.

As I walk into Willis Towers Watson reception in London on my first day back at work following over a year on maternity leave, my first thought is wow! The building looks great, I feel happy and excited to be back and genuinely feel proud to work here.

Having spoken with many new parents (both in my personal life and with candidates as part of my role) I know that I am very lucky to have had such an incredibly positive experience. My line manager has been very supportive of my flexible working application, which has been significant in enabling me to effectively manage my job and family life. It can be a daunting experience those first few weeks back. What has changed? Will I remember everything? How will I balance my work with a hectic family life? As well as having the great support of my line manager, I spoke with my mentor at Willis Towers Watson who made themselves available to me within those first couple of weeks. I felt I gained advice and reassurance when I most needed it.

I feel valued at Willis Towers Watson and know, with the support of the company, I can still have a successful career while also leading a fulfilling life as a parent.

Learn more about the Willis Towers Watson values and benefits here or take a look at our current roles here.