Jackson is committed to investing in communities. Through volunteering, service, and giving, Jackson associates are encouraged to share their strengths and skills in the community. This is exactly the kind of sharing Rylee promotes through Jackson’s partnership with WITS.

Rylee Murray serves as a Senior Corporate Philanthropy Consultant at Jackson, and in addition, supports WITS as our Midday Mentoring Corporate Coordinator. Mid-Day Mentoring (MDM) is a program that pairs 2nd—4th grade students with corporate mentors for one-on-one, 45-minute reading sessions at CPS elementary schools. This program promotes fluency and comprehension skills and encourages students to love reading. Jackson mentors meet once a week with students from Talcott Elementary in West Town.

Earlier this Spring, WITS had the opportunity to attend the Jackson Gives Celebration at Jackson/ PPM America, Inc., where we got to meet the donors behind the campaign and network with other amazing organizations doing great work in Chicago. We also got a chance to speak with Rylee and ask her a few questions about her experience with WITS.

What initially drew you to WITS?

I first learned about WITS through Craig Close, a current board member and senior managing director at PPM, who attended the WITS annual event and introduced the organization to Jackson. After learning more about WITS’s mission to empower students through literacy and mentorship, I was inspired by how closely it aligned with Jackson’s commitment to investing in the communities where our associates live and work. WITS provides a meaningful way for our associates to share their strengths and skills while making a lasting impact on local students.

What is your favorite part of the WITS Mid-Day Mentoring program?

My favorite part is seeing the relationships that develop between volunteers and students. Watching students grow in confidence and enthusiasm for reading—and seeing volunteers experience the joy of giving back—is incredibly rewarding. It’s a powerful example of how volunteering allows our associates to work with purpose and make a difference in their community

How do you feel WITS aligns with your company’s values or mission?

WITS exemplifies Jackson and PPM’s commitment to community investment and purpose-driven engagement. By participating in literacy-based mentorship, our associates use their skills and time to make a direct, positive impact on local students. WITS’s focus on literacy and relationship-building aligns perfectly with our belief that investing in people—especially young learners—creates stronger, more resilient communities and fosters long-term growth for everyone involved.

Why do you think literacy-based mentorship is important to Chicago elementary school students?

Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning and success. For many Chicago students, having a mentor who encourages reading and learning can make a profound difference in their confidence and academic growth. Literacy-based mentorship not only strengthens reading skills but also provides students with positive role models who show them that their potential is limitless. It’s an investment in the future—one that reflects Jackson’s belief in empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

How can your company partner with WITS?

WITS has over 30 years of experience partnering with Chicago companies like IMC. There are many benefits to partnering with WITS:

• Turn-key programs that engage employees, leading to higher retention rates and employee satisfaction.
• A dedicated program coordinator to facilitate meaningful, research-supported programming.
• A streamlined way to give Chicago students and teachers access to age-appropriate, culturally specific books they currently lack access to.
• Exposure opportunities that highlight your company’s commitment to the city of Chicago.

If you are interested in becoming a WITS partner, please fill out our inquiry form.

Supporting WITS

WITS is proud to be 100% privately funded, ensuring uninterrupted program delivery that does not rely on school or city budgets. In addition to being a WITS partner, you can support our programming in several ways. We offer opportunities for individuals to donate, purchase books for the WITS library, and volunteer. No matter how you choose to support WITS, your contribution plays a vital role in empowering students to discover themselves through reading and develop foundational literacy skills.