A Role Model in Her Community

Regions Bank Branch Manager Honored for Making an Impact on Others - Seite 2

In 2012, during a particularly challenging time in her life, she recognized the need to give back. She decided to make those Saturday educational excursions available to more children – especially those whose families may not have the resources to make those kinds of trips. Beyond the Front Porch began serving Douglas County students in August 2012.

Beyond the Front Porch is thriving today, serving hundreds of K-12 students on free or reduced lunch each year. Many have gone on to attend college; one is currently attending MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The organization has taken students to destinations in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, including the Tennessee Aquarium, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

“Kascia is a trusted colleague and friend who works tirelessly to build a better community,” said Mia Hubbard, consumer banking executive for Regions in Georgia and the Carolinas. Hubbard noted how Polk shares the same energy and enthusiasm with her customers and colleagues.

“Kascia is very passionate about financial wellness, and she is the catalyst for helping more members of the community by sharing advice and guidance through our financial education seminars and webinars,” Hubbard continued. “As a result, we’ve seen customers wait to be assisted by Kascia because they know she genuinely cares about their financial wellbeing. She’s a great example for someone who may not have had this modeled in their home. Kascia reflects the values of servant leadership and gives others hope and reason to believe they can meet their life goals.”

Polk also serves as a trustee for the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce. According to Sara Ray, CEO and president of the chamber, Polk is an essential part of the community.

“Kascia is not the type of person who is going to support initiatives or projects for self-serving purposes,” Ray said. “She genuinely is leaning in to help fill the needs of our community.”

“Kascia has a true servant leader’s heart,” added Gina Sian, head of the Making Life Better Institute programs. “The selection committee for this year’s award was deeply moved and inspired by her leadership and persistent determination. We celebrate her work in building and growing Beyond the Front Porch, and now in teaching other communities to follow suit. She showed us the impact that one person can have with an idea that fills a need, a drive to see past barriers, and a heart that moves others to action.”