Annual Report 2021: Stories of Impact

Pantries are central to the culture at Bloomberg – as places to meet, chat, share ideas, and grab much-needed snacks. At Bloomberg’s 919 Third Avenue office in New York City, Quincy Lowery makes sure things in the pantry always run smoothly.

Quincy works for vendor Sodexo, where he supervises a team of nine employees who operate food services in the building. “I like to help people and be hospitable,” he said. “It brings me joy to help people out and put a smile on their faces, so that’s what I enjoy most about this work.”

Several years ago, Quincy faced a major obstacle to forging his career – one that creates similar challenges for millions of Americans trying to re-enter the workforce. He turned to the Fortune Society, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which helps people gain skills and access to job opportunities.

The effort aims to create a path to sustainable, long-term employment. With that goal in mind, Quincy took classes in business etiquette, hospitality, labor rules, and first aid.

He was selected for a four-month Fortune Society Fellowship at Bloomberg, where he was placed as a Sodexo intern. His on-the-job success led to an offer of full-time employment, and one year later, Quincy was promoted to supervisor of the team that provides pantry support to Bloomberg staff.