Safe Passage congratulates Deborah McNeil, who was recently honored with the First Annual Thomas A. Russo Award for Outstanding Leadership and Dedication to AIG’s Pro Bono Program/ Ms. McNeil was presented with this award on May 15, 2017 at Peter Solmssen’ s GCLR Town Hall in part for her work in support of Safe Passage.

According to Ms. McNeil, this was quite unexpected and a complete surprise – I did not see this coming, as I believe whole heartedly in sharing information on our events, but personally try to do things unnoticed, invisible if I can. I am truly thankful and appreciate the honor and speech my colleague gave to the GLCR team at the Town Hall event and to those listening on the webcast, sharing various opportunities and projects I was fortunate enough to participate on.”

Safe Passage feels lucky to consider AIG a corporate sponsor and to be working with AIG attorneys on behalf of immigrant children. As McNeil so aptly stated, “If  anything I’ve accomplished within the last year reaches or motivates at least one person to commit to Pro Bono, then we are on the right path to continue filling and surpassing  Tom’s (Mr. Russo’s) expectations. After all we have big shoes to fill, and have to start somewhere.
Ms. McNeil encourages other corporate leaders to get involved in Pro Bono and to volunteer with Safe Passage. According to Ms. Mcneil, “Start small and make the time – find your availability!”

Safe Passage Deputy Executive Director, Gui Stampur congratulates Deborah and says, “hopefully Deborah’s example will encourage other corporate leaders to get involved in Pro Bono and to start small, reach out, and lend a hand. Safe Passage is incredibly grateful and now more than ever, people need to follow Deborah’s lead and lend a hand.”