Leveraging nonprofit partnerships to demonstrate impact, engage employees, and build community 

In my new role as Vice President of Partnerships at Making Waves, I am excited to build on our strong corporate and foundation partnerships that advance educational equity and open doors of opportunity for students. I’m committed to deepening collaborations that create impactful pathways for our students in middle school, high school, college, and in their careers. Our partnership with Allen Matkins, a California-based law firm, is a great example of a deep collaboration. 

It’s been a privilege to work in partnership with Mark Mengelberg. As a Partner at Allen Matkins, Mark is well positioned to advocate for Making Waves support across the firm, and galvanize Bay Area employees to volunteer their time. Mark consistently leads with authenticity, humor, and a passion for driving positive community impact. His invaluable perspective has shaped our approach to partnerships at Making Waves.

This Q&A with Mark offers a quick overview of how companies can partner with nonprofit organizations to meet their community impact goals.  

Why did Allen Matkins choose to partner with Making Waves Education Foundation, and what about this collaboration benefits the firm’s mission and values? 

Mark: Allen Matkins chose to partner with Making Waves Education Foundation because our missions are deeply aligned. As a law firm, we are committed to promoting diversity in the legal profession and the broader business community.

Our partnership with Making Waves reflects that commitment by supporting an organization that provides high-impact educational opportunities to historically underrepresented students — starting as early as the 5th grade and continuing through college and career. 

Through the Allen Matkins Foundation, we aim to expand access to law school and professional pathways for students who have traditionally faced systemic barriers. Making Waves’ proven success in helping students graduate from college — 85% of them debt-free — and secure strong career opportunities speaks directly to our goal of building a more inclusive future.

By investing in Making Waves’ work, we’re investing in the next generation of diverse leaders in law and business. 

What impact have you seen so far from the initiatives we’ve worked on together, such as the Pre-Law Club, the panels, or the recent summer internship opportunity?

Mark: These efforts are helping to demystify the legal profession for students who may not have had prior exposure to it and are sparking real interest in legal careers. 

Through the Pre-Law Club and panels, high school students are engaging directly with legal professionals, asking insightful questions, and gaining a clearer understanding of the academic and career paths available to them. We’ve seen increased student participation, enthusiasm, and curiosity — which are key indicators that these initiatives are resonating. 

The internship opportunity is especially exciting. This summer, we hosted two high school student interns with us. They gained hands-on experience and mentorship that we hope will make a lasting difference in their career trajectory.

We’re confident that providing this level of access and support will continue to empower students to envision themselves in legal careers — and take concrete steps toward that goal. 

In terms of employee engagement, how has being involved in programs like the field trip, Pre-Law Club, and the Career Day events benefited Allen Matkins employees, particularly those who have directly engaged with the students? 

Mark: Being involved in these programs has been incredibly rewarding for Allen Matkins employees. Those who have directly engaged with students consistently share how inspiring and energizing the experience has been.

The partnership with Making Waves gives our team members a chance to connect with the next generation, reflect on their own journeys, and give back in a tangible way. 

These interactions have also deepened our employees’ sense of purpose and connection to the firm’s values around diversity, equity, and inclusion. By sharing their stories, offering guidance, and witnessing the students’ drive and curiosity, our professionals are reminded of the importance and impact of mentorship. 

In many cases, the partnership has sparked internal conversations about how we can continue to create more access points into the legal profession—and has reinforced our commitment to being part of long-term solutions that foster equity and opportunity. 

What advice would you give to other companies considering partnering with nonprofits focused on education and career development? 

Mark: If you’re a company truly committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion—not just in words, but in action—partnering with nonprofits focused on education and youth development is one of the most impactful steps you can take.

Organizations like Making Waves are already doing the hard, meaningful work of empowering young people who have been historically underrepresented in professional spaces.

By aligning your resources and people with their mission, you’re not only expanding opportunities for students—you’re enriching your own team and culture. It’s a partnership that pays dividends far beyond the bottom line. 

What excites you most about the future of this partnership, and what new opportunities do you see for collaboration with Making Waves? 

Mark: What excites us most about the future of this partnership is the opportunity to deepen our impact by helping scale a powerful model for educational and economic equity. Making Waves’ new Contra Costa County-wide Career Pathways initiative is a bold, visionary step toward transforming how students — especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds — access high-wage, high-demand careers. 

We’re proud to serve as an anchor partner on this effort. Through this initiative, hundreds of students annually will benefit from a comprehensive support system that includes career exploration, dual enrollment, paid work-based learning, and professional skills development — experiences that are often out of reach for students without built-in networks or resources. 

Looking ahead, we’re excited about co-designing meaningful learning experiences, hosting future interns, expanding mentorship opportunities, and continuing to help shape a regional blueprint for economic mobility. Together, we’re not only opening doors — we’re building bridges to a more inclusive future.