March 23, 2026, Los Angeles—JVS SoCal will honor BMO with its Corporate Partnership Award at the organization’s 27th Annual Strictly Business Awards Dinner to be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Skirball Cultural Center. This award recognizes BMO’s exceptional commitment to supporting JVS SoCal’s mission to provide life-changing career services and employment programs throughout Southern California.
“BMO is a vital partner in our efforts to support people to achieve better career outcomes and to strengthen our communities,” said Jeff Carr, CEO of JVS SoCal. “Their generous support of our programs and dedication to creating opportunity across Southern California has a meaningful impact on those seeking careers in banking and finance. We are honored to celebrate their partnership and shared commitment to our mission.”
For more than a decade, BMO has partnered with JVS SoCal to support career development initiatives, workforce training, and mentorship programs that help individuals overcome employment barriers, including BMORE, a skills-based program that creates a path to jobs in financial services for those who might not otherwise consider the industry. Through financial contributions, volunteerism, and active hiring, BMO plays a crucial role in advancing opportunities for job seekers and empowering our diverse communities across Southern California. BMO’s steadfast commitment to workforce development is more than a philanthropic gift, it is an investment that creates real opportunity, opens doors for job seekers, and helps close labor gaps in the industry.
“BMO believes in the power of partnerships to drive positive change, and we are deeply honored to receive this recognition from JVS SoCal,” said Sandy Walia, Regional President, Southern and Central California, BMO. “Together with JVS SoCal, BMO is helping people achieve their career goals and build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and our community. Making a positive difference across Southern California aligns with our Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life.”
This event brings together business leaders, philanthropists, and our employer-partners to honor corporate social responsibility and excellence in leadership. Event proceeds fuel JVS SoCal’s essential career training programs and job placement services, empowering thousands of individuals annually to overcome barriers to employment while building pathways to economic independence.
This recognition highlights the importance of collaboration in creating career pathways that foster community-wide growth and opportunity.
For more information about JVS SoCal and the Strictly Business Awards Dinner, please visit https://jvs-socal.org/sb26
About JVS SoCal:
JVS SoCal is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve sustainable employment and financial independence. With a wide range of career training, employment and human services, JVS SoCal helps people across Southern California realize their professional potential.
BMO Gives. Good grows here.
Helping communities thrive by supporting the organizations that sustain them and encouraging employee giving and volunteerism is at the heart of BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life.
In 2024, we directed more than $80 million (USD) to drive progress for communities, which included $74.3 million in philanthropic contributions to hundreds of charities and nonprofit organizations across North America.
Our colleagues spent over 54,000 hours volunteering in the community and contributed more than $28.7 million (USD) of donations through employee-driven giving in our annual campaigns.
For more information, please visit BMO Gives.
Media Contact:
Sean Thibault
323-761-8888