Giving Back: Meet LS&Co. Community Ambassador Joanna Kaczmarska


Levi Strauss & Co.
April 20, 2015

The countdown to Community Day — Levi Strauss & Co.’s annual day of service — is on! On May 7, our employees from around the world are will step away from the business of blue jeans (and khakis and trucker jackets, etc.) for the day to give back to their local communities. Community Ambassadors are integral to the success of the day. These folks step up to help coordinate volunteer projects for their fellow co-workers to enjoy.

In preparation for the big day, we’re getting to know a few of our dedicated ambassadors (if you missed it, be sure to check out our previous interview with Mark Grovich from Canton, Mississippi). Next up: Joanna Kaczmarska,HR manager at our manufacturing plant in Plock, Poland (she’s the one in the blue shirt, above).

Here’s what Joanna had to say:

  • How long have you been with the company?
    Eighteen years.

  • What organization are you working with on Community Day?
    I’ll be supporting GIMSZOL, a business club for students a local school.

  • Why did you select this project?
    This project perfectly fits in with this year’s Community Day mission – water conservation.

  • Tell us a little bit about the work that volunteers will be doing.
    Our volunteers are organizing a tour of our plant for the students so they can see our water production cycle. The tour will be combined with visits to a local water treatment plant and a wastewater station.

  • Why is this project valuable to your community?
    It will show young people how water is treated in the production cycle at our plant; what happens before water reaches our homes, offices and industrial areas; and how it is purified at the end.

  • What inspired you to serve as a Community Ambassador?
    I have been in HR since the very beginning of my career at LS&Co. Community work has always been closely tied to the work I do here — it’s a way to involve and educate employees and build their bond with our company.

  • What’s your favorite part about serving as a Community Ambassador?
    When I can see my colleagues’ satisfaction with a job well done and the smiles of those we helped.

  • Is there a quote or sentence that helps guide you in life?
    Here and now.