At Team IMPACT, our mission to connect children facing serious illnesses and disabilities with college athletic teams is supported through meaningful partnerships. One of those partners is Empower, a leader in financial planning, investing, and advice, who has gone above and beyond in their commitment to transform lives and help us build stronger, more inclusive communities.
Empower has been a proud partner of Team IMPACT since 2022 and was the recipient of the Corporate Community IMPACT Award at the 2025 Game Day Gala. Empower’s values to do the right thing, own it, lead, simplify, and collaborate work in alignment with the values we work to embody at Team IMPACT. “We began working with Team IMPACT several years ago,” said Ed Murphy, CEO of Empower. “We saw a lot of similarities with the values of Team IMPACT and the values of Empower that focus on trust, integrity, character, community engagement, community involvement, and the work Team IMPACT is doing with young people.” Through this partnership, Team IMPACT and Empower have had the opportunity to not only elevate our mission but also directly support the athletes, families, and communities we serve.
“As a nonprofit, the idea of being able to align our values with the values of a corporate partner really makes a huge difference,” said Krissie Kelleher, CEO of Team IMPACT. “It has been an incredible partnership, and we’re lucky to have it. We always appreciate financial support, but Empower goes one step further by engaging directly with the community.” One of these annual community events is the Empower and Team IMPACT Tailgate at Boston College. For the third consecutive year, this event welcomed families, student-athletes, and Empower and Team IMPACT team members together to celebrate the power of team and community while cheering on the Eagles. This event is always a special one, bringing our Boston-area families together in the spirit of joy, camaraderie, and connection while also giving Empower employees a unique opportunity to see their impact firsthand. For families in our program, it was a chance to tell their stories and enjoy a memorable day full of fun and support.
Empower’s impact extends beyond event sponsorship. As a leading voice in financial wellness, they’ve brought invaluable education and mentorship to the student-athletes who make our program possible. Each year, Team IMPACT Fellows fly to Boston for a three-day Fellowship Summit. At last summer’s Summit, Ed Murphy met with a group of Fellows studying business. He described the experience as a privilege, a chance to connect with emerging leaders who are already demonstrating their commitment to making a difference. Empower also provides financial literacy seminars to these Fellows, equipping them with essential tools to prepare for life beyond college. These sessions cover investing, saving, and planning for retirement, helping the athletes prepare for success off the field.
Ed also spoke at this year’s Game Day Gala, where he accepted the Corporate Community IMPACT Award on behalf of Empower. “These student-athletes aren’t just changing the lives of the children they’re matched with,” Ed said, “they’re also laying the foundation for a better tomorrow, and we’re honored to support their growth both personally and professionally.”
Thanks to Empower’s support, we’ve been able to expand our reach, enhance our programming, and deepen our impact, not only matching more children with teams but also providing our student-athletes with tools and resources to lead with compassion and confidence. This connection extends beyond the participants in our program and bleeds into the work Empower is doing each day. “I look at the level of energy and enthusiasm our employees have about getting involved with Team IMPACT. It’s been really exciting to see it happen, and we’re looking forward to a great future together,” Ed said. “I think there’s so much more that we can do with Team IMPACT. I love the creativity and the energy coming out of the Team IMPACT organization.”
That excitement and dedication is reflected by Team IMPACT, who have big hopes for the future of this partnership and what we can accomplish together. “The sky is the limit,” Krissie said. “Our hope is that in 10 years, we’re going to look back on this conversation and Team IMPACT will be embedded in the fabric of college sports and the fabric of pediatric health, and it’s going to be through the generosity of partners like Empower.”
Together, Team IMPACT and Empower are building more inclusive, connected communities driven by sport, fueled by purpose, and led by those who truly believe in the power of team. Thank you to Empower for the support that helps strengthen our mission and shape the next generation of leaders on and off the field.
