AUSTIN, Texas — For Bridge Insights & Media, a goal that once stayed on the to-do list has become a regular opportunity to connect with the community.
The boutique advertising agency received the 2026 Austin Gives Employee Engagement Award, recognizing its commitment to involving employees in giving back.
Carrie Stein joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to discuss the honor on another special occasion: the company’s 13th anniversary.
The boutique advertising agency received the 2026 Austin Gives Employee Engagement Award, recognizing its commitment to involving employees in giving back. Carrie Stein joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to discuss the honor on another special occasion: the company’s 13th anniversary.
“When we started, we were heads down, and we always talked about volunteering and giving back,” Stein said. “And it was like on our to-do list, and it just never happened.”
That changed after Stein attended the Austin Chamber’s Austin Gives Awards a few years ago. Seeing other businesses contribute to the community inspired her to turn those intentions into action.
The result was Bridge’s quarterly Day of Sharing program, which brings employees together to volunteer with organizations they care about.
Bridge IM – The Trail Foundation
Employees help choose where to give back
The team created a list of causes and nonprofits they were passionate about. Bridge rotates through those organizations, making time each quarter to volunteer together.
Its community partners have included Caritas, the Trail Foundation and Any Baby Can, among others.
“It brings our team together and makes us all feel good about contributing to the community,” Stein said.
The program also reflects one of Bridge’s core values: wholeness.
“We believe that life outside of the office makes us better at our jobs,” Stein said.
Recognition that brings the inspiration full circle
Because the Austin Gives Awards helped inspire Bridge’s volunteer program, receiving the Employee Engagement Award made the recognition especially meaningful.
Bridge IM – Walk to end alzheimers
For Stein, the honor reflects a passionate team dedicated to giving back. She also encouraged other businesses to embrace the Austin Gives mission of contributing time, talent and treasure to the community.
Her advice for companies considering applying was simple: their efforts deserve to be shared.
“If they’re already giving and they’re wondering if their story is worth telling, it definitely is,” Stein said. “They should definitely apply.”
For more information about Bridge Insights & Media, visit bridgeim.com.
For more information about Bridge Insights & Media, visit bridgeim.com.
To apply for Austin Gives head to Austinchamber.com!
Find out more about Austin Gives at Austinchamber.com