Andersen is promoting its social commitment with the creation of the Andersen Iberia Foundation, an entity created with the aim of promoting equal access to educational opportunities. “The Foundation reflects the commitment and responsibility we have to the people and communities in which we operate,” says José Vicente Morote, Managing Partner. “We are convinced that education has the power to transform lives and communities, and that it is a key tool for building a more just and equal society,” he says. The Foundation has been promoted by the Firm’s Board of Directors, which is aware of the importance of actively contributing to the improvement of society.
From its headquarters on Calle Velázquez in Madrid, the Foundation will focus its activities on five areas of action linked to the concept of education as a social elevator: education and support for children; scientific and cultural promotion; promotion of sports and health; collaboration with the third sector and promotion of volunteerism; and social inclusion through education for vulnerable groups. “The values of this Foundation are based on the deep humanism that is part of our organization,” explains José Vicente Morote, “for this reason, each of these lines of action stems from the conviction that we must contribute to a more equitable and supportive society that is aware of the role that institutions play in collective well-being.”
The Foundation has a Board of Trustees made up of José Vicente Morote, Managing Partner and President of the Foundation; Ignacio Aparicio, Executive Partner and Secretary of the Foundation; and members Javier Mata, Senior Partner; Ana Teresa Martínez, Director; Juan Ignacio Alonso, Partner; Miguel Gordillo, Of Counsel; and Elena Martínez, Partner. The Manager is Fernando de Rasche, Counsel at Andersen.
The spirit of the Foundation stems from the need for urgent support for those affected by the DANA in 2024. Andersen has a headquarters in Valencia, where 120 professionals work, many of whom suffered losses. “Knowing that part of our team had suffered a disaster of such magnitude prompted us to get to work immediately, not only to help our people, but also to help the Valencian community, of which we are a part and which we feel is our own,” says José Vicente Morote.
Following this initial action, carried out directly by Andersen Iberia, the Firm’s Board of Directors set about creating its Foundation. Once established, the institution took its first steps by providing financial support to four Valencian educational centers affected by the DANA with the aim of improving learning conditions and ensuring that the aid has a real impact. “We have already made a financial contribution that will be used to repair facilities, purchase teaching materials, and help improve the educational environment for their students,” explains José Vicente Morote.
The Foundation continues to move forward with new initiatives and is considering the creation of an Advisory Council made up of leading figures from the academic, professional, cultural, and social spheres. This body will accompany the Board of Trustees in defining strategic priorities. Projects will be selected based on criteria of rigor, impartiality, and non-discrimination, ensuring their effectiveness and social relevance.
In terms of its scope of action, the Foundation plans to carry out its social work in the cities where it is present, both in Spain and Portugal. “We are taking the first steps in Spain, specifically in Valencia, and we will soon have an action plan that will determine the steps to be taken in the cities where we are located,” explains José Vicente Morote.
