A Q&A with Citi’s Edward Skyler

At Citi, supporting families and building strong communities are core values that guide their work. As we prepare for the upcoming Children’s Rights Benefit, we had the opportunity to sit down with Edward Skyler, Citi’s Head of Enterprise Services & Public Affairs, for a quick Q&A. Ed and Citi are being honored at our benefit on October 29. 

Read Ed’s thoughts on leadership, giving back, and what drives Citi’s dedication to creating a brighter future for children.

Can you tell us about your work at Citi?

I lead Citi’s Enterprise Services and Public Affairs function, which is focused on how Citi’s stakeholders perceive and experience our company. From the quality of the facilities that they walk into, to the way they are greeted at the door, to the setup and meals at our events, to helping our leaders travel to our sites around the world – we make sure that everyone who engages with Citi’s spaces has the most positive experience we can provide. We also drive how we show up to our stakeholders. We help people understand Citi’s strategy and the progress we’re making. We engage with policymakers on issues that impact us and the broader economy. And we work to drive a positive impact in the communities where we live and work.    

What’s your favorite part of the job?

I’m drawn to the wide range of issues that my team gets to tackle on a global scale. Our scope and our presence in more than 90 countries ensure that every day presents an opportunity to learn something new, think differently about a challenge, or engage with new stakeholders. And I don’t just see the outputs of our work, I see the real impact that we have on our colleagues and the communities where we live and work. The people that I work with every day are passionate about what we do, which makes it all the more meaningful.  

Citi supports so many non-profits. Why Children’s Rights?

Citi’s commitment to building strong communities is a throughline for so much of our work, and we have that in common with Children’s Rights. They play a crucial role in holding public and private sector institutions accountable for doing what’s best for kids. For example, in recent years, they have changed the conversation about child welfare by focusing on how we can keep more children at home with their families and communities by providing economic resources and other support services. 

Creating economic opportunities for families is important to us and supporting young people has been a key focus of our community investing efforts. By supporting access to financial products and awareness of how to use them, combatting food insecurity, and developing affordable housing, Citi works to build brighter futures for young people. With Children’s Rights’ mission to ensure every child has a safe and nurturing environment, what better investment can we make?

Who inspired you as a child growing up?

Indiana Jones

Do you have a favorite children’s book or movie?

My favorite children’s book is The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton. I read it as a child, and I’ve been able to share it with my children. I appreciate that I can bring the book’s message about the passage of time to life simply by sharing it with the next generation.