Associated’s Karyn Conklin (left) with Brenda Campbell, Executive Director of Make A Difference Wisconsin.

Karyn Conklin, Corporate Security Report Analyst, Associated Bank, recently received the 2012 Lloyd Levin Difference Maker Award from Make a Difference-Wisconsin.

“I was honored to represent Associated and Make A Difference-Wisconsin at the awards ceremony,” said Conklin.

The Difference Maker Award, named after Make A Difference-Wisconsin founder Lloyd Levin, recognizes volunteers for their dedication and service to the organization and the children they educate. Make A Difference volunteers from Milwaukee area businesses present in-classroom financial education empowering students to make sound financial decisions.

“Karyn was selected because of her enthusiasm, professionalism and true dedication to the students and community,” said Murray Friedman, Senior Vice President and Director of Retail Marketing and Make A Difference Board of Directors. “She delivers multiple programs each year, consistently gets high ratings from students and educators, and goes out of her way to deliver the best possible program.”

In the classroom, Conklin uses her job knowledge and humor to connect and earn the respect of the kids. In her professional position, Conklin is familiar with the negative effects of fraud. “Because many of the children are susceptible to identity theft and cash advance companies, they need to understand the good and the bad of banking,” explains Conklin. The financial classes focus on the basics of Consumer Banking such as checking, savings, credit scores and identity theft.

With her children grown up, volunteering with kids fills a void. “I volunteer because I love working with kids and believe we need to give time and energy to our future generation,” Conklin said. “When I teach a class, I learn just as much from the kids as they learn from me.”

If you are interested in becoming a Difference Maker, visit Make a Difference - Wisconsin.