Running with Purpose

Equifax provides its employees with opportunities to grow and develop their careers—and to give back to their communities by supporting causes and charitable organizations that are important to them. 

Joseph Zuniga, an Account Executive - Banking and Lending at Equifax, is one of those employees who always knew he was going to make a difference in his community. Joseph learned about the company’s values and its Equifax Gives program (which matches employee donations dollar-for-dollar) while he was preparing to join Equifax. Right away, he started brainstorming—and in 2023, he began organizing the Equifax Half Marathon team. This group of experienced and new runners committed themselves to training for the Publix Atlanta Half Marathon while fundraising for Helping Mamas, a local non-profit dedicated to elevating the well-being and dignity of women by providing diapers, period products, and other essential baby supplies.

Megan Krauth, Director of Data Furnisher Strategy at Equifax, was an avid runner, eager to bring that aspect of her personality to a work event—but she was less confident seeking donations. However, upon being greeted with enthusiastic support from coworkers and family members, she soon became comfortable enough to be one of the team’s top fundraisers in 2023. She was back again in 2024 sharing her experience and fundraising tips with new team members.

Jane Griffin, Director of Corporate Meetings and Programs at Equifax, was looking for a new personal challenge and a way to connect with her peers. She joined the team having never run a half marathon before, and committed to joining the prep calls, training runs and team events to both prepare herself for the race and get to know her colleagues on a more personal level.

Overall, the team of nearly 50 employees raised over $20,000 for Helping Mamas. Watch as Joseph, Megan and Jane share how the team’s journey reflects on the culture at Equifax:

How did you begin organizing the Half Marathon Fundraiser?

Joseph: 

I first started organizing the Equifax Half Marathon fundraiser with Helping Mamas back in the summer of 2023. My wife and I had recently had our first child, and through the midst of many sleepless nights we were thinking to ourselves, goodness, this is extremely difficult. So when we learned about the charity and started to reflect more about how many women in our local community don't have access to help or aid to provide for the very basic necessities, it really rang true to us.

What was it like running your first half marathon with the Equifax team?

Jane: 

At the time, I was looking for a challenge. Something hard to do. Honestly, something that scared me a little bit. I've never been a runner, and I knew this was going to be really tough.

I was also looking to connect with my peers in a more meaningful way by doing something that resonated with me.

Also, the opportunity to help raise funds for Helping Mamas. They're doing such great work in our community, and I was excited about their mission.

Three months ago, I didn't think I could run three miles—now I've completed 13.1 and I'm thinking about doing another one? It's amazing.

My teammates were instrumental to my success. They helped me believe I could do it. They offered endless encouragement and held me accountable. This team, these people, this cause, this challenge came at a perfect time. This was such a special experience for me.

What did you learn about the culture at Equifax throughout this experience?

Megan:

I have to admit, I was drawn more by the half marathon and less by the fundraising. But what I found was that as I continued to ask, maybe sometimes multiple times, that people were really willing to give.

We're so committed to the principle of financial inclusion, and so once people understood what a worthy cause that we were working towards—and certainly once I understood that Equifax was going to match every single donation over $50—it was really easy for me to get a little uncomfortable knowing there would be such a big impact to somebody that needed it.

I used to think that I could be successful just on my own. But I realize now when I take a step back and look at the impact that we can make as a group, not only is it more impactful, but it's much more meaningful. It's really true what they say: together, everybody accomplishes more. 

Joseph:

There were so many people who reached out to help me when I started going about trying to plan this initiative. 

There were folks who raised their hands to help me to form the proper channels internally, to organize different kickoff activities and events, or how to communicate this effectively within the organization. People who wanted to, of course, join the running team, help out with fundraising, whatever they could do. It became very apparent that this was a part of a lot of people's vision of just what life is like here at Equifax.

I'm truly humbled by the way the initiative has taken off and by the impact that it's had on other employees and on the local community. It's giving me a real sense of fulfillment to get to work with so many incredible individuals and do something together…and I just can't wait to run it back next year!

Our employees strive to support and positively impact the  communities in which they live and work. The work of our nearly 15,000 employees around the world underscores our commitment to driving greater financial inclusion and to providing tools and resources that help move people and businesses forward.

Learn about available opportunities at Equifax.