By: Toral Maher, Foundation Manager & Executive Director, Liberty Bank
Talk a little bit about your background/history and how you came to be at Liberty Bank.
My background is in education, a field where I developed a passion for learning and community impact. When I decided to transition out of education, I was drawn to philanthropy to create change on a broader scale. An entry-level position opened in Liberty Bank’s Foundation, and though it was a leap of faith – especially so soon after earning my master’s degree in education – I knew it was an opportunity worth pursuing.
Initially, my focus was on managing education grants, which aligned naturally with my background. However, as I gained more experience, I became more involved with all aspects of the foundation, its funding portfolios, and community engagement. Each step of that journey provided invaluable lessons that prepared me for my role today as the foundation’s Executive Director. To say that I get to do work that I love, for an organization that I deeply admire, while making a meaningful impact would be an understatement – it’s a privilege.
What is important to you about Liberty Bank’s mission, and what are the ways that mission aligns with the Partnership’s mission?
At Liberty Bank and the Liberty Bank Foundation, our mission is centered on improving lives – whether it’s for our customers, our teammates, or the communities we serve. We believe that financial stability, homeownership, and opportunities should be accessible to everyone. This closely aligns with the Partnership’s mission, which envisions a Connecticut where every individual and family can secure a safe and stable home.
Housing is more than just a place to live – it’s the foundation for opportunity. Without stable housing, it’s difficult for individuals to succeed in school, maintain employment, or build generational wealth. That’s one of the reasons why our foundation prioritizes affordable housing.
What have you found most inspiring or noteworthy about the work that the Partnership does?
The Partnership’s work is remarkable. Their unwavering commitment to affordable housing in Connecticut is not just about putting roofs over people’s heads – it’s about creating pathways to financial independence and stronger communities altogether. PSC recognizes that homeownership is a powerful tool for building strong, thriving communities, and that perspective resonates with our organization as well. I’m proud that we can partner in their mission.
How do you measure success in the projects you support, and what outcomes have been most notable?
Success for us isn’t just about numbers – its about the real, tangible impact we see in our communities. While data and metrics are important, the true measure of success is in the stories of families who purchase their first homes, turn their ideas into thriving businesses, and neighborhoods that are revitalized through thoughtful investments.
At Liberty Bank, we go simply beyond writing a check. We invest in organizations that our neighbors depend on – those that provide essential resources and long-term solutions. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the way all our teammates (850+ of them) show up in our communities’ day in and day out to make a difference and deliver on our brand promise – to be community kind. Whether it’s a family securing their first home, a local nonprofit expanding its reach, or an entrepreneur growing their business, those are the moments that define our success.