Brian Werdesheim: The Power of Philanthropy

The Story of Brian’s Vision for Education That Breaks Barriers and Builds Futures

Oppenheimer’s Brian Werdesheim, Managing Director and Financial Advisor, is the 2025 honoree at Fulfillment Fund’s Annual Gala, a recognition that reflects his extraordinary 25-year commitment to empowering students from under-resourced communities through education. His deep dedication to mentorship, college access, and community impact has helped transform the lives of countless students, providing them with the opportunity to pursue higher education and break cycles of poverty. Brian's journey with Fulfillment Fund has been nothing short of inspiring, and his story highlights the profound difference one person can make when they invest in the potential of others.

Brian’s involvement with Fulfillment Fund began in 2000, and from the start, he was deeply impressed by the organization’s leadership and mission. “When I met with Fulfillment Fund’s leadership, I was struck by their level of commitment and passion for the mission. Their focus on mentorship and college access really resonated with me,” Brian says. His personal belief in the power of education and mentorship aligned perfectly with the organization’s approach, and it was clear that this was a place where he could make a lasting impact.

For Brian, Fulfillment Fund’s mission is deeply personal. He’s witnessed the struggles that many of the students face, but he’s also seen firsthand how education can change the course of their lives. “A college education isn’t just about academics—it’s about community. For many of these students, college provides the opportunity to be surrounded by others who have similar goals and aspirations. That sense of belonging and the socialization process over four years can be just as important as the education itself,” he explains.

One of the most powerful examples of  Fulfillment Fund’s impact, for Brian, is the story of Michael*—a young man he met 20 years ago at a Fulfillment Fund Achievement Awards event honoring graduating high school seniors. As a beneficiary of Fulfillment Fund’s programs throughout high school, Michael had overcome significant challenges, growing up in a tough South Central Los Angeles neighborhood with an unstable home life. That afternoon, he sat at the same table as Brian and his wife, Janelle, where he shared his dream: to attend USC and graduate from the Marshall School of Business. From that moment, a deep and lasting bond was formed. Against the odds, Michael pursued his vision with determination—and he made it a reality.

After graduating from USC, Michael began his career at a major accounting and consulting firm. However, the 2008 financial crisis led to widespread layoffs, prompting Michael to reevaluate his path. Rather than feeling discouraged, he viewed the situation as an opportunity for growth. He spent the next several years traveling the world, visiting over 60 countries, and gaining invaluable perspectives on his personal and professional goals. During this time, he came to realize that pursuing an MBA would be the next step in fulfilling his potential.

Then, one day, Brian received a call from Michael with exciting news: he had been accepted to Harvard Business School. Having witnessed Michael's growth firsthand, Brian attended the graduation ceremony, which became much more than a celebration of academic achievement. “I was amazed,” Brian reflects. “To see him, after all he had been through, walking across that stage at HBS was a truly magical moment.” It was an unforgettable occasion, shared with Brian’s father, who had also become close with Michael, symbolizing the culmination of a long and inspiring journey.

The event was not only a celebration of academic success but also of the powerful bond formed through mentorship and support. Today, Michael is a father, a partner at a leading private equity firm, and a successful entrepreneur with an expanding real estate portfolio. His journey has come full circle, with Brian now an investor in some of Michael’s ventures. “It has been a blessing to watch this relationship evolve over the years,” Brian says. “This is the power of education, mentorship, and Fulfillment Fund.”

As a longtime advocate, Brian is especially passionate about the organization’s approach to its College Access, College Success, and Career Readiness programs, while staying deeply connected with students throughout their journey. “Our effectiveness comes from the persistence of our contact with students. We stay in touch through face-to-face meetings, text messages, emails, special events, and counseling sessions. These interactions allow us to stay close to each student and understand their unique challenges. The fact that we follow through and never give up on them is what makes us stand apart,” Brian explains. This level of consistent support ensures that students have the guidance they need to succeed, both academically, socially and professionally.

For Brian, philanthropy is not just about writing checks or sitting on boards—though those are important aspects—it’s about actively making a difference in the lives of others by simply being present and aware of what’s going on around you. “Philanthropy comes in many shapes and sizes. Whether it’s coaching a little league team, volunteering at an event, or simply being aware of the people around you who may need help, it’s about making a positive impact in your community,” he says. His own dedication to giving back is clear in his work with Fulfillment Fund, and he encourages others to find ways to get involved as well.

As the honoree at the 2025 Fulfillment Fund Gala, Brian is eager to share his message with others: Education is a powerful tool that can break cycles of poverty and change communities for the better. He believes that the key to creating thriving communities is making sure that all students—regardless of their background—have access to higher education and the opportunities that come with it. “Education solves many of society’s ills,” he explains. “When we have high dropout rates and low college matriculation rates, the impact is felt through slower-growing economies, increased violence, and other societal issues. By supporting education, we are investing in a better future for everyone.”

Brian’s story is a powerful reminder that each of us has the ability to shape someone’s future. He often asks, “Who believed in you?”—a question that calls us to reflect on the mentors, advocates, and supporters who helped us get to where we are today. No one achieves success alone. It’s often the belief of just one person, offered at a critical moment, that can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

That’s the mission of Fulfillment Fund—to be that guiding presence when it matters most. Because when someone believes in a student, it doesn’t just change their path—it changes the world they go on to impact.

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