Red River Cares

Episode 34: Jay McKeown - Veteran Recruitment and Beyond

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400

In our 34th episode, Gina sits down with Jay McKeown, Director of Talent Acquisition at Red River! Jay discusses career transitions as well as his past connections with Operation Hat Trick - a long-time partner of the Red River Charitable Foundation. Learn more about Jay story as a veteran and hear his recommendations for veterans and civilians who might be looking for a career change. Tune in to be InspiRED!

Don't forget to watch this episode on our YouTube Channel! Click here: https://youtu.be/T5H4H8qA92M

Episode 33: Phoebe Low - Volunteer Spotlight

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0400

In our latest podcast, Gina sits down with Phoebe Low in our first ever "Volunteer Spotlight" episode! Phoebe is Red River's Partner Alliance Manager and is running the Boston Marathon on behalf of her charity organization Tedys Team. The mission of Tedy's Team is to raise awareness for stroke and heart disease while supporting survivors on their journey, giving them a means for a comeback! Learn more about Phoebe and her story. Tune in to be InspiRED!

Fundraising page: https://www.givengain.com/project/phoebe-raising-funds-for-tedys-team-68497

Tedys Team: https://tedysteam.org/

Don't forget to watch this episode on our YouTube Channel! Click here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdBFsbeqjaeyxYLL9f7M2w

Episode 32: SEASON 4 With Kim Vacca - RRCF Director

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Season 4 of the Red River Cares Podcast! Gina once again welcomes Kim Vacca, RRCF Director, to the show to go over Red River’s philanthropic impact in 2023. Learn how we crushed our volunteer hour goals and hear what we have in store for 2024! Tune in to be InspiRED!

Don't forget to watch this episode on our YouTube Channel! Click here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdBFsbeqjaeyxYLL9f7M2w

Episode 31: Kim Cummings, Marcy Levesque Scholarship Winner

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0500

Join Gina as she interviews Kim Cummings, this years Marcy Levesque Women in Technology Scholarship winner! Marcy Levesque was beloved part of the Red River family who sadly passed away in 2023. This scholarship was established in Marcy’s honor to support women studying technology.

Having previously been a recipient of Red River's Charity Golf Scholarship, Kim is familiar with the Red River Charitable Foundation and our work with STEM initiatives. Learn more about Kim Cummings journey as a college student studying computer science and how the Marcy Levesque Scholarship has impacted her. Tune in to be InspiRED!

Episode 30: Cara Joyce, STEM in Schools

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0500

We are very excited about this Red River Cares episode with Cara Joyce, Coordinator of STEM Education for the Raynham Regional School District in Bridgewater, MA.

Williams Intermediate School is the recipient of the third STEM lab RRCF has sponsored in partnership with the Boston Bruins. The school was a recipient of two rooms decked out with Bruins graphics, a lego wall, STEM experiments, microscopes, and so much more!

Listen in to hear more about the project and why STEM education is so important! Tune in to be InspiRED!

Episode 29: Dot Sheehan, Operation Hat Trick Founder

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 12:00:00 -0400

Join Gina and three-time guest Dot Sheehan, CEO of Operation Hat Trick on the latest Red River Cares Podcast.

They discuss how OHT's mission has shifted over the years, where their funding goes and how they bring in money to support the amazing work they do for veterans all over the country. Tune in to be InspiRED!

Episode 28: Amy Beth Main, Environment & Sustainability

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0400

Amy Beth Main, beekeeper and leader of the Earth Rangers, joins the podcast (live from her beehives) to educate us on honeybees. She shares how we can help save the bees, and how to start beekeeping yourself. As Red River's Environment & Sustainability team lead, Amy Beth shares how corporations and individuals can positively impact their local environments. Tune in to be InspiRED!

Episode 27: Jon Nicholas, Academy Program

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0400

In the latest episode of the Red River Cares podcast, host Gina Burke speaks with Jon Nicholas (Red River's VP, Sales Operations) about Red River’s Academy Program. The Academy provides new hires a head start in their Red River careers by exposing them to leaders, mentors, projects and divisions before settling into their individual roles. Learn how the Academy has been impacting employees for over 10 years. Tune in to be inspired!

Episode 26: Doug Adams, Pollinator Month

Fri, 26 May 2023 12:00:00 -0400

In a new episode of the Red River Cares podcast, host Gina Burke talks with Doug Adams, Red River’s Director of Sales Operations. Doug joined the podcast to discuss his work with InspiRED, Red River’s Community Engagement Program. Doug and his team meet monthly to discuss new ways to educate others on how to care for our environment. This month, Doug shares information about Pollinator Month and how everyone can take part. Tune in to be inspired!

Red River Cares is now on YouTube! Check out the video version of this podcast @RedRiverCharitableFoundation on YouTube.

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 25: Richard Ackerman, Workforce Development

Fri, 26 May 2023 12:00:00 -0400

In the latest episode of the Red River Cares podcast, host Gina Burke talks Richard Ackerman about why workforce development is essential and how it benefits both organizations as a whole and employees. And, we introduce a new segment called Rapid Fire Rounds. Tune in to be inspired!

Red River Cares is now on YouTube! Check out the video version of this podcast @RedRiverCharitableFoundation on YouTube.

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 24: Sam Derego, DEI Lead

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0400

The Red River Cares Podcast is officially now on YouTube! Host Gina Burke invites Sam Derego, Red River’s DEI Lead, to the podcast. Sam gives us a deep dive on the mission and inception of the DEI team as well as the initiatives they have planned for 2023. Sam highlights some of the changes related to our talent acquisition process and how our Employee Resource Groups (ERG) have continued to grow and develop. Learn how Sam and her team are improving diversity, equity and inclusion at Red River. Tune in to be inspired!

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 23: It's Season 3 Kickoff with Kim Vacca, Director of RRCF

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Welcome to season 3 of the Red River Cares Podcast! Gina Burke is joined once again by Kim Vacca, Director of the Red River Charitable Foundation. 2022 was a monumental year for the Red River Charitable Foundation and its many philanthropic initiatives. Kim highlights some of the major wins of 2022 including the launch of the Community Service Project (CSP) week and the expansion of STEM scholarships for students and veterans. Kim and Gina also talk about their goals for 2023 and how they can grow the philanthropic culture within Red River. Tune in to be inspired!

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 22: Michelle Gnozzio, Executive Director of SPIRIT Open Equestrian

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 14:00:00 -0500

In episode 22, Gina sits down with the Executive Director of SPIRIT Open Equestrian, Michelle Gnozzio. SPIRIT is a nonprofit that uses horsemanship and equine-assisted activities to reach a variety of therapeutic goals for their guests. Michelle and her team focus on healing the body, mind, and spirit through unique experiences between the guests and their horses. Hear how Michelle and SPIRIT approach equine-assisted therapy to improve basic self-esteem, while teaching communication, trust, responsibility, partnership, and empathy. Tune in to be inspired!

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 21: Cathy Pellerin, Executive Director of CLP

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0500

We’re thrilled to kick off 2023 by welcoming Cathy Pellerin of the Claremont Learning Partnership to the program. The Claremont Learning Partnership (CLP) is a non-profit organization that services the Sullivan County community. Cathy and her team focus on the at-risk youth population of NH and have established a youth homeless shelter, youth recovery center, and a referral-based childcare center. Learn how Cathy has expanded the CLP’s mission to increase educational access, attainment, and opportunities for the local at-risk youth population. Tune in to be inspired!

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 20: Cindy Stevens, Claremont Soup Kitchen Executive Director

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500

For our 20th episode, we welcome Executive Director of the Claremont Soup Kitchen Cindy Stevens to the program. The Claremont Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry is a non-profit community organization committed to serving individuals and families needing food assistance in the Sullivan County Area (New Hampshire). Host Gina Burke talks with Cindy about their mission, Red River’s recent volunteering project and how individuals can support their philanthropic efforts. Learn how Cindy and her team are providing food and other necessities to the Sullivan County community. Tune in to be inspired!

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 19: Dan McGee, Red River's Chief Operations Officer

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 15:00:00 -0400

We're excited to welcome back Dan McGee to the podcast! In this episode, Dan talks about the launch of InspiRED, Red River's official Community Engagement Program (CEP). Although Red River has always had a culture of philanthropy, the InspiRED CEP seeks to organize and amplify that culture to better server Red River's communities, partners and employees. Learn more about what InspiRED means to Red River and Dan's opinion on the future of corporate philanthropy. Tune in to be inspired!

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 18: Darlene Armenta, Red River Director of Talent Acquisition

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 16:00:00 -0400

We are thrilled to welcome Darlene Armenta, Red River's Director of Talent Acquisition, to the Red River Cares Podcast! As the Director of Talent Acquisition, Darlene and her team are responsible for finding and recruiting new talent into Red River. Through the efforts of the Talent Acquisition team, Red River has been able to quickly grow their employee base with an emphasis on diversity. Learn how Darlene and her team are leveraging technology and our philanthropic culture to recruit and retain new talent. Tune in to be inspired!

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 17: Dot Sheehan of OHT Returns!

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

We are thrilled to welcome back Dot Sheehan, Founder and CEO of Operation Hat Trick. Dot discusses how OHT has been expanding into various markets to try and support more veteran organizations. Dot also highlights how OHT has been finding success in a post-Covid world. Learn more about Operation Hat Trick and their work @operationhattrick.org. And as always visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com. Tune in to be inspired!

Episode 16: Andre Beaupre, Author of "The Purposeful Nine and Soulful Advantage"

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Gina Burke speaks with Andre Beaupre, author of The Purposeful Nine and Soulful Advantage. Andre discusses researching the nine companies feature in his book and how each organization is leveraging philanthropy to provide a positive impact and gain a competitive advantage. As one of the nine companies featured, Red River's own unique philanthropy is highlighted in Andre’s book. Learn how Red River and others are improving financial results and strengthening employee retention through a culture of philanthropy. Tune in to be inspired!

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Be sure to check out Andre Beaupre’s The Purposeful Nine and the Soulful Advantage on Amazon.

Episode 15: Sam Derego, Red River DEI Lead (Season 2)

Mon, 16 May 2022 10:00:00 -0400

In our latest Red River Cares Podcast, Gina Burke interviews Sam Derego, DEI Lead at Red River. As the Lead for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Sam is in charge of promoting DEI initiatives include the creation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). With Sam's direction, Red River's ERGs have grown in variety and popularity. Learn how these ERGs are promoting issues important to employees and our future DEI projects. Tune in to be inspired!

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 14: Toby Anderson, PTC Hero Award Winner (Season 2)

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0400

In our latest Red River Cares Podcast, Gina Burke was able to speak with Toby Anderson. As a recent winner of Red River’s PTC Hero Award, Toby discusses his philanthropic work with Willing Warriors. This work includes organizing and funding meals for military families in Haymarket, Virginia. Toby also shares how his family has joined him in his philanthropy. Tune in to be inspired!

Episode 13: Kim Vacca, Director of RRCF (Season 2)

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0500

It's season 2 of the Red River Cares Podcast! Gina Burke kicks things off with Kim Vacca, Director of the Red River Charitable Foundation. Gina and Kim reflect on the successful initiatives of 2021 such as the launch of a new STEM Lab and expansion of volunteerism within Red River. Kim also provides an update on the various philanthropic programs coming in 2022. Tune in to be inspired!

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 12: Bob Sweeney, The Boston Bruins Foundation

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Episode 11: Jacqueline Barber, Jeff Sessions Memorial Scholarship Winner

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Gina Burke sits down with one of the 2021 recipients for the Jeff Sessions Memorial Scholarship, Jacqueline Barber. Jacqueline is also the first Red River employee to be awarded this scholarship! As an Army veteran, Jacqueline talks about the many life-changing moments throughout her life. Jacqueline embodies what this scholarship represents and we're so fortunate to have her on to share her story. Tune in to be inspired!

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 10: Dan McGee, Red River COO

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 11:00:00 -0400

In our 10th episode of Red River Cares, host Gina Burke has the chance to speak with Red River's Chief Operations Officer, Dan McGee. As Red River's COO, Dan has been heavily involved with the Red River Charitable Foundation (RRCF) since its creation. Learn about RRCF's beginnings, the foundation's continued growth and the rise of corporate philanthropy. Tune in to be inspired!

For more information please visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 9: Full Circle Farm

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Red River Cares, host Gina Burke speaks with Deb Cossingham and Lorna Young from Full Circle Farm in Newport, NH. Deb is one of our 2021 PTC Hero Winners for the Therapeutic Horsemanship Program she runs out of the farm. This program provides equine-assisted activities and services to individuals living with special needs. Tune in to be inspired!

Check out Full Circle Farm and its many programs here: https://fullcirclefarm-nh.com/

Episode 8: Dot Sheehan, Operation Hat Trick

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0400

In Episode 8 of the Red River Cares podcast, we hear from Operation Hat Trick Founder and CEO Dot Sheehan. Dot discusses how OHT was founded, what their mission is and tells some incredible stories about wounded and recovering soldiers she’s met along the way. Red River has been a proud partner with Operation Hat Trick for years and we're thrilled to be able to speak with Dot. Learn more about Operation Hat Trick and their work @operationhattrick.org. And as always visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 7: Frank Lusko, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Mon, 17 May 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Host Gina Burke speaks with Frank Lusko, Red River’s VP of Managed Services for Sales, about his run for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) “Man & Woman of the Year.” In May of 2001, Frank’s brother Steve passed away from leukemia at only 32 years old. In honor of his brother, Frank has partnered with the LLS to raise money for their “Man & Woman of the Year” 10-week philanthropic competition. Hear about Frank’s fundraising efforts as he moves towards his goal of $420,000. To learn more about Frank’s campaign or participate in upcoming fundraising events, please check out redriverrallyagainstcancer.com. And as always visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 6: Richard Ackerman & AJ Murray

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0400

In our latest Red River Cares Podcast we talk to Richard Ackerman & AJ Murray both Red River employees about our new Historically Black College and University scholarship, why CCNA training can get you started in the IT field and why technology is a great career choice. To continue the conversation with Richard follow him on Linked In @Richard Ackerman and on Twitter @Arackerman. To follow AJ visit all the sites @noblinkyblinky. As always visit our website @redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 5: Eric Parrott, Red River Software Developer

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0500

For the fifth episode, Host Gina Burke speaks with Red River Software Developer Eric Parrott about the various student and early career programs offered by the Red River Charitable Foundation.

Eric’s story at Red River is unique as a former RRCF scholarship winner, Red River intern and eventual Red River employee. Eric shares his journey from scholarship winner to full-time employee and provides his perspective on how future scholarship winners can take advantage of Red River’s philanthropic programs. To learn more about these 2021 scholarship initiatives check out https://redrivercharitablefoundation.com.

Episode 4: Grace Choi, Eunoia

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Host Gina Burke talks to Grace Choi, Executive Director of Eunoia, a nonprofit in Sacramento, CA. Eunoia was created to lend a helping hand to teens in the local Sacramento community, providing them with clothes, food, school supplies, scholarships and other essential supplies to teens in the area. The organization also supports local teens in volunteering and participating in acts of service that will benefit the community.

Learn more about Eunoia here: https://eunoianonprofit.org/.

Episode 3: Theresa Hart, Newby-Ginnings

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 12:00:00 -0500

In honor of National Veterans & Family month, we wanted to drop a very special episode of the Red River Cares podcast. Host Gina Burke talks to Theresa Hart, a Gold Star Mother who turned her deepest sorrow into a cause that is making a difference in the lives of military families in North Idaho and beyond. Tune in to get inspired!

Learn more about Theresa's nonprofit Newby-Ginnings here: http://www.newbyginnings.org/

Episode 2: Laci Bird, SJRC Texas

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0400

In our second Red River Cares podcast, host Gina Burke speaks with Laci Bird from SJRC Texas. SJRC is an organization that supports children and young women who have survived trafficking, trauma and abuse. With an emphasis on healing and education, SJRC is a safe haven where kids and young women can develop into happy, productive and caring adults. Tune in to get inspired!

Episode 1: Kim Vacca, Director, Red River Charitable Foundation

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 09:00:00 -0400

In the inaugural episode, host Gina Burke sits down with her first guest Kim Vacca, Director of the Red River Charitable Foundation, to discuss the Foundation’s mission, and gives some advice to companies who don’t have a philanthropic focus but want to start incorporating it into their business model. Tune in to get inspired!