buildOn Strengthens Leadership with New Board Appointments
In an effort to amplify its mission and expand access to education, buildOn has recently welcomed three exceptional leaders to its National Board of Directors. This addition comes as the nonprofit organization continues its dedicated work of uniting people through service and education, fostering opportunities for communities globally.
Pioneers in Their Fields Join buildOn
The new board members—DJ Casto, Suzanne Kounkel, and Ranjit S. Samra—each bring unique expertise in human resources, marketing, and financial services. Their wealth of experience and commitment to advancing education make them invaluable assets to buildOn.
DJ Casto: Champion of People-Powered Growth
DJ Casto serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Synchrony. His leadership in guiding global people strategies for over 20,000 employees showcases his dedication to fostering inclusive, supportive workplace cultures. Throughout his career, including positions at PepsiCo, DJ has advocated for initiatives that unlock potential and facilitate growth at all organizational levels.
Suzanne Kounkel: Leader in Brand Transformation
Suzanne Kounkel is the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Deloitte, where she spearheads efforts in brand development and strategic partnerships. Her influence extends across the globe, offering insights into purpose-driven branding and transformational change in various sectors. Suzanne's strategic vision aligns perfectly with buildOn's objectives, making her an excellent addition to the board.
Ranjit S. Samra: Expert in Financial Services
With an impressive career spanning over 35 years in the financial services sector, Ranjit S. Samra currently serves as Managing Director and Head of Product and Experience at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. His extensive experience includes driving digital transformations and leading diverse teams across multiple countries. Ranjit also previously held the position of Chair of buildOn's NY/CT Advisory Board, where he demonstrated a firm commitment to the organization’s mission.
Committed to Impactful Change
Expressing enthusiasm about the new appointments, Jim Ziolkowski, the Founder and CEO of buildOn, stated, "We are honored to welcome DJ, Suzanne, and Ranjit to our National Board. Their leadership will help scale our impact in some of the world's most underserved communities—from high school students to children and adults seeking education in various countries. Their expertise and commitment will guide buildOn's initiatives to create significant change."
As buildOn continues to enhance its U.S. service learning and global education programs, the timing of these appointments is crucial. The organization has successfully built 2,940 schools in low-income countries, helping 381,000 children and adults gain access to education. In the U.S., buildOn is actively engaged in five regions, with 12,000 students participating in their impactful programs. Since its inception, buildOn has collectively contributed 2.5 million hours of service in communities, showcasing a long-standing dedication to social impact.
Learn More About buildOn
To explore more about buildOn's mission and the profound impact it has on communities, please visit buildon.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is buildOn's mission?
buildOn is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people through service and education, creating opportunities for youth and underserved communities worldwide.
Who are the new members of the National Board?
The new members include DJ Casto, Suzanne Kounkel, and Ranjit S. Samra, each with impressive backgrounds in their respective fields.
What is DJ Casto's role at Synchrony?
DJ Casto serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Synchrony, leading strategies for their global workforce.
How many schools has buildOn built?
buildOn has built 2,940 schools in low-income countries, providing access to education for 381,000 children and adults.
How can I support buildOn's initiatives?
You can support buildOn by learning about their programs, volunteering, or donating to their cause through their official website.
