buildOn Expands National Board with Three New Leaders Committed to Education and Opportunity

buildOn Expands National Board with New Leaders

BuildOn, an organization that bridges service and education to foster opportunity, has recently added three distinguished individuals to its National Board of Directors. This strategic move aims to bolster the nonprofit's ongoing commitment to enhance educational access and empower communities worldwide.

The newly appointed members include DJ Casto, Suzanne Kounkel, and Ranjit Samra. Each brings invaluable expertise from diverse sectors, representing a powerful force for advancing the mission of buildOn.

Profiles of New Members

DJ Casto

As the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Synchrony, DJ Casto is known for his dedication to fostering growth through a people-centric approach. With a track record of leading global teams of over 20,000 employees, his experience spans significant roles at major corporations like PepsiCo. Through his tenure, Casto has been an advocate for inclusive cultures, creating programs designed to unlock potential in individuals at every career stage.

Suzanne Kounkel

Suzanne serves as the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Deloitte, where she oversees branding and marketing efforts worldwide. Renowned for her expertise in purpose-driven branding and transformational initiatives, she is poised to influence buildOn's outreach and impact. Kounkel is recognized as a leading voice not just for corporate marketing but also for advocacy in social change, aiming to inspire and empower communities through education.

Ranjit Samra

Ranjit holds the title of Managing Director and Head of Product and Experience at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. With over 35 years of experience, his leadership extends across various firms, including Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley. His role has seen him initiate digital transformations and lead diverse teams across six countries. Notably, Ranjit has previously been an active member of buildOn, having chaired its NY/CT Advisory Board.

A Vision for the Future

In welcoming these three leaders, Jim Ziolkowski, Founder and CEO of buildOn, expressed enthusiasm about the board's new composition. He 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 in the Bronx to children and adults in Nepal and beyond."

The timing of their appointment aligns with buildOn's ongoing expansion of U.S. service learning and global education programs. Since its inception, the nonprofit has established over 2,940 schools in low-income countries, serving 381,000 children and adults, while also engaging 12,000 students across five regions in the U.S. who are actively participating in their community service programs. Collectively, buildOn students have contributed 2.5 million hours of community service, showcasing the profound impact of education coupled with service.

Conclusion

As buildOn continues its mission to unite people through education and opportunity, the addition of DJ Casto, Suzanne Kounkel, and Ranjit Samra to its National Board represents a significant advancement in its journey. Their combined expertise will undoubtedly enhance the organization's effectiveness in reaching those who need it most. For more information about buildOn's transformative initiatives, visit buildon.org.