Forming the acronym REACH, our Risepoint values — Reliable, Empowered, Adaptable, Customer-Centric, and Heart — guide how we show up for our partners, our communities, and one another.
Each quarter, we shine a spotlight on Risepoint colleagues who show their dedication to our five core values, as nominated by their fellow teammates.
This quarter, more than 200 Risepoint teammates were nominated for a REACH Value Award by more than 150 of their teammates! Below, we share our Q2 REACH Award winners and excerpts from their nomination messages.
As we help our partners and their students reach new heights, our Reliable team members are those we can always depend on. Whether they’re leading through complexity or showing up every day with consistency, our Reliable award winners earn trust through their actions. These teammates and their steadfast dependability don’t just make work easier; they build the foundation for strong partnerships, smooth operations, and shared successes. Here’s what some of the people who nominated our winners had to say about them.
Kris Galligan, Senior Director, Product Marketing
“Kris is the kind of leader you can count on in every situation.”
“Kris leads with consistency and deep expertise. She brings structure and intention to our monthly marketing meetings, ensuring our plans are strategic, aligned, and performance-driven. Her ability to guide her team, ask the right questions, and represent both Risepoint and [our partner’s] interests so well is a huge reason for our continued success with the partnership… She doesn’t just show up—she adds value, time and time again.”
Mitchell Baskin, Senior Student Engagement Specialist
“Mitchell has been from day one “Mr. Reliable” to our team as he always shows up for the entire team when needed, is always there to support and motivate individuals to be better today than they were yesterday. No matter what, he always rises to any occasion when necessary to support team members, our partners’ students, as well as our leadership group!”
We believe in empowering all of our Risepoint employees, but there are some team members who go above and beyond by bringing more than just skill to their work. They lead with initiative, ownership, and a commitment to excellence. Our Empowered award winners see opportunities, take bold action, and deliver transformative results.
Jessica Krentzman, Senior Professional Learning & Development Manager
“Jessica is visionary and collaborative… By empowering both faculty and Risepoint team members to grow and learn confidently, Jessica exemplifies what it means to drive meaningful impact. Her work is helping universities and students reach new heights!”
“Jessica has launched and led our entire suite of AI webinars for faculty, authored every faculty-facing newsletter, created a thriving AI community of practice with faculty from a variety of backgrounds and Risepoint partner institutions, and developed internal trainings that have transformed how our Risepoint Academic Services team deliver on our commitments to our partners. Even with all this incredible effort, I believe that what sets her apart is the way she anticipates customer needs before they’re shared. “
Elsa Oakley, Student Experience & Training Specialist
“Elsa Oakley has been a cornerstone of our coaching team for the past four years. In that time, she has consistently demonstrated excellence as a coach, but this year, she has gone far beyond expectations—delivering innovative, scalable solutions that have transformed how our team operates … This nomination is not just a recognition—it’s a celebration of someone who has fundamentally elevated how we work, coach, and grow. Elsa Oakley is more than deserving of this award. She is the standard.”
“Elsa exemplifies ownership, innovation, and impact—elevating not just her role, but how we work and grow as a team.”
We recognize the need to evolve to meet the moment and thrive in an ever-changing environment. Our Adaptable award winners demonstrate what it means to meet change with purpose, curiosity, flexibility, and focus. These team members don’t just react, they anticipate. They make us stronger by pivoting with grace, and empowering those around them to do the same.
Rachel Carton, Senior Academic Program Strategist
“If adaptability had a mascot at Risepoint, it would be Rachel Carton! Rachel has been the central academic force holding a fast-moving, high-stakes operation together….Through it all, Rachel has not only kept pace, she’s kept everyone aligned.”
Ciara O’Connell, Manager, Data Integrity
“Ciara O’Connell exemplifies adaptability through her proactive problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and ability to pivot quickly to meet evolving partner and team needs. Her work consistently reflects a deep commitment to both operational excellence and partner success.”
“Ciara thrives in change and brings a flexible, solutions-oriented mindset to every situation…Her adaptability has been especially valuable in cross-functional projects, where her collaborative spirit and openness to feedback have helped teams innovate and grow. Ciara doesn’t just adapt—she helps others do the same, making her a catalyst for continuous improvement… Ciara’s adaptability has made her a go-to teammate and a trusted partner in delivering high-quality outcomes for both our internal teams and our partners.”
Helping our team, our partners, and their students all reach new heights is rewarding. Our Customer-centric team members lead with empathy, insight, and accountability. They’re trusted advisors to our partners, tireless advocates for students, and quiet engines behind the scenes making sure every decision is aligned with long-term impact. Their work reflects a deep and unwavering commitment to our team and those we serve.
Treava Lewandowski, Senior Director, Partner Support
“I was impressed by the level of details and of preparation she and her team had put together to ensure a smooth and productive discussion.
Internally, Treava is always quick and willing to help and able to explain details of tools and processes in a way that is understandable for different stakeholders.”
Lauren Seymour, Senior Student Support Coordinator
“Lauren consistently puts students at the heart of everything she does. Her approach is thoughtful, empathetic, and driven by a genuine commitment to making sure every student receives the support they need to succeed…
Whether she’s navigating a complex situation or working behind the scenes to improve systems, Lauren never loses sight of the people at the center of it all. Her dedication to student and partner success is unwavering, and she truly embodies what it means to be customer-centric.”
Acting with Heart means caring deeply about the people around us and showing that care in meaningful ways. Sometimes it’s through a warm check-in or a kind word. Other times, it’s through honest feedback or stepping in to help someone move forward when things feel stuck. Our teammates who lead with Heart show up with empathy and make others feel valued and seen.
Jeanne Amend, Student Retention Specialist
“Jeanne has been incredibly impactful in my experience with the team. She is always checking in on me, my workload, my needs, and how I am feeling. To say she is kindhearted is an understatement… Our team wouldn’t be successful without her.”
“As I think back on my own educational journey and some of the hard times that I experienced while trying to succeed as a graduate student, I only wish that I had someone like Jeanne in my corner… Jeanne’s kindness is contagious, her communications with students are heartfelt, and her leadership is a shining example of ‘Heart.’”
Neve Ricketts, Student Engagement Coordinator
“I feel that this value sums Neve up so well because she demonstrates genuine care for others… to her colleagues and through her interactions with our partners’ students. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to some of Neve’s calls, and you can tell she cares deeply about providing them with really great levels of customer service….Within our team, she’s always bubbly, smiling, and there to help out whenever she can. Thanks, Neve, for always being full of optimism and positivity.”
“Neve is incredibly warm and welcoming and always ready to offer support to others. She genuinely cares about both the students and the team, making her a great asset to Risepoint!”
We’re excited to shine a spotlight on our Q2 REACH Value Award winners — thank you for showing up for yourselves, your colleagues, our partners, and their students!
