BigPanda employees prioritize volunteering
At BigPanda, we believe empowering our employees to participate in volunteerism is more than just a nice thing. Supporting others reflects our company’s core values of hunger, extreme ownership, active transparency, relentless customer focus, and one team (HEART).
We believe in supporting the communities where we live and work. Our volunteerism employee resource group (ERG) promotes participation in meaningful projects that uplift local neighborhoods and foster a spirit of philanthropy.
These projects help our employees build strong relationships while contributing to projects that can genuinely improve people’s lives. Our teams have prepared and served thousands of meals to food-insecure people through local and global programs, including Hope’s Corner, Samaritan House, and Rise Against Hunger. They have helped Ronald McDonald House families and supported local youth through Girls on the Run.
The dedicated individuals in the volunteerism ERG organize and support events that unite employees from all departments. Participation in community service embodies the BigPanda HEART values and enriches their personal and professional lives. Let’s meet some of these Pandas and learn what motivates them to volunteer.
Conor Castronovo, Senior Analyst Relations Manager
Inspiring volunteering through action
Conor is dedicated to building and scaling the analyst relations program at BigPanda to enable our customers with the latest market intelligence. His role emphasizes communication, collaboration, and nurturing long-term relationships. Conor brings these same skills and passions to the BigPanda volunteerism ERG. Passionate about service, he has volunteered with organizations including Best Buddies, Saint Matthew’s House, and the Guadalupe Center.
I started the BigPanda volunteerism program to create opportunities for my coworkers to give back to their communities. I genuinely believe in the power of collective action and have seen its impact firsthand.
Our volunteer group makes a real difference in the lives of those we serve while increasing engagement within our company. The ultimate goal is for BigPanda to contribute to a more resilient, connected, and thriving society.
Volunteering is a win-win-win that benefits the business, my fellow Pandas, and the community. It nurtures corporate responsibility, fosters team unity and morale, and deepens our connections to the people around us. Companies should engage in service initiatives, promote sustainability, and maintain transparency in their social responsibility efforts. These actions demonstrate a commitment to the greater good while building positive relationships between the company and its surrounding communities.
Lionel Hartmann, Global Vice President, Customer Support
Building awareness through service
Lionel Hartmann brings extensive experience in customer success and support services to his role at BigPanda. He holds a Master’s degree in Information Systems and Management and Economics. Lionel brings his passion and enthusiasm for leading teams and forging strong personal bonds to the volunteerism ERG at BigPanda.
Volunteering helps enlarge the scope of our human experience by building awareness about the world around us. Serving others with an open mind and heart puts everything in perspective and will teach you something new about yourself. Organizations like The Red Cross inspire me. I am constantly impressed with their ability to effectively organize many volunteers to deliver on their missions, including blood donation, fire assistance, and disaster recovery.
BigPanda gives its employees opportunities to make a difference in our local communities. I joined the last volunteering event and saw its impact on my coworkers and those we served. After that experience, I want to continue to make a difference.
Sam Osborn, Senior Content Marketing Manager
Nurturing relationships through service
Sam is a passionate storyteller who helps bring valuable insights to our customers. He regularly volunteers with food banks and the Jimmy Miller Foundation, which uses ocean therapy — in the form of surfing —to help people suffering from trauma-induced mental and physical illness.
To paraphrase Spider-Man, “With great privilege comes great responsibility.” I’ve been extraordinarily fortunate, which gives me the opportunity and responsibility to give back to and support my community. Even small acts of service can make a real difference to the people and organizations who receive them.
Volunteering together to do something meaningful and positive builds relationships between employees who might otherwise not get to interact. More than ever, people need kindness, charity, and compassion. Demonstrating those values through action will bring a huge smile to your face and can change the lives of people you may otherwise have never met.
Learn more about BigPanda values and culture.
