In 2019, Securian Financial employees served on more than 125 nonprofit boards of directors – on their own time, in their own communities, giving back to causes they care about.
Raven Jones is among them. By day, Raven is a technology campus recruiter within Securian Financial’s talent acquisition department. It’s a multifaceted position in which she coordinates and facilitates on-campus recruiting events at colleges and universities; builds relationships with qualified students, professors and faculty on these campuses; and participates in the full cycle of recruiting, acting as the main point of contact from interviews through the final day of internships.
In her spare time, she’s involved with several nonprofit organizations, and in March 2019 she was asked to join the board of directors for the Minnesota Region of the American Red Cross.
Read on to learn more about Raven’s passion for volunteerism.
What led you to get involved with American Red Cross – Minnesota/Dakotas Region?
On October 18, 2018, I was selected to present a $20,000 check from Securian Financial to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Michael relief efforts (Hurricane Michael was the most intense landfalling mainland U.S. hurricane since 1969). This opportunity jumpstarted a relationship with Phil Hansen, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross in the Minnesota/Dakotas region. I became more interested in the Red Cross’ work, and I continued to build the relationship. In March 2019, I was asked to join the board, due to my personal engagements and passions.
What appeals to you about what they do in our community?
I absolutely love that the Red Cross has an established reputation of turning compassion into action. The values of the organization are deeply rooted and on display with its volunteers, generous donors and staff. The most profound thing to me is that our region not only makes a dramatic impact on the lives of the people they serve, but also on the lives for the people who serve. It truly is an environment of people helping people – Minnesota Nice.
What are your board member responsibilities?
As a board member, I am asked to provide counsel for mission-related services (for example, preparedness, disaster services or blood drives). I actively participate in fundraising strategies, serve as the “face of the Red Cross” for our community and outreach services, and partner with the board officers to evaluate the board’s performance. Right now, I am also helping to lead the fundraising pillar.
Aside from Red Cross Minnesota, what other organizations are you active with?
There are several. I do work with Dress for Success, My7on7, College Possible, BestPrep, Junior Achievement, Genesys Works, Wallin Education Partners, Page Foundation, ConnextMSP and Twin Cities Diversity Group.
