Impact Bytes: Sharing Their Skills and Passions for Causes in Their Communities

Splunk’s long-standing #MillionDataPoints campaign highlights the unique “data points” Splunkers bring to the team every day. We are each a data point in making a difference, and we each bring our unique skills and passions to contribute to the greater good.

In that spirit, our annual Data Points of Light Volunteer Awards honor Splunkers whose commitment to the community runs especially deep. This year, we recognized 184 employees. Each logged at least 40 volunteer hours, with more than one in five exceeding 100 hours. Behind each of those names is a story of a Splunker generously giving their time to benefit others, and I’m privileged to share some of those stories.

Elle Lichter

Finance Manager | Oakland, California, USA

Elle tried her hand at mountain biking as a pandemic-era hobby. Her bike shop’s owner is also the head coach of the Berkeley High team, and when he mentioned they needed more female coaches to help students feel welcome, she jumped in. It’s about more than sports: the team’s Coaching Boys into Men program features student-led conversations around topics like healthy relationships. Broadening access is a big focus as well. “Mountain biking is an expensive, gear-intensive, technical sport,” says Elle. “Through our loaner bike fleet, reduced dues, learn-to-bike workshops, and offering transportation, we’re making our sport more accessible to underrepresented groups.” Elle does extra duty as board treasurer, honing her finance skills as she helps the organization work toward nonprofit status. But it’s also about fun: as the self-appointed Hype Person, she leads the team’s beloved “Whipped Cream Olympics."

Kaleen Skersies

Senior Executive Assistant to SVP of Go-to-Market Operations | Seattle, Washington, USA

While Kaleen is a longtime volunteer, her work with the Belle & Bottle Foundation started by happenstance. At a local wine shop, Kaleen met owner Laura Huston, and as they became friends, Laura shared her dream: a nonprofit where wine industry women could showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and help each other succeed. Little did she know she’d found the perfect partner. “In my role at Splunk, I streamline processes and strategies to support my executive,” says Kaleen. “I was able to bring that knowledge to Belle and Bottle, from navigating the process of becoming a nonprofit to setting up a wine awards program with an all-women panel and building out our programs.”

Bina Hussein

Global Certification Program Specialist | Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Three years ago, Bina started volunteering with De Kindertelefoon, a children's helpline in the Netherlands. Young people can call anonymously to chat, and volunteers like Bina listen and speak with them without judgment. The topics can range from school issues, relationship issues, sexuality and world events to bullying, abuse, suicidal thoughts—or a fun accomplishment they’d like to share. “Volunteering with De Kindertelefoon is my way of giving back to my community, and at the same time, I learn a lot about what's on the minds of the younger generation, says Bina. “If I can help a child think through an issue and have them come towards a solution on their own, they'll walk away from the conversation feeling more cared for, confident and secure. There’s no better reward than that.”

Jody Cook

Enterprise Account Manager | Brisbane, Australia

“While I have always volunteered for various causes in an ad hoc way, in recent years, I started to feel I had more to give and wanted to be part of something bigger,” says Jody. That opportunity presented itself with Wests Brisbane Junior Rugby League Club, an 85-year-old club where Jody’s son plays. After the Club Secretary resigned, she agreed to take on a demanding and ongoing volunteer role. While initially concerned about how it might affect her family life and work, she discovered she enjoyed the challenge and found it extremely rewarding. Jody’s duties range from maximizing revenue from the canteen and bar to fundraising and supporting game-day operations. “One of the things I’m most proud of is how we have turned around the culture of the Club,” she says. “I like making children and families feel welcome and part of our organization.” 

As inspiring as these stories are, they’re just a few of our amazing Data Points of Light. To learn more about how Splunk promotes volunteering year-round, visit the Volunteering and Giving page.