Talent Innovator Award CRCA 2025 - 3rd Place Winner - Kaci Rice
CRCA 2025 - Talent Innovator 3rd Place Winner - Kaci Rice

Kaci Rice
Academic Partnership Program Specialist
Syngenta

3rd Place Winner of The Talent Innovator Award

This award recognizes the experienced early career professionals who are reimagining how companies connect with Gen Z talent. They challenge traditional thinking by introducing new strategies, platforms, and touchpoints to meet students where they’re at. Whether through technology, storytelling, or community-building, they’re closing the gap between how recruiting has always been done—and how it needs to evolve.

From the Community: Why this Winner Stands Out

To be considered for the CRCAs, individuals had to be nominated by a peer, manager, colleague, or direct report. This quote was shared by the person who nominated this person for recognition, highlighting the impact and excellence they’ve demonstrated.

“Kaci Rice has improved early career recruiting at our organization by challenging traditional methods and introducing innovative strategies to connect with Gen Z candidates. Her forward-thinking approach has not only modernized our recruitment process but has also significantly enhanced the candidate experience.

Kaci recognized that Gen Z candidates value authenticity, social responsibility, and digital engagement. In response, she spearheaded several initiatives, here are a few listed below:

Social Media Takeovers: Kaci organized a social media takeover at one of our top universities for recruitment, where current employees and incoming interns shared their experiences on reels. This authentic, peer-to-peer content helped candidates visualize themselves in various roles and connect with the company culture.

Personalized Emails: Kaci planned communications before and after events with personalized notes and links to engaging videos to help drive applicants.

Sow-cial Network: Kaci planned a series of virtual networking events and lightning talks to help reduce Gen Z anxiety about starting a new job. This optional series connected students with current employees, discussed the on-boarding process, and introduced them to our company before they even started, giving them a head start to feeling comfortable and productive.
Kaci's ability to challenge the status quo and implement creative, technology-driven solutions has transformed our early career recruiting efforts. Her innovative approach not only attracts top Gen Z talent but also positions our organization as a forward-thinking employer of choice. Kaci Rice truly embodies the spirit of a Talent Innovator and is highly deserving of this award.”


Congratulations to Kaci for placing as the 3rd place winner of the Talent Innovator Award, part of RippleMatch's 2025 Campus Recruiting Choice Awards!

View all winners by clicking the button below:


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