Ruggiero is lifting up the next generation, spearheading the launch of a program in collaboration with Adobe and NBCU Academy called The Edit. It reaches more than 8,300 students nationwide and touts the importance of digital literacy while equipping them with essential digital skills. Ruggiero actively helps organize events in his community, being instrumental in the execution of events like Englewood’s Pride Flag Raising Ceremony, and calls former colleague Suze Orman an incredible role model to him. “During her acceptance speech for the Vito Russo Award from GLAAD, she encouraged everyone to reflect on where we invest our time and money, highlighting the importance of supporting companies that help lift the LGBTQ+ community up,” he says. “Her message continues to resonate with the LGBTQ+ community, reminding us of the broader impact that personal choices can have.”