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Khanh Russo

Lead the critical human needs investment portfolio

Cisco Foundation

Khanh Russo leads the critical human needs (food, water, shelter and disaster response) investment portfolio for Cisco and Cisco Foundation, bringing more than 10 years of experience in international development, public policy, and research to Cisco’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. Cisco’s approach is to invest in nonprofit organizations that develop technology-based solutions to support underserved populations, with the potential for replication, scale, and sustainability.

Khanh began his career with the Forbes Funds, where he led technical assistance programs in areas of community development and social entrepreneurship. Prior to joining Cisco he was a part of the business services team that developed strategic CSR programs and reporting (Global Reporting Initiative) for Fortune 100 companies at Silicon Valley Community Foundation. He has also worked in the public sector as staff director for San Jose Councilmember Sam Liccardo, managing public-private partnerships for issues including public transportation, regional development and health.

Khanh is a Trustee of Gardner Family Health Network and Care Corporation, where he currently serves as Chair. A Coro Public Affairs Fellow and Kellogg Philanthropy Fellow, he received his master's degree in public policy and management from Carnegie-Mellon University and his bachelor's degree in political science and religious studies from Santa Clara University.

Articles

Humanitarian Organizations Collaborate to Impact the World

2 min read

Last week, more than 200 leaders from dozens of technology companies and international humanitarian and conservation organizations came together at the NetHope Global Member Summit on our San Jose, California campus. Experts in humanitarian relief, emergency response, and conservation from around the world participated in nearly 30 brainstorming sessions, and I was fortunate enough to […]

Humanitarian Organizations Address Tech’s Role in Solving Global Challenges

1 min read

This week, we are proud to host the NetHope Global Member Summit at our San Jose, California campus. NetHope is an important organization – especially at a time when news feeds are filled with stories about disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and social conflict. NetHope is a coalition of more than 40 international humanitarian and conservation […]

CSR Partner Water for People Quenching Thirst in Malawi

2 min read

One of the nonprofits we support through our Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, Water for People, is on track to providing easy access to safe water and sanitation to everyone in Malawi, Africa, where just 5 years ago, only 41% had access to a reliable water source. Water for People supports the development of locally sustainable […]

Cisco Partner Community Solutions Exceeds Goal to House 100K Homeless

2 min read

Chronic homelessness is a problem across the United States. Many homeless families and individuals are unable to break the cycle of poverty. Cisco has supported  Community Solutions and its 100,000 Homes Campaign to find homes for 100,000 chronically homeless people across the United States by July 2014. We were thrilled when Community Solutions met its […]

Cisco Honored for Supporting Disaster Relief in the Bay Area

4 min read

Cisco is proud to announce it has received the 2014 Humanitarian Partnership Award from the Silicon Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. The award recognizes the support Cisco has given to the American Red Cross’ mission, and salutes the significant impact Cisco has made in Silicon Valley. Cisco’s relationship with the Silicon Valley Chapter, […]

Cisco Nonprofit Partner Featured on 60 Minutes for Efforts to End Chronic Homelessness

2 min read

Community Solutions, a national nonprofit that Cisco has supported with cash and product grants since 2011, was featured on 60 Minutes this week for its 100,000 Homes Campaign — a collaboration of more than 200 communities working together to collectively house 100,000 chronically homeless people in the United States by July 2014. Our partnership will […]

Being Boring in the Water Sector Pays Off

5 min read

A portion of this blog was originally published on WASHfunders.org  Data isn’t sexy. It doesn’t have the emotional appeal of water flowing from a hand pump for the first time into a child’s waiting hands. Nor does it have the “going viral” potential of Matt Damon refusing to use the toilet for a year. But […]