Raghav Singh, a data analyst with a knack for storytelling and a deep-seated belief in giving back, found his true calling at Project: Return to Work Inc. (R2W). Having navigated various professional landscapes, from the intricate data pipelines of a startup to the complex systems of atmospheric research, nothing resonated with him quite like the mission of R2W: re-engaging veterans, especially injured military service members and their spouses, disabled civilians, and diverse communities by helping them find productive and fulfilling jobs. 

“We owe veterans a debt to society that we don’t always live up to,” Raghav often reflected, a sentiment that fueled his every effort as a Technical Consultant at R2W’s Boulder, CO (remote) office. He understood that R2W, with its long and proud history dating back to 1998 and its impressive track record of helping over 10,000 Americans get back to work, was a beacon of hope. They leveraged advanced technologies and a genuinely caring staff, offering client services free of charge thanks to generous grants and donations. 

Raghav managed a dynamic team of seven, a crucial cog in R2W’s ambitious vision to serve one million clients within a decade. His team was the backbone, handling everything from the ATS system and job listings to grant research, web development, SEO, social media campaigns, content gathering, content creation, and the intricate logistics for every live event. 

One of his proudest achievements recently had been the launch of a social media campaign. It was more than just posts and likes; it was about building a bridge to their audience. The results spoke for themselves: a remarkable 20% increase in page views over just two months. This wasn’t a fleeting success; it was the foundation for something more profound. “We’ve just started to regularly communicate with our audience and integrate them into our live events,” Raghav explained, his eyes alight with enthusiasm. “Now, we have so many opportunities to engage the community.” These engagements were vital, especially as R2W looked to its strategic plan of spinning off client services to multiple Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs) through initiatives like the R2W Village incubator. 

His days were a whirlwind of activity. He’d start by reviewing the analytics dashboards he’d meticulously crafted, tracking the impact of their digital outreach and the efficiency of their client services. He’d then dive into grant research, identifying opportunities like the MAP EJ and Albertsons grants, which he’d successfully submitted, collectively requesting over a million dollars in funding. These funds were critical for R2W’s various programs, including Tier 1 and 2 Direct Recruiting, the deeper work therapy programs at R2W House, and the vital Research and Development initiatives aimed at empirically determining their impact. 

Raghav also dedicated significant time to mentoring. He had onboarded and managed six STEM Interns, guiding them through the complexities of vocational rehabilitation technology and instilling in them the same passion he felt for R2W’s mission. He saw himself not just as a manager, but as a facilitator of growth, both for his team and for the veterans they served. 

The challenges were real, of course. The R2W House in Florida, a crucial part of their Tier 3&4 work therapy programs, had been damaged by Hurricane Ian, and repairs were a constant concern. The Colorado house also needed attention. But Raghav and his team tackled these obstacles with the same dedication they brought to every aspect of their work. 

As the sun set over the Rocky Mountains, Raghav would often reflect on his journey. He had built custom dashboards for C-suites, analyzed complex financial data, and even developed applications that automated intake processes. But the work at Project: Return to Work was different. It was about tangible impact, about helping individuals reclaim their lives, and about honoring a debt he deeply felt society owed. Every line of code, every social media post, every grant application was a step towards their vision of serving one million clients within a decade, and Raghav Singh was proud to be at the heart of it.

Raghav Singh
– Lead Administrative Assistant
“As a Business Intelligence Developer with three years of experience and a Bachelor’s in Information Science, I transform complex data into actionable insights. I’m passionate about making a meaningful impact, particularly in empowering veterans, disabled civilians, and diverse communities, through my work with Project: Return2Work.”

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant

Hello! My name is Farid Ahmadov and I have been a STEM Intern at Project: Return2Work since January of 2025. I am a current senior at the University of Colorado Boulder pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science. My current goal is to land a stable software job where I can put my skills to use in building and improving software to make people’s lives easier.

Working at Project: Return2Work has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only have I developed valuable technical and professional skills, but I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for how technology can be used to empower and uplift those who need it most.

My work has focused on the StaffCV system as well as outreach. I help guide job seekers through the system so that they can quickly be set up with an employer. I reach out and keep in touch with job seekers to make sure that they have all that they need to successfully gain employment.

Furthermore, working and helping disabled veterans, among other classes of society that need help with employment, has been both humbling and rewarding. Getting to help people who need our help has always been a goal of mine, as I have always looked for ways to contribute back to society.

I look forward to continuing my work with Project: Return2Work to help people who need our help.

Farid Ahmadov – STEM Intern
“I am a current fourth year student at the University of Colorado Boulder with a passion for helping people. R2W has been a great opportunity for me to explore this passion, as well as being privileged to work with an excellent team that shares my passion.”

By Farid Ahmadov, STEM Intern

In the vibrant world of dog shows, where precision grooming meets poised athleticism, Annel Henderson of LocherB Kennels stands out not just for her champion Scottish Terriers but for their heartwarming role as mascots for Project: Return to Work (R2W). With recent victories at the Roaring Fork Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show, where Olive (aka “Yang”) clinched Best Puppy and Bilbo (aka “Yin”) earned Best Opposite Sex, Annel and her furry companions are proving that success in the ring can go paw-in-paw with profound community impact.
 

Annel’s journey into the competitive dog show circuit wasn’t an immediate leap, but a carefully groomed path. Initially, her involvement with LocherB Kennels was more casual. It wasn’t until she encountered a truly gifted groomer that her passion for presenting top-quality Scottish Terriers truly blossomed. This pivotal connection inspired Annel to delve deeper into the intricacies of the dog show world. She soon became an active participant, joining the Plum Creek Kennel Club before becoming a dedicated member of the Scottish Terrier Kennel Club of Greater Denver (https://stcgdenver.org/).
 

Through her growing involvement with the STKCGD, Annel met fellow enthusiasts who would further shape her kennel’s destiny. Notably, her connection with the Schaffers led her to acquire a foundation bitch – a significant step towards breeding the champions that would one day capture hearts both in the show ring and at R2W events. This lineage eventually brought forth special dogs like Abbie, who, as Annel proudly recalls, made her mark early on with impressive wins, including an award in the Winners Bitch class at the Chicago Specialty, followed by a Reserve Winners placement.
 

Today, the undeniable stars of LocherB Kennels, Olive and Bilbo, serve as the beloved mascots for Project: Return to Work. Their charming personalities and show-stopping presence bring an extra layer of joy and engagement to R2W’s crucial mission of helping disabled civilians, injured veterans, and their spouses find meaningful employment. Whether at a recent R2W event in Castle Rock or making headlines with their latest wins, Olive and Bilbo symbolize the resilience and spirit that R2W champions every day.
 

Annel Henderson and LocherB Kennels exemplify how passion, dedication, and a love for animals can extend far beyond personal achievement, creating a ripple effect of inspiration and support for a cause as vital as Project: Return to Work.

Annel Henderson

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant

My STEM internship has been a truly rewarding and impactful experience. It’s been a privilege to work with R2W and contribute to its inspiring mission: supporting disabled National Guard and veteran members, other disabled individuals, their spouses, and caretakers in re-entering the workforce. Providing a safe place for these individuals to transition into the job market is an incredible endeavor. Our summer goal of processing 1,000 applicants has highly motivated me to contribute as much as possible to R2W’s success. 

Through this internship, I’ve gained valuable skills. I’ve learned the StaffCV system for efficient applicant processing and have developed cold calling sales techniques by directly reaching out to companies via phone and email. This has taught me how to deliver a captivating, concise pitch and maintain a calm and comfortable demeanor, ensuring I respect their time. I’ve also become proficient in posting jobs and advertisements across various platforms. This internship has significantly enhanced both my soft and technical skills, providing a well-rounded set of experiences that will undoubtedly impact my future endeavors. 

Hiale Haile – STEM Intern
“R2W’s mission allows me to impact people’s lives directly, and that has always been a dream of mine. Because of R2W, I can now help those in need.”

By Hiale Haile, STEM Intern

At Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W), our mission goes beyond job placement—it’s about restoring confidence, rebuilding lives, and reconnecting families. That mission is reflected in two very special team members: Yin and Yang, our beloved mascots. 

These loyal dogs do more than pose for photos. At every R2W event, they bring warmth, comfort, and connection. Whether they’re playing with kids, offering quiet support to a veteran, or simply making someone smile, Yin and Yang help turn our gatherings into safe, welcoming spaces. 

For many military families, their presence is the first step in feeling at home again. They help us reach veterans on a personal level—opening hearts and easing the journey back into civilian life. 

Recently, Yin (Bilbo) and Yang (Olive) attended a regional dog show where Yang took home Best in Show, and Yin earned Best of Opposite Sex. But their real achievement is the impact they make in people’s lives every day. 

They represent everything R2W stands for: trust, hope, and unwavering support. In a world where healing takes many forms, Yin and Yang remind us that sometimes the most powerful connection comes on four paws. 

By Nathan Megersa, STEM Intern