‘We Chip In’ winner lauded by her teammates

Whether it’s lending their expertise to mentor young students or volunteering at the local food banks, Samsung Austin Semiconductor employees routinely go above and beyond to make a difference in the community.

Our annual ‘We Chip In’ Awards recognize employees who not only volunteer themselves but also encourage others to give back. We received nearly three dozen nominations this year. After reviewing all the entries, Jessica Riley, Michelle Albarran and Michael Karpinski were chosen as our top three winners.

First place winner, Jessica Riley, received 13 nominations from her peers. As the administrator for the Chemical, Vapor and Deposition and Metals teams, and a committee member of the Black Employee Network, an employee resource group (ERG), Riley regularly organizes team volunteer time off (VTO) events. With her help, employees volunteered more than 500 hours with various nonprofits in 2024.

Riley says she was extremely surprised by her team’s nominations. “The focus last year was to reach as many different organizations as possible, and create opportunities for employees to participate and utilize their VTO hours.  It never occurred to me that I would be nominated, much less win.”

“She has dedicated much of her time in promoting STEM for children through Samsung events, and has also worked very hard to bring about a positive workspace for her department,” wrote one colleague.

Many of the nominations recognized Riley for how she creates a family atmosphere amongst her team and is always willing to help others:

“Her persistence to give back and dedication to our community is so admirable, and I cannot think of anyone else who deserves this award more. Jessica is a rock star and without her contributions to finding events and coordination, employees would miss out on volunteer events.”

“Aside from being a pleasure to work with, Jessica is committed to our community. She has encouraged us all to give back to our community no matter how big or small the task.”

“She is the epitome of a person who ‘chips’ in for anything.”

When asked what motivates Riley to give back to the community, she says it stems “from my desire to make a positive impact, contribute to a better society and feeling a sense of purpose within the community.”

As the first place winner, Riley received a $500 Cause card to donate to any nonprofit(s) of her choice.

Second place winner, Michelle Albarran, volunteered and coordinated various VTO events with organizations such as Caritas, Central Texas Food Bank and more. Albarran received a $250 Cause card.

Michael Karpinski, took third place and a $100 Cause card, for his work with our annual holiday Adopt-a-Family campaign. With Karpinski’s assistance, the Product Operations Manufacturing team adopted 14 Manor Independent School District children in 2024. Karpinski has been spearheading his team’s involvement for nine years.

“He is an enjoyable coworker and pushes everyone on our team to be organized and giving—whether it is with Adopt-a-Family or work projects. He hosted a separate wrapping party to allow all shifts to participate,” wrote a colleague.

In 2024, our employees donated $474,000 to hundreds of charities. They also volunteered 8,800 collective hours with area nonprofits.

Samsung Austin Semiconductor offers employees up to 16 hours of paid Volunteer Time Off every year; plus, we match up to $1,000 every year in employee giving.