Vanessa Ferguson, Community Voices producer at NPR 缅北禁地, has been named the University of 缅北禁地 Springfield Employee of the Month for March 2025.
鈥淰anessa is a model employee. She鈥檚 personable, attentive and gets the word out about NPR 缅北禁地,鈥� her nominator said.
Her nominator also highlighted how she consistently goes above and beyond in producing Community Voices.
鈥淪he also co-hosts the program conducting insightful, fun and informative conversations helping interesting people in the community tell their stories,鈥� her nominator said.
Ferguson鈥檚 supervisor, Beatrice Bonner, praised her strong work ethic.
鈥淪he is the first person to volunteer to represent the station. She volunteers to mentor and help our student workers. She has a lot of wisdom and skills and they respect her instruction and opinion,鈥� Bonner said.
Ferguson鈥檚 influence extends beyond her core responsibilities, as she actively boosts the morale of her co-workers.
鈥淎fter working from home during the pandemic and gaining a set of new staff members, the station felt disjointed. Vanessa jumped right in to make everyone feel welcome and at home. I think our department has become famous around campus for our daily walks. Vanessa was behind this,鈥� Bonner said.
In addition to her professional duties, Ferguson volunteers at the Hoogland Center for the Arts and often moderates events in the community. She also supports others who are trying to start their own podcasts by sharing her expertise for free.