Every quarter at SkyWater Search Partners, we recognize one team member whose work, attitude, and impact stand out in a meaningful way. This fall, that honor went to Rylie Nebuhr from our legal recruiting practice, someone known internally for her sharp instincts, contagious positivity, and knack for building strong relationships with attorneys navigating career change.

But what Rylie chose to do with her Employee of the Quarter award became something far bigger than recognition. It became a moment of community, generosity, and awareness, all sparked by a teammate’s unexpected battle with breast cancer.

A Diagnosis That Brought a Team Closer

Earlier this year, our coworker Kari shared news none of us were expecting: she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Kari is the type of colleague everyone gravitates toward. She’s upbeat, dedicated, and the first one to cheer on others, whether she’s juggling life with three teenagers at home or making it to every match during our sand volleyball season.

Many were shocked to learn she had been showing up with such heart and energy while unknowingly fighting cancer behind the scenes.

When Rylie heard the news, she knew instantly that her Employee of the Quarter funds wouldn’t be staying with her. She redirected them to help support Kari as she prepared for surgery, treatment, and the medical expenses that add up fast.

As Rylie put it simply:

“I knew I wanted to use my award to help her with the unexpected costs that come with a diagnosis like this.”

A Pink Party, $5,000 Raised, and a Workplace With Heart

Word spread quickly, and soon a group of coworkers came together to raise even more for Kari and her family. In just one week, more than $5,000 was gathered, a testament to how deeply Kari is loved and how ready this team is to rally around one of our own.

The group organized a Pink Party to celebrate Kari’s bravery and surround her with support before she stepped away for surgery and recovery. What happened that day went beyond financial help. It created a moment of strength, unity, and gratitude, a reminder that the workplace can be a powerful source of community.

Women’s Health: A Message From Kari and Rylie

Breast cancer touches far more lives than most people realize. One in eight women will be diagnosed during their lifetime. The good news: when detected early, breast cancer has a  survival rate of about 99 percent, according to the American Cancer Society.

Kari and Rylie asked that their story serve as a reminder to all women,  and those who love them, to stay up to date on screenings and annual check-ups. Even without a family history, regular preventative care can save lives.

Follow Kari’s Journey

Throughout her diagnosis and treatment, Kari has found comfort in writing. She shares reflections, health updates, and resources on her CaringBridge page. If you’d like to follow along or offer encouragement, you can visit:

https://www.caringbridge.org/site/5abdc066-aa2f-11f0-832b-1bf7b4e943fe

A Team That Shows Up

This season has shown all of us something powerful: at SkyWater, people don’t face hard things alone. The way our team rallied around Kari,  led by Rylie’s generous decision, reflects the culture we’re proud to build every day.

A workplace can be productive and high-performing. But it can also be human. And sometimes, the most meaningful impact happens not in the work we do, but in the way we show up for one another.