We recently connected with Ryan Arioli and have shared our conversation below.

Ryan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The inspiration for The R&R Project was catalyzed by a pivotal moment, an unsuccessful campaign for state office that ignited a fire within me to effect change despite setbacks. In the aftermath, I began my research, determined to transform adversity into opportunity. Fueled by a burning passion for social impact, I crafted a comprehensive business plan in the months following the defeat, envisioning a vehicle through which I could make a meaningful difference in my community. Inspired by the lessons learned from the campaign, I embarked on a journey to establish The R&R Project, driven by a steadfast commitment to empowering individuals and communities through education, charity, and community support. And so, from the ashes of defeat emerged the seeds of hope and possibility, a testament to resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief in the power of one individual to effect positive change.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Ryan Arioli, the founder of The R&R Project. My journey into the nonprofit sector stemmed from a deep-seated desire to make a tangible difference in my community. Following an unsuccessful bid for state office, I realized that traditional paths to effecting change weren’t the only routes available. This realization led me to establish my first nonprofit, The River Foundation, aimed at addressing issues with public education funding. Though The River Foundation faced challenges and ultimately didn’t reach its full potential, it provided invaluable lessons that fueled my commitment to social impact.

The R&R Project was born from these experiences, a culmination of my passion for social justice, community advocacy, and empowering individuals. Our organization offers a range of programs and initiatives, from educational scholarships to community outreach projects, aimed at addressing pressing social challenges and fostering positive change.

What sets The R&R Project apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity, integrity, and transparency in everything we do. We strive to create a nurturing environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued, and where collaboration and inclusivity are at the forefront of our efforts.

To potential donors, followers, and fans, I want you to know that at The R&R Project, we’re not just an organization—we’re a movement. We invite you to join us in our journey to create positive change and make a meaningful impact in the world. Together, we can build a brighter future for generations to come.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Certainly! One significant pivot in my journey occurred after the initial setback of my failed bid for state office. While it was a challenging time, it prompted a period of deep reflection and introspection. Rather than viewing the outcome as a defeat, I saw it as an opportunity to reassess my path and explore alternative avenues for making a difference.

This pivotal moment led to the creation of my first nonprofit, The River Foundation, focused on public education funding issues. However, despite my passion and efforts, The River Foundation faced challenges and ultimately didn’t achieve the impact I had hoped for. It was a difficult realization, but it also served as a valuable learning experience.

Instead of dwelling on the setback, I chose to pivot once again, this time towards founding The R&R Project. Drawing from the lessons learned from both successes and failures, I channeled my passion for social justice and community empowerment into a new endeavor aimed at addressing a broader range of social challenges.

This pivot not only allowed me to continue pursuing my passion for social impact but also provided a fresh perspective and renewed sense of purpose. It taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace change in the face of adversity. Ultimately, it was a reminder that setbacks are not the end of the road but rather opportunities for growth and transformation.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was that failure is bad and negatively impacts your success. One piece of advice I wish I had known sooner is to wholeheartedly embrace failure as an inevitable and invaluable part of the journey. As the one of my favorite quotes from Ted Lasso goes, “Never stop, no matter how many failures. When you know you’re doing what you’re meant to do, you have to try.” Instead of fearing it, view failure as an opportunity for profound growth and essential learning. Each setback is not a roadblock, but rather a pivotal moment, a chance to reassess, pivot, and ultimately propel yourself closer to success. Don’t allow the fear of failure to paralyze you; instead, harness it as a driving force for resilience and unwavering determination. Trust in your vision, remain adaptable to change, and above all, never lose sight of the burning passion that fuels you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.therandrproject.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therandrproject/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-RR-Project/100094923654414/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanarioli/