Ryan Frederking - Seramount’s 2025 Working Parent of the Year

Director, Health Information Technology Account Executives and Solutions – Vaccines Strategic Accounts

Ryan’s journey as a working parent has been shaped by profound loss and unwavering love. Ryan’s son, Cole, passed away at age 16 after a courageous four-year battle with Wilm’s Tumor, a childhood kidney cancer.

During his battle with cancer, Cole discovered a profound passion for theatre arts that became a source of joy and inspiration for everyone around him. His determination to pursue his theatrical dreams despite his illness exemplified the perseverance and courage that defined his character. Ryan’s daughter, Ella, now 15, is thriving in high school—competing in Dressage horse shows, playing volleyball, and stepping into the world of theatre herself. Ryan’s ability to support his family through grief and growth is a testament to his resilience.

“In our situation, having access to health benefits was absolutely essential.  It lifted a huge weight off our shoulders knowing that our son would receive the best possible care throughout his cancer journey,” Ryan shares.

Ryan brought the same clarity, organization, and advocacy from his professional life into his caregiving role. “Being organized, clearly communicating, and being a strong advocate of care for your loved one is so important,” he says. “I was able to utilize all of those skills from my experiences from work to help my son get the best care possible.”

Ryan’s story exemplifies how personal tragedy can deepen our capacity for empathy and strengthen our commitment to supporting others. He encourages fellow working parents to seek help, offer support, and remember that behind every professional is a person who may be carrying unseen burdens. “Listening as much as possible and seeking to understand a circumstance with a coworker is so important,” he shares. “You never know what someone might be dealing with in their personal life. Compassion and empathy go a long way.”

Reflecting on his own experience, Ryan adds, “Do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it. People are so generous and understanding to find a way to help. Our family was overwhelmed with the amount of support we have received from our Sanofi Family, despite not knowing people for very long.”

Scott Williams - Seramount’s 2025 Caregiver of the Year

Head, Global Public Affairs, Specialty Care and Executive Sponsor, Sanofi CareGIVE Affinity Group

For more than 20+ years, Scott has been the primary caregiver for his mother, who lives with multiple chronic conditions.

Always being drawn to the culture aspect of the places he works, Scott looked for opportunities where he could have an impact on other Sanofians who might be sharing his caregivers’ journey. In this vein, Scott became one of the Executive Sponsors of the CareGIVE Affinity Group, which provides information and a comprehensive support system for employees who are caregivers or actively support someone who is a caregiver, across Sanofi.

“I was essentially raising my hand as someone who was interested in serving,” Scott recalls. “So many things lined up for me, including my board membership at the National Alliance for Caregiving. It was like the CareGIVE Affinity Group was flashing at me in neon lights. It felt like a really good mission match.”

Scott's commitment to the CareGIVE Affinity Group stems from his deep understanding of the challenges caregivers face in the workplace.

Scott leverages Sanofi's flexible work policy to make his dual roles of employee and caregiver possible. "Working for a company and a manager who understands that caregiving responsibilities don't follow a 9-to-5 schedule has been invaluable," he says. The latest Caregiving in the US report shows that one in four Americans is now a family caregiver—a 45% increase since 2015. ¹

Over the years, Scott has developed key practices that serve him both as a caregiver and a leader. "Active listening is essential," he emphasizes. "My mom doesn't want to be lectured or fixed—she needs someone who gives her the time to talk and truly hears her concerns."

Patience, empathy, and clear communication round out Scott's approach. "In both caregiving and leadership, you need to meet people where they are, not where you want them to be," he reflects.

Scott advises fellow caregivers to think in terms of work-life integration rather than balance. "Some days will lean heavily toward caregiving, others toward work. The key is finding a sustainable rhythm over time," he says. "And remember that you're modeling behavior for your family, friends, loved ones, and colleagues."

Despite the challenges, Scott maintains cherished family traditions: annual trips to Long Beach Island, Baltimore Orioles Spring Training games, and making homemade cavatelli pasta with his mom. "These moments of connection remind us of what matters most," he shares.

Ryan and Scott represent the often-unseen heroes who form the backbone of our health and social systems—the 63 million caregivers in the United States² who provide essential support to loved ones. Their stories reflect the strength it takes to show up for others, even when life gets hard. Sanofi is proud to support employees like them, who inspire us all to lead with compassion, courage, and connection—not just in moments of triumph, but in the face of our greatest adversities.